Full-Time Faculty: Peter J. Galie, Chair; David Foley, Kevin Hardwick, Michael V. Haselswerdt, John D. Occhipinti.
The Political Science major at Canisius is designed to provide a systematic understanding of government and politics, both national and international.
Political science provides an excellent background for the study of law and political journalism. It is suited to the aims of the student who plan to enter active political life or government service. This major also provides ideal background for teaching in the social studies and a dual major with education is possible. Political science may be the basis for graduate study leading to administrative work in government, in international agencies or in business organizations.
Students who complete the major will be able to:
- Master the vocabulary, concepts, information and ideas necessary to understand politics and world affairs.
- Apply critical thinking skills, research skills and appropriate technology for problem solving, public policy development and analysis through both written and oral communication.
- Demonstrate the ability to work with and for others.
- Assume positions of community leadership which may be manifest in social interaction/group dynamics or project leadership.
- Understand the role of public service as a critical
element in sustaining an effective and just political community.
- Trip to Europe for EuroSim, an international inter-
collegiate simulation of the European Union - Visits to Congress and the Supreme Court
- Trips to Washington, D.C. for alumni connections
and job prospects - Internships in Buffalo, Albany and Washington, D.C.
- Department Honors Program
- Experiential learning in the form of simulations of the National Security Council (PSC 346), Political cam- paigns (PSC 236) and the European Union (PSC 355).
- Membership in Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Political Science Honor Society
- Awards for outstanding senior majors
The major in Political Science is open to students who have completed PSC 103, PSC 104, PSC 111, PSC 140, PSC 150 and PSC 217 with a minimum grade of C in each. It is strongly recommended that these six courses be completed by the beginning of the junior year.
Political Science Curriculum:
| 1. | ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) |
(12 credits) | |
| 2. | Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII (14 courses) |
(42 credits) | |
| 3. | Major course requirements: (12 courses) | ||
| PSC 103 Constitutional Foundations of American Government |
(3 credits) | ||
| PSC 104 American Political Process | (3 credits) | ||
| PSC 111 Western Political Tradition | (3 credits) | ||
| PSC 140 International Relations | (3 credits) | ||
| PSC 150 Comparative Government and Politics | (3 credits) | ||
| PSC 217 Research Methods | (3 credits) | ||
| Public Policy/Public Administration elective: one course (PSC 215, 237, 334, 336) |
(3 credits) | ||
| Political Science electives: five courses, including at least two at the 300/400 level |
(15 credits) | ||
| 4. | Electives (11 courses) | ||
| 5. | PSC Capstone | (1 credit) | |
| Total | (41 courses) | (121 credits) | |
Recommended Schedule:
| Fall | Spring | |||||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | |||
| PSC 103 OR PSC 104 | 3 credits | PSC 103 OR PSC 104 | 3 credits | |||
| PSC 140 OR PSC 150 | 3 credits | PSC 140 OR PSC 150 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| RST 101 | 3 credits | PHI 101 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| PSC 217 | 3 credits | PSC 111 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| Political Science elective | 3 credits | Political Science elective | 3 credits | |||
| Political Science elective | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| Political Science elective | 3 credits | Political Science elective | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| Elective | 3 credits | Elective | 3 credits | |||
| PSC 500 | 3 credit | |||||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Total | 121 |
Other Programs
Department Honors Program
The Political Science Honors Program provides an opportunity for outstanding students in the major to go beyond the usual course offering. Majors who take part in the program will engage in original research under the close supervision of a faculty member. It provides the opportunity for students to do independent study as an undergraduate and to investigate topics that interest them.
Taking part in the Honors program can also make you more competitive post-graduation, whether for further schooling or for a job. If you apply to graduate or law school after senior year, you will have a completed thesis to present as part of your application. If you apply during the time you are writing your thesis, you can discuss the work in progress. In either case, your advisor will be able to write a far more detailed and enthusiastic letter of recommendation for you than is usually possible.
Entry: open to juniors and seniors
Requirements:
-
Grade point average overall: 3.30
-
Grade point average for major: 3.50
-
Honors Research: a paper involving original research in the
field of Political Science
Minor Degree Possibilities
In addition to the major, two minors are offered. The Political Science minor, for non-majors only, provides an introduction to and overview of the discipline. The Law and Public Policy minor, for both majors and non-majors, focuses on the relationship between the legal system and public policy.
Political Science Minor:
Law and Public Policy Minor:
Political Science & Law
A pre-law curriculum is available for prospective law students. For further information on this course of study, the chair of the department should be consulted.
Dual Degree Possibilities
Internships are available inWashington Albany
Opportunity for independent study is available for junior and senior students who wish to explore the various aspects of politics and government on their own. Study abroad programs offer exciting opportunities to study politics in other countries or pursue internships. Students may also participate in EuroSim, an international intercollegiate simulation of the European Union, attended by American and European delegations. In even-numbered years students engage in subsidized travel to Europe for the simulation, and in odd-numbered years the simulation is held in New York State.
COURSES: 2007-2009In addition to the major, two minors are offered. The Political Science minor, for non-majors only, provides an introduction to and overview of the discipline. The Law and Public Policy minor, for both majors and non-majors, focuses on the relationship between the legal system and public policy.
Political Science Minor:
| American Government and Politics (PSC 103) | (3 credits) | ||
| American Political Process (PSC 104) | (3 credits) | ||
| Political Theory (PSC 111) | (3 credits) | ||
| International Relations (PSC 140) | (3 credits) | ||
| Comparative Government (PSC 150) | (3 credits) | ||
| Public policy: one course (PSC 215, 237, 334) | (3 credits) | ||
|
American Political Institutions and Behavior: |
(3 credits) | ||
| Total (7 courses) | (21 credits) | ||
Law and Public Policy Minor:
|
PSC 103 Constitutional Foundations of |
(3 credits) | ||
| PSC 215 National Issues and Public Policy | (3 credits) | ||
| PSC 245 American Foreign Policy | (3 credits) | ||
|
PSC 320 American Constitutional Law Structures |
(3 credits) | ||
| PSC 321 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights | (3 credits) | ||
| PSC 345 International Crime after 9/11 | (3 credits) | ||
| ECO 401 Public Finance | (3 credits) | ||
| Total (7 courses) | (21 credits) | ||
Political Science & Law
A pre-law curriculum is available for prospective law students. For further information on this course of study, the chair of the department should be consulted.
Dual Degree Possibilities
By suitable choice of electives, a student can earn a dual major in political science and several other areas. The Political Science Department has dual major programs with Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, Modern Language, European Studies, History, International Relations, Sociology and Urban Studies. Students planning such a program should consult with the chair or director of each department or program involved.
Political Science & Business
For political science majors who may be thinking about a career in business and/or a master of business administration degree, adequate preparation for these can be obtained by taking a concentration in Business consisting of seven courses: ECO 101-102, ACC 201-202, MGT 101, MKT 201 and MAT 131 or MGT 340. There is also a minor in Business Management for non-business majors.
Internships are available in
PSC 103 Constitutional Foundations of American Government 3 credits
Provides a thorough grounding in the Constitution, America’s founding document, and the basis for the operation of its political system. (AS II) Spring & Fall
PSC 104 American Political Process 3 credits
An introduction to American politics including political socialization, public opinion and ideologies, political participation in electoral systems and mass movements, political parties and interest groups. (AS II) Spring & Fall
PSC 110 Western Political Tradition I 3 credits
Main outlines of history of Western political tradition from dawn of political
consciousness to Machiavelli. (AS IV)(ICD) Fall
PSC 111 Western Political Tradition II 3 credits
Development of western political tradition from Machiavelli to present, emphasizing development of liberal, conservative and socialist traditions. (AS IV)(ICD) Spring
PSC 140 International Relations 3 credits
Introduces paradigms of world politics. International security, political economy and globalization. Power politics and international organizations (AS II) Spring & Fall
PSC 150 Comparative Government and Politics 3 credits
Introduces comparative analysis of foreign countries. Governments, ideologies, parties, elections, political culture, civil society and democracy in industrialized and developing countries. Cooperative team learning. (AS II) (ICD) Spring & Fall
PSC 200 American Catholics in the Public Square 3 credits
The role of Catholics in American politics including political behavior, contributions of prominent Catholic leaders and issues of importance to American Catholics
(AS II) Fall
PSC 210 American Political Humor 3 credits
History, significance and impact of humor on the political process. A wide ranging variety of humorous forms will be used including editorial cartoons, comic strips, late night television, radio broadcasts, television programs, movies and more. Fall
PSC 215 National Issues and Public Policy 3 credits
Selected policy issues and their relationship to the political process including health care, homeland security, welfare and housing. Spring
PSC 217 Research Methods 3 credits
Basic, non-statistical treatment of current techniques and methodologies which characterize political-science research. Spring & Fall
PSC 224 Congress and the Legislative Process 3 credits
Survey of Congressional procedures and practices. Emphasis on recent changes within Congress, and the position of Congress in the U.S. political and governmental system. Spring
PSC 225 U.S. Presidency 3 credits
Survey of the U.S. executive branch of government, including President, Vice President, White House staff, Executive office and the bureaucracy. Fall
CRJ 227 Criminal Justice I 3 credits
See CRJ 227 for course description. Fall
CRJ 228 Criminal Justice II 3 credits
See CRJ 228 for course description. Spring
PSC 233 Interest Groups and Public Opinion in America 3 credits
Development of the notions of opinion and interest, their transmission and their influence on decision-making. Fall
PSC 236 Political Campaigning 3 credits
Campaigning resources, techniques, strategies and goals...practical as well as theoretical treatment...field research likely. Spring
PSC 237 State and Local Politics 3 credits
The institutions and policies of state and local governments, with focus on New York State. State and local elections, gubernatorial politics, state legislatures, community politics. Spring
PSC 242 International Organizations 3 credits
International and transnational. Intergovernmental and non-governmental.Regional and global. Content areas: political, economic and humanitarian. Fall
PSC 244 War: Causes and Consequences 3 credits
Investigates the conditions, processes, and events which lead to the outbreak of war, and explores the political, strategic, and human consequences of wars. In-depth analysis of selected wars in history and in contemporary global politics. Spring
PSC 245 American Foreign Policy 3 credits
US diplomatic history since 1945. Structure, process and issues in contemporary American foreign relations. Fall
PSC 253 Politics in North America 3 credits
Government and Politics in Canada and Mexico. Coverage of foreign relations with the United States on border issues and trade (NAFTA). Spring
PSC 290 Politics in Film 3 credits
Concepts and issues in political science through classic and contemporary films. Emphasis on political analysis and writing. (AS II) Fall
PSC 320 American Constitutional Law I 3 credits
Development of constitutional law in the U.S. from the founding of the Republic to present. Case-study method in selected areas of constitutional jurisprudence. Fall
PSC 321 American Constitutional Law II: Civil Liberties 3 credits
Role of modern and contemporary Supreme Court in controversial areas of civil liberties and related questions. Current interpretations of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. Spring
ECO 401 Public Finance 3 credits
See ECO 401for course description. Fall
PSC 325 Elections and Voting Behavior 3 credits
The various types of elections and electoral procedures and their relationship to voter turnout and voter choice. Fall
DMA 204 Digital Media Law & Ethics 3 credits
Interdisciplinary examination of legal issues that have emerged with the growth of the Internet including copyright, privacy, national security, Internet crime and libel. Spring
PSC 334 Public Administration 3 credits
The Federal Bureaucracy: its relationship to the executive, and the public. Elements and issues of public-sector management. Prerequisite: PSC 103 or 104 or permission of instructor. Spring
PSC 335 Political Parties 3 credits
Development and present conditions of political parties. What they do and why they do it...their past and present role and their future prospects. Spring
PSC 336 Urban Government and Politics 3 credits
Structure, function, operation and politics of local government. Machine and reform models; power and participation. Significant policy issues to be addressed include schools, finances, land use, planning and crime. Fall
PSC 344 International Law and Human Rights 3 credits
Explores the origins, nature and importance of human rights, as well as the role of international law in defining and protecting them. Spring
PSC 345 International Crime After 9/11 3 credits
Concepts and issues in cross-border organized crime. National, international and local responses. Emphasis on drug trafficking, terrorism and illegal immigration. Guest speakers and video. Prerequisites: PSC 140-150 or CRJ 227-228 or permission of instructor. Spring
PSC 346 National Security Council 3 credits
Role-play simulation of the National Security Council. Student “policymakers” conduct briefings, develop initiatives and debate policy positions and proposals concerning U.S. national security. Emphasizes strategic, ethical and moral dilemmas in foreign policy decision-making. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall
HIS 350 20th Century Eastern Europe 3 credits
See HIS 350 for course description. Fall
PSC 355 European Union 3 credits
History of European integration. Structure, process and politics of EU policies. Optional EuroSim: international, intercollegiate simulation of the EU and travel. Fall
HIS 345 The Soviet Union and After 3 credits
See HIS 345 for course description. Fall
PSC 359 International Political Economy 3 credits
Introduction to international politics in the global economy, focusing on the globalization of production, trade and finance; inequality and international development; and multinational corporations and international financial institutions. Spring
HIS 393 The Making of Modern Africa 3 credits
See HIS 393 for course description. Spring
HIS 394 Contemporary Middle East 3 credits
See HIS 394 for course description. Spring
PSC 436 Seminar in Presidential Campaigning and Advance Work 3 credits
Political advance work in the context of contemporary American presidential campaigns. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Fall
PSC 442 Seminar in International Relations 3 credits
Theoretically-informed perspectives on global affairs explored through selected topics and issues unified by a central theme, such as leaders and leadership in international politics. Prerequisite: PSC 140 or 242, or permission of instructor. Spring
PSC 455 Seminar in European Politics 3 credits
Contemporary issues in Eastern and Western Europe. Concepts and theories of comparative politics and European integration and governance. Prerequisites: PSC 140 and 150 or permission of instructor. Fall
PSC 498 Internship 3 credits
A variety of opportunities are available locally, as well as in Washington, D.C. and Albany. Internships arranged by faculty members in government, law offices and non-profit organizations. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of Political Science department. Spring & Fall
PSC 499 Independent Study 3 credits
Research and/or directed reading under direction of faculty members associated with the Political Science department. Prerequisite: Permission of chair of the Political Science department. Spring & Fall
PSC 500 Capstone 1 credit
Provides an integrative experience for senior majors, allows them to demonstrate their proficiency and prepares them for entry into the job market. Spring