Department of Political Science

 American Politics  | Comparative Politics  |  International Politics  | Political Theory  |  Public Administration

Political Science aims at turning politically interested and concerned students, whatever their career plans or their other interests, into politically literate college graduates. It equips them intellectually to comprehend and deal with their political world after graduation, in ways appropriate to their individual inclinations, be it as intelligent citizens, as journalists, as active participants in business or in electoral politics, as candidates for office or as public officials, or as academic political scientists. In other words, political science aims at political education 'in depth" for those students who have a particular interest in things political, whatever their occupational and professional goals and whatever their other talents and interest. While political science is usually equated with preparation for law school, a political science major prepares individuals for a variety of different careers.

Curricular Information

• PLS Major Requirements
• PLS Minor Requirements
• Course Offerings
• January 2008
• Spring 2008
• Course List and Syllabi
• Course descriptions in the Undergraduate catalog.
• Minors for the Political Science Major
• Bradley University Schedule of Classes Previously titled the Academic Handbook

Faculty

• Chair, Larry T. Aspin
• Craig Curtis.
• Charles R. Dannehl
• Emily R. Gill
• William K. Hall
• Mark Gobeyn
• Paul Lermack

Political Science Opportunities

    On Campus

• Research: Interested students have increasing opportunities to collaborate with faculty on joint research projects. In addition to the professional recognition which comes from any publications, students receive academic credit via PLS 485. Announcement of the annual Bradley University Research and Creative Achievement Exhibition.
• Pre-Law Club: The Pre-Law Club is one of the Pre-Law Programs at Bradley University. The club conducts a wide variety of activities related to legal careers. Particularly useful to students are those related to admission to law school. If you are interested in joining the club, contact Dr. Lermack.
• Mock Trial Team: In Mock Trial students try a hypothetical case in competition against students from colleges and universities from across the nation. Students attempt to qualify for the American Mock Trial Association's National Tournament by competition in regional tournaments. For more information see Mr. Scott Paulsen, Mock Trial Society, or PLS/COM 290 Participation in Mock Trial.
• Pi Sigma Alpha: Juniors are eligible for admission into the political science national honorary society. Contact Dr. Gobeyn for details.

 Off Campus

• Internships: Every student interested in Political Science should consider the possibility of an internship experience during his or her undergraduate years. There are numerous benefits which result from an internship including the opportunity to explore career interests, resume enhancement, networking, and personal growth. Internships are at all levels of US government and in some foreign governments and international organizations. If you are interested in creating an internship or applying for an existing position, contact Dr. Curtis for information about PLS 480
  
  For information on internship opportunities with fall campaigns see  Fall 2008 Political Campaign Opportunities
   

• Washington Semester Programs: These programs, a cooperative venture between Bradley and American University, allow a student to study an live in Washington, DC for a semester. The programs offer semesters in seven areas including American Politics, Foreign Policy, Economic Policy, Justice, and Journalism. Contact Dr. Hall for application material.

• Study Abroad: Majors are encouraged to spend one or two semesters abroad. Whether to aid in the study of a foreign language or to gain an understanding of the political system and culture of another national, involvement in such a program is highly beneficial.

            For details on some Off Campus opportunities

Other Information Links

• Academic Advisors for 2007-2008
• PLS Course Home Pages
• The Tattler is ( October, March ) the department newsletter published four times a year
• Suggested Courses for incoming freshman major in political science
• Select list of political science periodicals available in the Bradley University Library

• Page Manager: Larry Aspin

Last update:  3/07/2008