Political Science Major & Minor
Carthage’s political science major provides a foundation for graduate study in political science or, with other social science courses, preparation for careers in government service, law, teaching, journalism, or research analysis.
Carthage also offers a major in international political economy for students who wish to focus on the evolving web of global relationships in politics, economics, and business.
“I chose Carthage because of the location, community, and success the volleyball program here at Carthage has had.”
“I really enjoyed my J-Term study tour to Peru, which expanded my global perspective, taught me about the impact of tourism, and was certainly the trip of a lifetime.”
“I really enjoy political science because of all of the thought that goes into it. I love learning about the different types of government that different people think is best.”
“Getting the chance to perform here at Carthage is a rewarding experience. Not only for yourself but for those who take the time to come and support the show. Every time you perform a story, you act in a way that conveys you. Everyone should be able to have the chance to perform once in their lifetime because you may never know how it might change your individuality once you do try.”
Courses you’ll take as a political science major
Besides the broader introductory classes, political science majors do coursework in each of the department’s five concentrated areas. Most political science classes have fewer than 25 students for increased individualized faculty-student attention. Not only do the courses expand political knowledge, but the department also challenges students to think critically and develops students’ ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
Here’s a sampling:
- American Foreign Policy
- Constitutional Rights: Freedom of Expression
- Women of Africa
- Politics of the Middle East
- Nuclear Proliferation
Political science courses at Carthage
original research
Research is built into the Carthage experience through the required senior thesis, with past political science topics including “Israel and the Realist Perspective,” “The Plight of the Honey Bees,” and “Mass Incarceration: The Prisoner’s Dilemma.” Many students present their work at the campus-wide Celebration of Scholars or at professional conferences.
special academic options for political science majors
Pre-Law: Carthage students interested in legal careers often major in political science. A pre-law advisor can help them to tailor a course sequence and guide them through the law school application process.
Learn more about Pre-Law at Carthage
International Political Economy: This program attracts students who want to shape policy discussions in the global economy. IPE covers political science, economics, business, languages, and the sciences.
Learn more about IPE at Carthage
Beyond the classroom
Many political science students compete on Carthage’s Model United Nations and Mock Trial teams. Some seek to represent their classmates in Student Government.
During J-Term, professors from the department have led study tours to Cuba, Patagonia, Argentina, Peru, and the Galapagos Islands.
Political Science Department faculty and staff assist students in finding internship opportunities around the nation and world. In recent years, students have interned in the U.S. House of Representatives, worked at the Republican Governors Association in Washington, D.C., and interned with the U.S. Department of State in Rennes, France.