Political Science at Houghton

Aristotle famously said that political science was the "master science."  We might just say: whatever else you are interested in, politics matters to you.  From the global economy to your health insurance, from the war on terror to your hometown school board, from international travel to swapping music files online, from environmental regulation right down to little leagues, potholes, and even your student loans--politics decisively affects all of these things.  And this means that no matter what your passion may be, there is no better way to prepare yourself for making a difference in the world than an education in political science.

Houghton offers students major or minor in political science.  Majors lead to the B.A. degree and are backed by faculty with strong credentials in both academic preparation at the Ph.D. level and practical experience in government service.  The core requirements in political science include coursework in American politics, international politics, political thought, and research methodology, as well as a senior capstone seminar in which students write and defend a major research paper.  Elective courses feature advanced work in American politics, political thought, and international and comparative politics, including coursework in virtually every region of the world.  The international relations core requires courses in international politics and economics, research methodology, and foreign language study; students' elective work culminates in an intercultural experience, typically involving study abroad, and the capstone seminar.

In political science students learn not only about the structure of government but also about the political processes that shape how governments work.  The study of politics is as old as Plato, and Houghton's political science program draws on centuries of accumulated learning, alongside modern techniques of data collection and analysis.  The program's emphasis on skills in thinking, analyzing, and problem-solving prepares students for success in settings from graduate and professional schools, to public service at all levels, including elective office as well as other forms of civic participation.

Political science at Houghton is deeply informed by a Christian perspective.  Beginning with St. Augustine in the 5th century, Christian thought has profoundly shaped the study of politics.  At Houghton, this tradition continues.  Because Christians believe that human beings are at once exalted by God and debased by sin, Christianity offers an exceptionally well-balanced orientation to politics.
 
Political science and international relations students typically enjoy small classes (10-20 students) and one-on-one interaction with professors.  Students read widely, join in intense classroom discussions, and hone their writing skills.  Internship and study-abroad experiences are available, and selected courses emphasize field study in places such as inner-city neighborhoods, environmentally protected areas, and rural communities in the U.S. or Africa.  Graduates often go on to law school, pursue professional degrees in political science, public policy, public administration, or foreign affairs, or go directly into government positions.  They also pursue a wide range of careers in public service broadly understood, including business, education, and in non-governmental organizations that work with government agencies.

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