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The
political science program at UI is designed to
provide students with a comprehensive selection
of introductory and advanced courses in the above
areas in order to give them the background
necessary to pursue a variety of potential career
objectives. Students have a choice of either a
Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.
The B.S. degree places more emphasis on
methodology and statistics; the B.A. provides a
more traditional liberal-arts track. All students
are required to take a course in political theory
and one in research methods. Students are also
expected to take at least two courses in both the
domestic (American) politics area and the foreign
politics area. Beyond this, the student normally
will specialize in one or two of the general
subfields depending on his or her career plans.
For instance, a prelaw major would take a heavier
load in public law courses while a student
interested in the foreign service would take more
courses in international relations and foreign
policy. The department encourages students to
gain practical experience in government by
awarding up to six credits for internships. Here
the student works either in the legislature, the
executive branch, or on a political campaign. In
the past, students have interned in most of the
state executive agencies, including the
governor's office, with congressmen and senators
in Washington, D.C., and on political campaigns
from the local to the national level.
The department places emphasis both on solid
classroom preparation for a variety of career
objectives and practical research and internship
experience. Students benefit from close contact
with instructors both in and out of the classroom
and are given individual attention in designing
programs of study to best fit their interests.
The department encourages innovative teaching
techniques among its faculty and in-class
participation of its students.
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