I cannot imagine studying political science anywhere other than Edgewood and the city of Madison.
The opportunities and experiences the college offers me are incomparable and excellent preparation for my future plans of law school.
Hannah Hathaway (Class of 2017)
Political Science - Law & Politics
Overview
The Political Science program at Edgewood College focuses on the political dynamics, policy issues, and structures of government at the local, state, national and global levels.
We offer two concentrations: American politics and pre-law. Both concentrations enhance skills in analytical reading, research, analysis and writing.
Beyond these marketable skills, political science also offers student-citizens the opportunity to engage in public life during and after school.
Small class sizes ensure that students work closely with faculty and receive exceptional attention to their academic growth and career preparation.
Students are also encouraged to double-major and minor in areas related to their career interests, including economics, sociology or environmental studies.
Why Study Political Science?
Our unique location in the capital city of Madison means that students are brought into regular and intensive contact with the world of politics.
Edgewood has a long-standing tradition of placing its students in rewarding off-campus internships in local and national government. These internships give students an intimate knowledge of the policies and processes of government in Wisconsin and the country.
With a deep knowledge of public affairs, meaningful internships, and solid academic skills, political science majors are highly successful in a range of professions. Some continue their education in law or graduate school, while others begin careers in government service, teaching, the military, non-profit work, journalism, public relations, lobbying and media.
Post-graduate Career and Educational Tracks:
- Wisconsin State Assembly
- Wisconsin Governor's Office
- EPIC Systems Corporation
- U.S. Central Intelligence Agency
- U.S. Agency for International Development
- Unisted States Peace Corps
- Wisconsin Department of Children and FAmilies
- Democratic National Committee
Our graduates have also attended graduate school at:
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School
- Pennsylvania State University Law School
- John Marshall Law School
- U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School
- George Washington University
- University of California-Fullerton
Sample Courses
MASS MEDIA & POLITICS (PS 460 J 001)
Explores the assumption that media coverage of politics is not apart from the events it reports on, but rather a determinant, in many ways, of those events. How the presentation of political reality by the media, especially TV, affects elections, political behavior, public opinion, policy debates, and the notion of citizenship and democracy. (F of alternate years) Prerequisites: None.
THE PRESIDENT & THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH (PS 361 J)
The history, political behavior and functions of the executive office and its relationships to Congress, the bureaucracy, the media, interest groups, and the American people; the theory and practice of public administration within the executive branch. Offered: S, alternate years Prerequisite: None.
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW AND POLITICS (PS 343)
Examines the political issues and conflicts that arise as society attempts to apply and interpret the US Constitution, especially as it regards civil rights and civil liberties. This would include such controversies as censorship, the rights of the accused, abortion, affirmative action, discrimination, privacy, and federalism. Cross-listed: None. Prerequisite: None.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS (PS 352 EJ)
This course examines the political dynamics that underlie environmental policymaking in the United States. Major issues in environmental policy, including public lands, wildlife, pollution and energy will be examined, as well as the role of governmental institutions, interest groups and the public in formulating environmental policy. Cross-listed: ENVS 352. Offered: S, alternate years Prerequisite: None.
Course Requirements
Political Science, American Politics Concentration
Political Science Major Requirements
Social Science Interdisciplinary Sequence (12 credits):
SS 368U Social Science Research Methods (4 credits)
SS 369 Social Science Statistics (4 credits)
SS 484 3KX Senior Social Science Seminar (4 credits)
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the Social Science core requirements, students pursuing the American Politics Concentration must take the following coursework.
Core Requirements
PS 262J Intro to American Political Process (4 credits)
PS 275 GJ INtro to Comparatie Poitics (4 credits)
PS 301 Poiltical Ideas (4 credits)
SS 372 Field Experience/Research (variable 1-4 credits)
Eighteen Credits Chosen from the Following Courses:
PS 343 Constitutional Law and Politics (4 credits)
PS 350 Public Policy Process (2 credits)
PS 351 Selected Issues in Public Policy (variable 2-4 credits)
PS 352 EJ Environmental Politics (4 credits)
PS 353 EJ Politcs of Sprawl: Land Use and Trns Policy
PS 360 J Political Parties & Interest Groups (4 credits)
PS 361 J The President & the Executive Branch (4 credits)
PS 362 J Congress & Legislative Politics (2 credits)
PS 364 State and Local Politics (2 credits)
PS 460 J Mass Media & Politics (4 credits)
PS 480 Seminar in Political Science (variable 2-4 credits)
Four Additional Credits
Students will need to take four additional credits of Political Science electives to complete the major.
Political Science, Pre-Law Concentration
Political Science Major Requirements
Social Science Interdisciplinary Sequence (12 credits):
SS 368U Social Science Research Methods (4 credits)
SS 369 Social Science Statistics (4 credits)
SS 484 3KX Senior Social Science Seminar (4 credits)
Concentration Requirements
In addition to the Social Science core requirements, students pursuing the Pre-law Concentration must take the following coursework.
Core Requirements
PS 210 GJ Intro to International Relations (4 credits)
PS 262 J Intro to American Political Process (4 credits)
PS 301 Political Ideas (4 credits)
PS 343 Constitutional Law and Politics (4 credits)
SS 372 Field Experience/Research (variable 1-4 credits)
Twelve credits chosen from the following courses
PS 350 Public Policy Process (2 credits)
PS 351 Selected Issues in Public Policy (variable 2-4 credits)
PS 352 EJ Environmental Politics (4 credits)
PS 353 EJ Politics of Sprawl: Land Use & Trns Policy (2 credits)
PS 360 J Political Parties & Interest Groups (4 credits)
PS 361 J The President & the Executive Branch (4 credits)
PS 362 J Congress & Legislative Politics (2 credits)
PS 364 State and Local Politics (2 credits)
PS 460 J Mass Media & Politics (4 credits)
PS 480 Seminar in Political Science (variable 2-4 credits)
Take one of the following
CJ 355 Introduction to Criminal Law (4 credits)
OR
BUS 398 Business Law (Int Bus Sem 3A) (3 credits)
Policies
Students majoring in the Social Science Department must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in courses in their respective major.
If a student receives more than one grade below a "CD" in major courses, he/she mus repeat one of these courses or an approved equivalment and receive a grade of "CD" or above in order to successfully complete the major.
Courses required for the majors may not be taken Pass/Fail.
Twelve credits of the major must be earned at Edgewood College: at least four of those credits must be in the major discipline.
Majors should consult with their advisor about appropriate courses to fulfill their Math (M) and INformation and technological Literacy (I) requirements.
For more information contact:
Steve Davis, Ph.D. at davis@edgewood.edu
Nicholas Spina, Ph.D. at nspina@edgewood.edu