Political Science

Dr. Ali Ferdowsi
Chair
(650) 508-3610
aferdowsi@ndnu.edu

The Department of History and Political Science offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. The program provides an understanding of important political ideas and ideologies as well as the workings of basic political processes and institutions. We challenge our students to understand how decisions made in the past continue to shape society and political discourse, and to appreciate their own agency in shaping a better world. Completing a major in Political Science is excellent preparation for graduate study and for careers in law, politics, journalism, business, public administration, social work, nongovernmental advocacy organizations, and education.

Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate from NDNU with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of American governmental institutions and processes that enable him or her to be an active and effective citizen.
• Acquire familiarity with and understanding of the variety of political systems in the world at large, their social and historical contexts, and their relation to the global political order.
• Identify and critically examine the major political theories and ideologies.
• Employ historical perspectives to evaluate contemporary conflicts and issues, both domestic and international.
• Analyze political and policy problems and formulate policy options.
• Use the tools of social science research – statistical and qualitative – in formulating a research topic, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting results.

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

In addition to major requirements, students must meet Core Curriculum Requirements and Degree Requirements.

See Course Descriptions for more information.

Prerequisites		Units
HST1000	World History I	3
HST1010	World History II	3
Total Prerequisites		6
Major Requirements		Units
HST2110	History of Political and Social Thought	3
PSC1000	Introduction to American Government	3
PSC1100	Introduction to Comparative Governments	3
PSC2110	International Relations	3
PSC2300	State and Local Government	3
PSC2310	Parties, Politics, and Campaigning	3
PSC2400	Methods and Methodology	3
PSC2400L	Statistical Software in Behavioral Science Research	1
PSC2880	Capstone: Versions of Utopia	4
Upper-division Electives in Political Science		6
Total Major Requirements		32
Other Degree Requirements* and General Electives		86
*Other degree requirements include Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements (e.g. U.S. History).
Total Unit Requirement		124

Because of the large number of elective units available, the department usually recommends a double major.

Minor in Political Science

Required Courses		Units
HST1000	World History I	3
HST1010	World History II	3
PSC1000	Introduction to American Government	3
PSC1100	Introduction to Comparative Governments	3
Upper-division units in Political Science, approved by Department Chair		9
Total Unit Requirement		21