Academic Catalog
Introduction
In antiquity, the Greeks referred to the study of politics as a "kingly art" because it was concerned with the ways of good government.
While the study of political institutions remains a central focus of political science, the scope of the discipline has broadened substantially as more people are affected by centralized political authorities that wield increased power in a global economy. Political Science includes the study of values, ideologies, and legal norms, the mechanisms people use to enter the political process, whether with guns or ballots, and the consequences of a global economy which enriches some while impoverishing many.
Because of its comprehensive nature, Political Science offers a solid undergraduate major for careers in law, public administration, business, journalism and teaching.
Students can also gain an overview of the American legal system by choosing to minor or have a concentration in Legal Studies or by choosing to minor or have a concentration in Criminal Law.
Degree
Bachelor of Arts. Students can also choose a concentration in Legal Studies or Criminal Law.
Optional Minors
Students can minor in Political Science
Career Ideas
Administrative Law Judge, Arbitrator, Attorney, City Planning Aide, Criminologist, Emergency Management Specialist, Government Analyst, Intelligence Specialist, Judge, Lobbyist, Professor of Political Science or Law, Social & Community Service Manager, Teacher.
Program Administrator
Matthew Pauley, Matthew.Pauley@mville.edu (914) 323-5195
Faculty and Staff
PROGRAM CHAIR
Matthew Pauley , J.D., Ph.D
FULL-TIME FACULTY
Matthew Pauley, J.D., Ph.D
Christopher Sarver , Ph.D
Kwan Ha Yim (emeritus)
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Robert Ashkinaze
Albert Degatano, Esq.
James C. Hasenfus, Esq.
Judge Peter Passidomo
Overview
Political Science majors acquire an understanding of the historical backgrounds and philosophical foundations of a variety of political systems in the contemporary world. They develop an ability to analyze events, issues, and global trends. In addition, they are afforded an opportunity to gain practical experiences through both individualized field research and internships in the government, not for profit, or private sector.
Students can also choose Legal Studies or Criminal Law as a minor, if not a Political Science major, or as a concentration if they are. In the legal studies and criminal law programs, they receive a background in the American legal and criminal justice system.
A student majoring in Political Science and Legal Studies must successfully complete (with a grade of C or better) a minimum of twelve courses (fourteen if the student is concentrating in Legal Studies or Criminal Law — see the requirements listed below) including:
Five required introductory courses:
Six electives (or eight required courses if the student chooses the Legal Studies or Criminal Law concentrations — see the requirements listed under these concentrations). Four of these electives must be taken in one of the following fields of study and the other two courses must be taken in either of the remaining two fields:
Students may choose to take one of the six electives outside the department, subject to approval by their department advisor prior to registering for this course.
Senior Evaluation or Senior Honors Thesis (and Seminar)
There are two options for completing the Senior Evaluation, required of all Political Science majors:
Graduation with Honors in Political Science requires that a student complete the Honors Program. Students are invited to join the program at the end of their junior year and, to be eligible, they should have taken at least three of the courses required for the major and maintained a 3.5 grade point average in all the courses taken for the major. Students who enter the Honors Program complete both the Honors seminar (or approved equivalent) and a senior thesis. To receive departmental honors at graduation, it is necessary to earn at least a B+ on the thesis and to have an overall average of 3.5 in all courses taken for the major.
The Legal Studies Program is designed to give students an overview of the American legal system, to help them understand the fundamentals of public and private law, and to acquaint them with the historical and philosophical roots of contemporary American law.
Students in this program learn to read challenging legal material, including cases and statutes, as well as works of legal history and philosophy. They also learn how to write briefs, analyze complex legal arguments, and write effective essays in legal studies. The courses have in-class oral arguments and mock trials in which students have a chance to simulate the roles of judges, witnesses, and attorneys in the daily practice of law.
Students majoring in Political Science may select Legal Studies as a concentration. They must complete the eight courses listed below for the concentration, in addition to the five required Political Science courses and Senior Evaluation for a total of fourteen courses. The program is open, as a minor, to students majoring in other departments. They must complete the same eight courses required for the concentration.
Requirements for Legal Studies Concentration
(* See course descriptions for appropriate courses.)
Students majoring in Political Science may elect Criminal Law as a concentration. They must complete the eight courses listed below for the concentration, in addition to the five required Political Science courses and Senior Evaluation for a total of fourteen courses. The program is also open, as a minor, to students majoring in other departments. They must complete the same eight courses required for the concentration.
Requirements for Criminal Law Concentration
(* See course descriptions for appropriate courses.)
Students must complete five courses for a minor in Political science. Two must be selected from among the five Departmental introductory courses required of all majors. The remaining three are electives chosen by the student from Departmental offerings.
Students must complete the same eight courses required for a concentration in this field. (See Legal Studies concentration) All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Students must complete the same eight courses required for a concentration in this field. (See Criminal Law concentration) All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
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