Political Science

Understand, research and assess the intricate relationships between peoples and their governmental and political systems, nationally and internationally.

Through Emmanuel’s major in Political Science, you will study such topics as peace and war, the making of public and international policy, the values held by people in particular political systems, political participation, and the political roles of special interests, the media and public opinion, among other issues. All of these are related to the expectations people have of their leaders and how their leaders behave.

Major Requirements

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Departmental Major

  • POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government (SA) (SS) (SJ)
  • POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (SA) (SS)
  • POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations (SA) (SS)
  • POLSC1501 Political Theory and Analysis
  • POLSC2701 Research Methods in Political Science 
  • POLSC4100 Senior Seminar and Internship in Political Science
  • Electives: Five additional Political Science courses exclusive of internships or directed studies. At least two electives must be at the 3000-level.

Minor Requirements

View the 2022-2023 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for Departmental Minor

  • POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government (SA) (SS) (SJ) AND POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (SA) (SS) OR POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations (SA) (SS) 
  • Four additional POLSC courses 

Learning Goals & Outcomes

At the completion of Political Science degree, the student will:

  • Understand the basic tools and concepts of the discipline of political science and each of its subfields: American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory
  • Understand how the various subfields interact
  • Demonstrate a practical application of concepts and theories of the discipline
  • Be able to orally communicate effectively
  • Develop an understanding of non-Western governments
  • Develop an understanding of the interactions in the international arena

Explore Emmanuel

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Nadel Henville '22: Creating Community Takes Center Stage

For Nadel, the stage is her “second home,” and the community she’s found within Emmanuel’s Theater program, a second family. While she originally thought she would pursue college theater as a hobby, she soon realized the work would define her student experience and provide a foundation for life beyond Emmanuel.

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Gianna Kittle '20: Advocating for Justice

Prior to coming to Emmanuel, Gianna had never heard of the field of sociology, but was very familiar and passionate about issues of crime and justice. Her time at Emmanuel helped her to not only put a name—but also, a purpose—to that passion.

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Jake Hill '20: Seeing Citizenship with a Capitol C

Growing up in a suburban town outside of Boston, going to college in the city had always been a goal for Jake. After touring Emmanuel's campus he felt it had the perfect mixture of “small campus feel and big city appeal.”

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Melissa Duffy '20: Artist and Appreciator

When Melissa started at Emmanuel, she chose what she believed to be two separate and distinct majors—studio art and history—to fulfill her both her personal and professional interests.

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Featured Faculty: Petros Vamvakas

Petros Vamvakas is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Latin American Studies, Middle East Studies and Peace Studies Programs. His work focuses on security and democratization, as well as issues related to identity and race in politics throughout the Americas. As part of his teaching, he has escorted groups of students to Crete, Greece, and will be bringing a group of students to Cuba.

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