Political Science
Faculty
Robin Barklis, Ph.D.
M. Patrick Cottrell, Ph.D. (Chair)
Dimitri Kelly, Ph.D.
Dawn Nowacki, Ph.D. (Emeritus)
The Political Science major explores the fundamental issues of power, inequality, and justice that shape our world. You'll examine the inner workings of political institutions, analyze the forces that drive social change, and grapple with the ethical dilemmas that arise in a complex, globalized society.
Along the way, you will take courses that help you not only develop substantive knowledge, but also develop a dynamic skill set in writing (academic, policy, persuasive, narrative storytelling), speaking, interpersonal, and critical thinking that will help you to make a positive difference in your communities and workplace.
While the major is flexible enough to pair with other courses of study, it is designed to challenge you to push your comfort zone and pursue your passions. All students take an internship course where they integrate their coursework with real-world experience and are encouraged to study abroad, complete a semester in Washington, DC, or help promote civic discourse on campus by applying to join the department's vibrant work-study team. Toward the end of your experience, you will investigate questions of particular interest in a required proseminar and a senior thesis, in which you work closely with faculty members on a more intensive research project.
The major culminates in a senior sequence that includes professional development workshops, cohort-based civic engagement activities, and an oral defense of their senior thesis and portfolio. Upon graduation, students are confident in their abilities to excel in any number of fields, including law, government and public policy, business, the nonprofit sector, education, communications, and beyond.
Honors
The Elliot Tenofsky Award for Outstanding Senior in Political Science
The department established the Outstanding Senior award in 1991 to recognize the top graduating senior student. In 2003 the award was renamed to honor Elliot Tenofsky, Professor of Political Science at Linfield from 1975-2003. Criteria for selection include several factors indicating excellence: overall grade point average, grade point average in the major, the ability to analyze complex political phenomena, exceptional writing and speaking skills, and potential for advanced study.
Chi Omega
Chi Omega is Linfield’s chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. Upper division students are elected to membership based on appropriate academic qualifications.
Programs
International Relations Major
The International Relations (IR) major is housed in the Political Science Department. Because of the overlapping major requirements in Political Science and IR, students are not permitted to double major in these disciplines. However, they are encouraged to double major in either Political Science or IR, and other disciplines. Unlike Political Science, the IR major requires language proficiency (at least two years) and a semester study abroad. Refer to the International Relations section of this catalog for further information and the major requirements.
Law, Rights, and Justice Major and Minor
The Law, Rights, and Justice major and minor are housed in the Political Science Department. The major and minor are interdisciplinary with requirements in Political Science, Business, Economics, English, Journalism and Media Studies, Philosophy, and Sociology. Refer to the Law, Rights, and Justice section for further information and requirements.
Courses
A list of the department’s infrequently taught courses can be found on the Registrar’s webpages.
POLS 198 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included From Colonialism to Globalism: Political Change in Southeast Asia from World War II to the Present; Religion and Politics in Turkey; Politics and the Past in Post-Soviet States; Comparative Women's Politics in Europe; Politics and Religion in Ireland. Offered only as student interest and college resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
POLS 201 AMERICAN POLITICS (4 credits)
How our national government is supposed to work and how it does work, with emphasis on contemporary issues and controversies. Topics include political institutions, media, political behavior, elections, political culture, special interests, and more.
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES, U.S. PLURALISM)
POLS 210 INTERNATIONAL POLITICS (4 credits)
Examines historical context and theoretical foundations central to understanding international political order and exercise of power in a global era. Applies knowledge to current issues such as climate change, human rights, poverty, and nuclear proliferation.
(GLOBAL PLURALISM, INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 220 GREAT POLITICAL THINKERS (4 credits)
Survey of major works in the history of political thought from the pre-Socratics to post-modernism. Applies ancient and contemporary insights to perennial questions about justice, obligation, belonging, and identity.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Annually
(ULTIMATE QUESTIONS)
POLS 225 THE STUDY OF LAW (4 credits)
Examines foundational questions about law and legal processes with a focus on the US Federal and Constitutional systems. Topics include the concept and varieties of law, structure of legal systems, legal interpretation and decision-making, and the nature of legal rights.
Typically offered: January Term, Even Years
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 230 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (5 credits)
Introduces students to the research methods commonly used in empirical political science, with emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative research. Step-by-step instruction through the scientific process, from posing precise research questions to conducting systematic research to answer them.
(QUANTITATIVE REASONING)
POLS 250 LEADERSHIP AND ETHICS ACROSS DISCIPLINES (4 credits)
Exploration of leadership and ethics across disciplines. Identify core facets of leadership from different disciplinary and theoretical perspectives. Evaluate what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and ethics in different contexts. Activities may include: leadership self-assessment, seminars with guest speakers, skills-training, and self-reflection. (Listed as LEAD 250 and POLS 250)
Typically offered: Spring Semester
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 290 COMPARATIVE POLITICS (4 credits)
Explores different governing systems and political institutions across the world. Topics include: why democracy emerges and survives in some places and not others; how American politics compares to that of other countries; origins of nationalism and ethnic conflict; politics of identity; and discussion of how governance can be improved.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Alternate Years
(GLOBAL PLURALISM, INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 298 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included From Colonialism to Globalism: Political Change in Southeast Asia from World War II to the Present; Religion and Politics in Turkey; Politics and the Past in Post-Soviet States; Comparative Women's Politics in Europe; Politics and Religion in Ireland. Offered only as student interest and college resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
POLS 310 AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT (4 credits)
American political thought from colonial times to the present. Consideration of how the political theories of early American thinkers addressed the problems of their age and relate to modern problems and issues. Theories of change and resolution. Application of contemporary theories from various areas in society to evolutionary trends in American thought.
(ULTIMATE QUESTIONS, U.S. PLURALISM)
POLS 311 LEADERSHIP, ETHICS, AND PERSUASION (4 credits)
Examines the two-thousand-year-old tradition of rhetoric and addresses the difficult question of ethical argument. Begins with the Greeks, and moves into the twenty-first century. After establishing a theoretical understanding of the important questions and practices, students will consider a variety of speeches by American leaders. Ends with participants creating their own speeches on current topics. Taught as a Socratic, discussion-based seminar. Students who earned credit for ENGL 311 may not enroll in this course. (LISTED AS LEAD 311, POLS 311, AND LITR 311)
Prerequisites: INQS 125.
(ULTIMATE QUESTIONS)
POLS 313 WHAT IS FREEDOM? (4 credits)
Exploration of how the concept of freedom has been understood throughout human history.
(ULTIMATE QUESTIONS)
POLS 315 POLITICS AND RELIGION (4 credits)
Examination of the relationship between politics and religion in varying contexts: theories of the role of religion in government and society, religious social movements, contemporary political controversies involving religion. (Listed as POLS 315 and RELS 315)
Prerequisites: One of POLS 201, POLS 210, POLS 220, RELS 110, RELS 115, or consent of instructor.
(ULTIMATE QUESTIONS)
POLS 320 LAW, RIGHTS AND JUSTICE (4 credits)
Examination of rights and justice in the United States. Analysis of law in society. The concepts of obligation, authority, disobedience, and punishment. Focus on contemporary legal controversies.
(ULTIMATE QUESTIONS)
POLS 325 U.S. SUPREME COURT (4 credits)
Exploration of the role of the Supreme Court in the American political system. Examination of debates over the Court's proper role in the system, empirical research on judicial behavior, and the role of the executive and legislative branches in the judicial nomination and confirmation process.
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 326 THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY (4 credits)
Examines the unique institution of the American Presidency. Emphasis on the President's joint role as head of the executive branch but also as the focal point of public attention, covering the sources of presidential power, the process of presidential elections, legislative and political leadership, and foreign policy.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or higher.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, As Needed
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 330 POLITICS AND THE ARTS (4 credits)
Exploration of what can be learned about politics from other disciplines, including literature, film, and the fine arts.
(CREATIVE STUDIES)
POLS 337 MEDIA & THE LAW (4 credits)
Investigates legal issues and judicial decisions related to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Students learn to analyze court cases and do legal research, including public records requests. Topics include press freedom, intellectual property, libel, privacy, obscenity, censorship, corporate/commercial speech, media regulation, and more. (Listed as JAMS 337 and POLS 337.)
Prerequisites: INQS 125. JAMS 150 recommended.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Odd Years
(ULTIMATE QUESTIONS)
POLS 353 POLITICAL COMMUNICATION (4 credits)
Explores the dynamic interplay between the media, the public, and politics, with emphasis on how different forms of communication shape public opinion and democratic processes. Analysis and discussion of citizens' role in the broader political communication system and dilemmas involved. (Listed as JAMS 353 and POLS 353)
Typically offered: Every Third Year Or Less Often
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 360 POLITICS OF INEQUALITY (4 credits)
Examines the empirical evidence underlying social, political, and economic inequalities in the United States, their causes and consequences, and their intersection with politics.
Typically offered: Every Third Year Or Less Often
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES, U.S. PLURALISM)
POLS 361 CURRENT DEBATES IN US FOREIGN POLICY (4 credits)
Debate course on the current problems in US foreign policy. Students lead the debate resolution selection process. Possible topics include: US military intervention abroad, rise of China, future of US relations with Europe, US foreign economic policy, climate change, humanitarian intervention, weapons proliferation, immigration, democracy promotion, and regional issues.
(GLOBAL PLURALISM, INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 362 INTERNATIONAL LAW, ETHICS, AND GLOBAL GOVERNANCE (4 credits)
Provides introduction to international public law and the global governance arrangements that aim to address many of the world's most urgent problems, including use of force, climate change, poverty, and human rights violations. Special emphasis on moral and ethical dimensions of these issues.
Prerequisites: POLS 210 strongly recommended.
Typically offered: Fall Semester
(GLOBAL PLURALISM, INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 365 TOPICS IN AMERICAN POLITICS (4 credits)
Topics important to the study of the American political system, for example, the American Presidency, American Politics and the Culture Wars, and Why Americans Hate Politics. Strongly Recommended Prerequisite: 210.
Prerequisites: POLS 210 strongly recommended.
Typically offered: Alternate Years
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 370 TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS (4 credits)
Exploration of various areas of international politics. Possible topics include globalization, international environmental politics, women and war, international law and human rights, advanced study of theories of international relations, U.S. foreign policy.
(GLOBAL PLURALISM, INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 371 POLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY (4 credits)
Explores how psychology affects politics. Emphasis on how political attitudes and behavior are shaped by cognitive and social psychology. Various psychological theories are examined across a wide variety of issues including polarization, identity, war, terrorism, voting, and decision-making.
Typically offered: Every Third Year Or Less Often
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 380 TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORY (4 credits)
Advanced seminar in political theory. Varying topics such as concepts of justice, order, authority, ethics, and other subjects central to political theory.
Typically offered: Fall Semester
(ULTIMATE QUESTIONS)
POLS 384 U.S. FOREIGN POLICY (4 credits)
History, conduct, and politics of U.S. foreign policy. Specific current problems used to highlight connections between past and present, illuminating domestic political determinants of foreign policy and promoting civic engagement.
Prerequisites: POLS 210 strongly recommended.
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES, VITAL PAST)
POLS 385 TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS (4 credits)
Comparison of the major political institutions and processes of nations in the same region, or of one nation with those of the United States and other nations with which a student is familiar. Possible foci: Britain, Canada, Germany, Latin America, Africa, and Western Europe.
Prerequisites: POLS 290 or instructor consent.
(GLOBAL PLURALISM, INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
POLS 398 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included From Colonialism to Globalism: Political Change in Southeast Asia from World War II to the Present; Religion and Politics in Turkey; Politics and the Past in Post-Soviet States; Comparative Women's Politics in Europe; Politics and Religion in Ireland. Offered only as student interest and college resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
POLS 439 PEER INSTRUCTION (1-4 credits)
POLS 450 JAN TERM IN WASHINGTON DC (5 credits)
Opportunities to learn how Washington works, including site visits to key institutions, briefings with members of the media, study of legislative and executive branches of government, and research projects.
POLS 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-5 credits)
For students wanting to investigate further topics of interest developed in regular courses or desiring to study material not specifically addressed in other courses.
POLS 487 EXPERIENCES IN POLITICS: INTERNSHIP (4 credits)
Apply coursework to the "real world" in an area of potential career interest, develop professional skills, gain expertise in policy analysis, and begin developing a professional network for after graduation. Strongly recommended during junior year.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
POLS 489 SENIOR SEMINAR (4 credits)
First part of year-long senior sequence designed to bring together Linfield experience and ensure smooth transition to post-undergraduate life. Includes research on a topic of special interest as preparation for senior capstone, narrative and policy writing, skills workshops, application of coursework to current political problems, and critical self-reflection as a scholar, citizen, and leader. Required during the senior year.
Prerequisites: POLS 230.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Annually
POLS 490 SENIOR CAPSTONE (4 credits)
Second part of year-long senior sequence. Capstone course in Political Science, with primary focus on completion of student portfolio, including step-by-step construction of a senior thesis research paper. Course culminates in public oral defense of research and celebration of accomplishments.
Prerequisites: POLS 489, POLS 498, senior standing and Political Science, International Relations, or Law, Rights, and Justice major status.
Typically offered: Spring Semester
(MAJOR WRITING INTENSIVE)
POLS 498 PROSEMINAR (1 credit)
Further investigation of topics developed in regular elective departmental courses that students elect to pursue as proseminars (registration required on both the course in question and the pro-seminar).
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in corresponding lecture and junior standing or higher, or consent of instructor.
(MAJOR WRITING INTENSIVE)