Overview

James R. Bowers, Chair

John Harman, Sebastien Lazardeux, Wesley Renfro, Jane C. Snyder

In Political Science, students explore the world, the nation, and the law. Through their explorations, students see how politics affects almost every dimension of what goes on around us. Political Science also provides an excellent background for a broad range of careers and advanced study, including graduate school, law school, government service, applied politics, commerce, and industry. In preparing students to face and understand an ever-changing nation and world, Political Science equips students with not only a solid background in various elements of politics, but also in the analytical, research, and communication skills necessary for success in the workplace, their community, and as citizens.

Political Science at Fisher covers all the major subfields of the discipline, including American government and politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and law and legal studies. Whenever possible, these subfields are examined in terms of theoretical and applied considerations and implications. To gain a more in-depth understanding beyond the required courses, Political Science majors are strongly encouraged to focus their electives in just one subfield. Majors are also encouraged to pursue a second major in a field such as Legal Studies, International Studies, or Economics.

Minor

Minor in Political Science

* Excludes Internships

Note: No course taken to meet a student's major may also be applied to the POSC minor. A grade point average of 2.00 is required for all courses take in residence that may be applied to the minor.

Program Requirements

Required Courses for the Political Science Major

*STATS 160 may be applied as a Political Science elective

**Excludes internships.

Majors are required to complete POSC 499 Senior Seminar during their senior year, unless an alternative course is approved by the department chair.

For students majoring in Political Science, all courses designated as Political Science (POSC) that may be applied to the major are included in the determination of the grade point average in the major.

Transfer Student Requirements

Students transferring to Fisher with 60 credits are required to complete the following as part of the total 36 credit hours for the major:

*STATS 160 may be applied as a Political Science elective

**Excludes internships. All or part of these six hours may be accepted in transfer.

Recommended Progression

B.A. Political Science

Recommended progression of courses required for the B.A. Political Science major. Students should consult Core Requirements for a complete description of the College’s Core.

*Qualifying Political Science majors participating in SUNY-Brockport Washington Program during the semester in which POSC 499 is offered may substitute Washington Semester credits for the required POSC 499 course.

Note: Qualifying Political Science majors should consider enrolling in an internship during one of their final three semesters.

Academic Opportunities

Internship Opportunities

Juniors and seniors majoring or minoring in Political Science may qualify to participate in the SUNY-Brockport Washington Program. This premier internship program offers students a guided intensive work and academic experience in the offices of key participants in the national policymaking process—executive, legislative, judicial, political parties, or select interest groups. Students may also participate in the State Assembly or Senate internship programs in Albany or in local internships in the Rochester area. Study, research, and work experience in federal, state, or local government give participants firsthand knowledge about political and administrative processes and have often been the springboard for rewarding and challenging career opportunities.

Honor Society and Political Science Club

The department sponsors the Psi Delta Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Political Science Honor Society. Political Science majors who have a 3.00 GPA in their junior year, at least one 300-level Political Science course, and a record of involvement and activity in the department or the College may be invited to join. Activities have included sponsorship of debates, community forums, and voter registration drives. The Political Science Club is open to all students with an interest in politics and political science. The Club sponsors an annual trip to Washington, D.C., a variety of speakers and discussions of political topics, and publishes Etiam, a journal of student research papers.

Honors Program

Students may complete a degree in Political Science with Honors by declaring the intent to do so before the senior year, maintaining at least a 3.30 GPA overall, completing an independent Honors project (POSC 498H, 499H Honors Project) under the direction of a full-time department faculty member, and presenting and defending the project in a public forum.

Fast Track to Master of Science in International Studies

Students majoring in Political Science are eligible to participate in the Fast Track program leading to a Master of Science in International Studies at St. John Fisher College. Fast Track approval requires acceptance into the graduate program and a meeting with the assigned graduate advisor who will discuss program options. Upon the recommendation of the advisor and approval by the department chair, the student may register for up to two graduate courses during the senior year. These courses will carry graduate-level credit and will be taken in addition to those required to earn the baccalaureate degree.