Department of Political Science and Public Administration
Chairperson: Dr. Sheren G. Sanders
Location: Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons Building, 3rd Floor
Contact Information: 804-524-5037 | ssanders@vsu.edu
Department Overview
The Department of Political Science and Public Administration was established in 1966, and continues to exist as an integral component of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The Department offers a political science education that emphasizes scholarship, the pursuit of knowledge through research and instruction, and the development of a critical understanding of government - locally, nationally and internationally. The Department of Political Science offers a program of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department is to offer a political science education with a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and abilities, and to produce graduates who have the intellectual, critical and analytical skills that are necessary to understand how political systems function, how to affect politics through participation, and how to make rational choices about government policies and those who govern.
Student Organizations
• Pi Sigma Alpha, Kappa Psi Chapter – The national political science Honor Society is open to undergraduate students in political science who have achieved the required level of academic excellence.
• The Association of Political Science (TAPS) – The premier student organization in the Department. TAPS is open to all political sciences majors and students from other majors who are enrolled in the political science minor program.
Department Goals
The Objectives of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration are:
- To help develop the critical and analytical skills to understand how political systems function, and how to make rational decisions about government policies and those who govern.
- To provide a foundation of theory and knowledge, values and skills for students who are interested in pursuing advanced study in graduate or professional school.
- To prepare students for careers in the public and private sectors by incorporating marketable skills into the general curriculum.
- To develop the critical and analytical skills which enable students to understand policy and program formulation, implementation and evaluation, decision-making, and problem solving.
- To provide opportunities for students to develop and test empirical hypotheses. Make assumptions, and draw inferences, using analytics, and various statistical research methods.
Program Listings
The Minor Program in Political Science
The Minor Program in political science is specifically designed to give the non-political science major an opportunity to complement his or her course work with a focused and structured program of study. The program will broaden your understanding of national and international issues, and increase the range of your career and professional options. The Minor Program is especially recommended for majors in Management, Economics, History, International Studies, Sociology, and Education. The program consists of eighteen (18) credit hours; twelve (12) credit hours in core courses, and six (6) credit hours in political science electives at the 300 level or above.
The Minor Program in Public Administration
The Minor Program in Public Administration is designed to give the non-political science major the opportunity to complement his or her major course of study. Students who decide to minor in public administration will be able to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the day-to-day workings of government at all levels. The PA minor program is especially recommended for, but not limited to, majors in the sciences, social sciences, technology, business administration, and psychology.
The Pre-Law Advisement
The Department of Political Science also offers to students across the University the opportunity to participate in Pre-Law Advisement. The program is designed to help the student develop the cognitive, analytical, and logical reasoning skills necessary to cope with the challenges of a law school environment. The advisement program offers assistance in helping the student understand the law school application process, including applying for the Law School Admissions Test, contacting law school admissions Deans, developing a personal statements, and arranging for law schools visits.
Assessment in the Major
The Comprehensive Assessment Examination is a major component of the Department’s continuing commitment to academic excellence and intellectual development in the discipline. All political science majors, in their junior year of study, are required to take the Comprehensive Assessment Examination. The examination assesses a students’ basic knowledge of political science concepts, principles, and facts in the areas of United States Government, State and Local Government, and Comparative Government.
Political Science (POLI)
POLI 102. State And Local Government. (3 Credits)
A study of the structure, operations, and functions of the state and local institutions of government.
POLI 150. United States Government. (3 Credits)
An introductory course in the study of the American political system.
POLI 201. Political Philosophy. (3 Credits)
A study of the development of political thought from the Greek period through the Middle Ages.
POLI 202. Contemporary Political Thought. (3 Credits)
A study of political thought from the end of the Middle Ages to the present.
POLI 203. Govt & Politics In Russia. (3 Credits)
A study of the theory, organization, and administrative processes in the Russian political system.
POLI 204. Modern Africa. (3 Credits)
A political and historical analysis of the problems of nation-states on the African continent, from 1945 to the present.
POLI 205. Govt & Politics Develop Countr. (3 Credits)
A study of the political and economic problems of underdeveloped countries in the Third World.
POLI 206. Govt & Politics In China. (3 Credits)
A study of the political ideologies, institutions, and decision-making processes in the People’s Republic of China.
POLI 207. International Relations. (3 Credits)
A study of the political, social, and economic dynamics of the present international system.
POLI 208. International Law. (3 Credits)
A study of the origin, character, and principles of law that determine the duties and rights of nations in their relations.
POLI 209. Public Administration. (3 Credits)
A study of the principles of public administration; structure, organization, and management in modern government with emphasis on the bureaucratic role in public policy formation.
POLI 210. Comparative Government. (3 Credits)
A comparative analysis of nation-states within the contemporary international system.
POLI 211. Introduction to Social Justice. (3 Credits)
An introductory course that examines the historic, ideological, and cultural patterns of social justice practice. Special emphasis is on contemporary justice realities in order to understand the dynamics of oppression, linking competing theories of social justice to hierarchies of power grounded in race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identities and class to strategies for social transformation and change.
POLI 301. The Scope & Methods Of Poli Sc. (3 Credits)
Inquiry into the methodology, epistemology, and techniques of the discipline of political science.
POLI 302. The Techniques Political Analy. (3 Credits)
A study of the research methodologies and techniques used in the study of political problems. Prerequisite: POLI 301.
POLI 303. Political Parties & Pressure G. (3 Credits)
A study of political parties and interest groups and their impact on public policy.
POLI 304. American Constitutional Law. (3 Credits)
A study of judicial interpretation, the nature of judicial review, selected leading decisions of the United States Supreme Court and their impact on the basic principles of government.
POLI 305. Seminar In Black Politics. (3 Credits)
A study of the political impact of African-Americans in local, state, and national policy issues.
POLI 306. Seminar In Urban Problems. (3 Credits)
A study of the political, social, and economic problems affecting metropolitan communities.
POLI 307. American Foreign Policy. (3 Credits)
A study of the formation, implementation, and implications of American foreign policy.
POLI 308. Polimetrics I. (3 Credits)
A study of statistical approaches in political science research, with emphasis on survey research and data analysis using the SPSS statistical analysis program. Prerequisites: GEMA 112 Basic Mathematics; GEMA 113 Basic Mathematics; STAT 210 Elementary Statistics I.
POLI 309. Polimetrics II. (3 Credits)
A study of statistical approaches in political science research. Advance data analysis techniques, including univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis, and the testing of hypotheses. Prerequisites: POLI 308 Polimetrics I.
POLI 310. Political Science Internship. (6 Credits)
Students provided with the opportunity to experience the workings of government, through placement in internships with various legislators, and public and private agencies. Prerequisite: Minimum sophomore status, or approval of Department Chairperson.
POLI 311. Theoretical App in Soc Justice. (3 Credits)
This course will present a wide array of theoretical approaches to social justice. These theoretical foundations will encompass historic theory, social psychology, sociological theory, liberation, theology, and philosophical foundations of metaphysics and epistemology. Pre-requisite: POLI 211.
POLI 315. The Civil Rights Movement. (3 Credits)
A study of the political, social, and economic dimensions of the civil rights movement from 1954 to the present.
POLI 400. Seminar In Local Politics. (3 Credits)
A study of the dynamics of local politics. Seminar format that would include assigned readings, field research, lecture, and discussion.
POLI 403. Senior Thesis. (3 Credits)
Execution of senior thesis research design, computer-based data analysis, and production of first draft of the senior thesis. Prerequisites: POLI 301 The Scope and Methods of Political Science; POLI 302 The Techniques of Political Analysis.
POLI 404. Senior Seminar. (3 Credits)
Production of final draft of senior thesis complete with faculty suggested revisions. Presentation and defense of thesis must be concluded by deadline date for submission of senior grades. Prerequisite: POLI 403 Senior Thesis.
POLI 408. Independent Study. (3 Credits)
Opportunity to work on community issues, policy issues, or independent research. Work is supervised by assigned faculty member. Prerequisite: Approval of Department Chairperson.
POLI 409. Constitutional & Civil Liberti. (3 Credits)
A study of the role of the Constitution and the function of the courts in defining and safeguarding civil rights and civil liberties.
POLI 410. Presidential Policy-Making. (3 Credits)
A study of the President’s role in formulating public policy through interaction with domestic and foreign political actors.
POLI 412. Political Economy Southen Afri. (3 Credits)
A study of the political and economic forces which shape the politics of nation-states in southern Africa.
POLI 413. Politics Multina'L Corp 3rd Wr. (3 Credits)
A study of the impact of multinational corporations on the politics of nation-states in the Third World.
POLI 414. Marxist Political Philosopy. (3 Credits)
A study of the nature of the state, politics, social development, and class struggle from the writings of Karl Marx and Frederick Engels.
Public Administration (PADM)
PADM 410. Grants Management. (3 Credits)
Comprehensive and thorough study of the techniques used in managing federal and state grant-in-aid programs. Emphasis will be placed upon the contracts and grants management, procurement practices under federal and state law, accounting requirements, reporting requirements, program control, and fiscal performance.
