ariscel rananah daralee
Judd Eisenhauer
A political science major prepares students for work in a number of fields including law, politics, public policy, public administration, and international affairs, as well as employment in business and the non-profit sector.
Individual writing course offerings may make the writing component independent of the rest of the course. As such the writing component might be optional, the writing component might not contribute to the overall grade, and writing credit might be awarded even if the overall grade is a fail.
A background in political science will make you a better citizen and help you understand political action. Our transfer-friendly program could even prepare you for a future career in government, law, business, media or public service. No matter your goals, at FRCC, you'll get the support you need.
Our Associate of Arts (AA) in political science will develop your writing ability and train you in analytical thinking, which are essential skills for almost any career. You'll learn from experienced, accessible faculty in small classes. While many careers often require a bachelor's degree or higher, you can build a foundation for your future studies at FRCC.
Political science courses span a broad range of topics, allowing students to choose a personalized path of study that supports their career goals. We encourage political science majors to select a career path to help guide them through the courses that will best prepare them for their chosen career. We offer certificates of completion in six (6) career paths:
This course is a gateway for those considering the "Ethics, Identity, and Society" track in the political science major. The course examines political power and ethical ideas about its use, with a focus on race, gender, religion, class, and other forms of social differentiation.
Examines key questions in political science like why some countries are rich while others are poor, why some countries are democratic and others are authoritarian, how these different political systems work, and which are best equipped to address ethno-nationalist conflict and economic development.
Explores the ideological origins and contemporary politics of the Black Lives Matter movement. Modules include the demands of/on democracy, race and the criminal justice system, and the politics of protest.
Students and faculty hold weekly meetings during which professors or students lead discussions about political science issues, share research or engage in debates over current issues. The program also hosts social events, and when the department hosts speakers on campus, distinction program students have top priority in meeting scholars outside of speaking events.
The Law Early Admissions Program (LEAP) is a 3+3 or 4+3 cooperative express admissions program which allows qualified students to complete core requirements, earn a bachelor's degree at Elizabethtown College and gain automatic acceptance to Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Duquesne University School of Law, Widener University Delaware Law School, or Widener University Commonwealth Law School.
A Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science introduces the students to the principal fields of the discipline, including: American government, comparative government, political psychology, international relations, political theory, public administration, and research methods. Political Science is a flexible major, allowing students to add a second major in legal studies, communications, public health, or a range of other disciplines.
Etown offers intentionally small class sizes so that our students can work closely with faculty. Students often present research, co-author op-eds and defend their own legislation with the help of faculty. Our award-winning Political Science faculty have published books, completed fellowships and have even been recognized by The American Political Science Association as teacher of the year.
Political Science Majors may have interest in an International Studies Minor. The International Studies Minor is designed for students looking to enter international careers in an increasingly globalized world. It is an interdisciplinary minor, composed of a cluster of foreign culture, language and international affairs courses with a largely contemporary focus. For further information, contact the International Studies Minor Advisor, Dr. Oya Ozkanca, Department of Politics, Philosophy, and Legal Studies.
R POS 100 Introduction to Political Science (3)
This course introduces students to political science and its major fields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory. The course seeks to expose students to the study of social science, to introduce students to college learning.
R POS 101 American Politics (3)
Introduction to the study of politics, focusing on American national government. Includes some discussion of theoretical questions (such as authority, representation, and consent) and some illustrative examples from the area of comparative and international politics. Only one version may be taken for credit.
R POS 101W American Politics (4)
Introduction to the study of politics, focusing on American national government. Includes some discussion of theoretical questions (such as authority, representation and consent) and some illustrative examples from the area of comparative and international politics. R POS 101W is the 4 credit oral discourse and writing intensive version of R POS 101 in which students will attend a weekly discussion section in addition to regular lectures. Only one version of R POS 101 may be taken for credit.
R POS 102 Comparative and International Politics (3)
The characteristics and development of statehood and power; conditions of stability; constitutions and the comparative political processes; the international order and the nation-state system. Only one version may be taken for credit.
R POS 102X Comparative and International Politics (4)
The characteristics and development of statehood and power; conditions of stability; constitutions and the comparative political processes; the international order and the nation-state system. R POS 102X is the information literacy version of R POS 102 in which students will attend a weekly discussion section as well as weekly lectures. T POS 102 is the Honors version of R POS 102. Only one version of R POS 102 may be taken for credit.
T POS 102 Comparative and International Politics (3)
The characteristics and development of statehood and power; conditions of stability; constitutions and the comparative political processes; the international order and the nation-state system. T POS 102 is the Honors College version of R POS 102. Only one version may be taken for credit.
R POS 103 Political Theory (3)
An introductory course in the history of political theory with an emphasis on understanding political ideas and concepts and applying them to perennial issues of political life. Only one version may be taken for credit.
R POS 103Y Political Theory (4)
An introductory course in the history of political theory with an emphasis on understanding political ideas and concepts and applying them to perennial issues of political life. R POS 103Y is the oral discourse version of R POS 103 in which students will attend a weekly discussion section in addition to weekly regular classes. Only one version of R POS 103 may be taken for credit.
R POS 140 (= R PAD 140; formerly R PUB 140) Introduction to Public Policy (3)
Introduction to theories of how democracies make public policy. Describes the roles of government institutions, the media, and interest groups in the policy process. Reviews current theories of how problems are identified and how policies are formulated, enacted, and implemented to address public problems. Only one version may be taken for credit.
R POS 203 Political Thought (3)
Original works in the history of Western political thought, emphasizing the relevance of this material for understanding political concepts, reflecting on political problems, and critically analyzing contemporary political institutions and ideas.
R POS 206 Politics in Film (3)
This course examines representations of selected aspects of politics in film. The class will use movies as primary texts to analyze campaigns and elections, political parties, war in its multiple expressions, the military, immigration, censorship, the criminal justice system, and the participation of minorities in the political process, among others. Although this will not be the primary focus of the course, the course will also explore the implications of media representations of politics for democracy and democratic participation.
T POS 214 Problems of Political Inquiry Honors (3)
(Formerly T POS 314.) Introduction to the discipline of political science and contemporary approaches to the study of politics. May be repeated for credit if content varies. T POS 214 is the Honors College version of R POS 314.
T POS 219 American Political Development (3)
A study of the historical shaping of American politics. Encompassing institutions, public policies, political culture, and political economy, American Political Development uncovers patterns of political stability and change. It explores critical episodes in American political history in a theoretically-informed fashion. Only one of R POS 319 and T POS 219 may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): R POS 101. Open to Honors College students only.
R POS 250 Research and Method in Political Science (3)
This course is designed to equip students with the tools for doing original research in political science and providing them with an opportunity to do such research. Only one of R POS 250 and T POS 250 may be taken for credit.
T POS 250 Research and Method in Political Science (3)
This honors course is designed to equip students with the tools for doing original research in political science and providing them with an opportunity to do such research. T POS 250 is the Honors College version of R POS 250; only one may be taken for credit. Open to Honors College students only.
T POS 255 (= T LCS 255) Race and the American Empire (3)
This course will explore the relationship between racism and the formation of the American empire from approximately 1776 through the end of the Progressive Era. By the early 20th century the United States emerged as a world power after a relentless process of continental and overseas territorial expansion. The young nation employed an ideology of racial superiority and predestination to justify its expropriation of the land and natural resources of other peoples and nations, to capture a continuous supply of labor, and to acquire new export. Theories of Manifest Destiny, white man's burden, social Darwinism, and religious doctrines were some of the narratives central to an ideology of racial supremacy in service of empire. Only one version may be taken for credit. Open to Honors College students only.
T POS 260 Political Violence: Honors Course (3)
This course is designed to introduce students to the study of violent political conflict. We will examine the how, why, and when of violent political conflict both domestic and international. What are the key empirical and normative questions raised by violent political conflict and what answers to these questions does the literature offer? What other strategies, like nonviolence and negotiation are available to actors instead of political violence? In this course, in addition to studying the theories that have been developed to explain the politics and history of violent political conflict, students will have an opportunity to participate in simulation exercises designed to sharpen their analytic skills in the subject area. T POS 260 is the Honors College version of R POS 360. Only one version may be taken for credit. Open to Honors College students only.