Political Science

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Department Faculty

Meghan Cherry, Jesse C. Donahue, Pamela Edwards-Ham, Stewart French, John Kaczynski, Julie Keil, Robert Lane, Mark Nicol, Lee Trepanier, Erik Trump

The study of politics is an examination of the processes and institutions through which humans create a common life. Ancient and modern political scientists have shown us that politics also is the study of the ideas, interests and expectations people bring to making decisions, and the obstacles they meet in their efforts to forge a common life that will be good for more than a few. This department in particular is concerned with issues of equality and justice. And we feel that it is important for citizens to understand the complexities of politics because governing rarely is a simplistic process.

The course offerings for this major reflect four traditional areas of political study: political theory and culture, American political institutions, public policy, and international relations. Additionally, our program helps students understand the process of analyzing politics through exposure to research methods in the discipline.

The program’s central goal is to offer a liberal arts education that trains students to think critically and communicate effectively in written and oral formats. This training can prepare students for graduate studies in fields such as law, public policy, and political science; or for interdisciplinary studies such as the Master of Administrative Science offered by Saginaw Valley State University. A major in political science is appropriate background for students interested in careers in journalism or in public affairs within the government, non-profit or private sectors. In combination with appropriate minors or majors, the study of political science can also prepare students for graduate work or employment in education or business.

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