About the Political Science Department

Political science has been defined by David Easton as the process "through which values are authoritatively allocated for a society." Harold Laswell has put this in more common language, stating that politics is "how we decide who gets what." Political science is concerned with processes, decision-making, power, organizations and institutions. The discipline of political science studies these processes and institutions using insights, data and methods from the disciplines of history, law, economics, sociology and psychology.

The Political Science department offers classes in both the theoretical and practical modes of the discipline. Classes are divided into four main fields: American Politics, Public Administration and Policy, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. A political science major may complete coursework across all of these four fields, but may also focus more intensively on one of the four. Our teaching approach emphasizes experiential and hands-on learning methods, including in-class simulations, work with surrounding communities, internships, and career placement. Recent graduates have found employment in government and policy-oriented positions, worked on election campaigns, and gone on to graduate and law school. A political science major is well prepared to pursue careers in many public and private fields, including federal, state and local government, education, business, journalism and the law.

The department gives students access to a wide variety of activities, programs, internships and off-campus opportunities to enhance their education. Internships offer off-campus experience in practical matters. Muskingum College also maintains association with Drew University, which sponsors a United Nations Semester, a London Semester and a European Community Semester. We also have a relationship with American University, which sponsors a Washington semester and programs in other world capitals. The Political Science department itself offers an active Model United Nations program, travel courses, and a pre-law program.

Students interested in pursuing a major in political science should contact a member of the departmental faculty.

Information available from this site

In the navigation bar to the left, you will find links to descriptions of the faculty, course descriptions, requirements for the political science major and minors, advising information, previous senior seminar research topics, descriptions of the public affairs and international affairs programs, descriptions of internships and special programs available to students, links for the pre-law program and model UN group, career opportunities for political science majors, and department news and awards.

Special Events, Trips, News and Offerings

In addition to the information described above, the political science department would like to highlight the following events, programs and opportunities:

Gulf Coast Trip 2007

Muskie Politics -- Departmental Newsletter