Undergraduate Course Catalog 2012-2013
College of Liberal Arts
» http://www.unh.edu/liberal-arts/
Political Science (POLT)
» http://www.unh.edu/political-science/
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Chairperson: Lawrence C. Reardon
Professor: Marla A. Brettschneider, Melvin J. Dubnick, Mark W. Huddleston
Affiliate Professor: Kenneth M. Johnson
Associate Professor: Warren R. Brown, John R. Kayser, Alynna J. Lyon, Mary Malone, Lawrence C. Reardon, Dante J. Scala, Susan J. Siggelakis, Andrew E. Smith, Jeannie L. Sowers, Stacy D. VanDeveer
Affiliate Associate Professor: Tom Kelly, James Varn
Assistant Professor: Daniel E. Bromberg
Senior Lecturer: Lionel R. Ingram
Lecturer: Richard Aliano, Tama Andrews, Jeffrey Haight, Patricia Stapleton
The study of government and politics, to which the courses and seminars of the Department of Political Science are devoted, includes the development of knowledge of political behavior by individuals and groups as well as knowledge about governments: their nature and functions, their problems and behavior, and their interactions—at the national and international levels and at the local, state, and regional levels.
Much of the learning offered by the Department of Political Science also can be regarded as essential for good citizenship, since political knowledge helps to explain the formal and informal institutions by which we are governed and the forces that lead to policy decisions, and also seeks to clarify the issues and principles that encourage people toward political involvement. It contributes to the store of knowledge necessary for informed citizenship. In addition, such learning is especially valuable to students planning to enter local or national government or other public service, including the Foreign Service, and it will be of great help to those who intend to study law and enter the legal profession. For teaching, particularly at the college level, and for many types of government service, graduate work may be indispensable. An undergraduate major in political science will provide a helpful foundation for any further study of politics and related fields in the social sciences and humanities. Such an emphasis also will be valuable for students seeking careers in journalism, international organizations, and the public affairs and administrative aspects of labor, financial, and business organizations.
The major program in political science consists of at least 10 courses (40 credits) and not more than 12 courses (48 credits). The minimum grade requirement is C- per course. Any grade lower will not count toward major. Courses are to be distributed in the following way:
1. Three 400-level courses: 401, 402, and 403. Once they declare the major, students must complete these three courses within the first calendar year.
2. Six 500-level courses. Of these, at least one shall be chosen from each of the four fields in which the department’s courses are organized: American politics, political thought, comparative politics, and international politics.
3. One 700-level course.
The Discovery Program capstone requirement may be fulfilled by completing any 700-level Political Science course.
Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of each individual major program. Bachelor of arts candidates must also satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement.
Major department courses taken to satisfy major requirements cannot be used to satisfy Discovery category requirements.
Five-year B.A./M.A. Program
The five-year political science B.A./M.A. program (also known as a “dual degree, early admission” program) aims to (1) improve opportunities for excellent undergraduates to prepare for competitive Ph.D. programs or add an additional credential before entering a competitive job market; and (2) allow students interested in politics to advance and further specialize their political science education in only one additional year at UNH.
Students must fulfill all programmatic requirements for the current master’s degree program, as well as fulfill all programmatic requirements for their bachelor’s degree.
Interested students must submit a full graduate application (no GRE requirement) by February 15 of their junior year. Minimum GPA required for admission is 3.2.
For additional information you may contact the Graduate Coordinator, Tama Andrews, 603-862-2321, tama.andrews@unh.edu.
Minor in Political Science
The political science minor consists of five courses (20 credits total). These courses may be taken in any combination of the four fields and levels (400-700) offered. The fields to choose from are: American politics, political thought, comparative politics, and international politics. No more than two courses can be taken at the 400 level.
The minimum grade requirement is C- per course. Any grade lower than a C- will not count toward the minor. Students wishing to use transfer credits from abroad or other universities should meet with a political science adviser to determine eligibility toward the minor.
Internships and Advanced Study
In addition to the courses regularly offered, the department could have available selected topics, advanced study in political science, and internships. Interested students should check with the department office to learn about the offerings for a given semester.
The department also offers several internship opportunities that give students experience in various aspects of government, policy making, and the legal system at the local, state, and national levels. Student must have taken certain course prerequisites for each kind of internship. In addition, students must have junior or senior standing and normally have a 3.2 average or higher to be eligible for consideration. Students desiring to undertake internships must fully comply with the departmental guidelines as stated on the application forms, which are available on the department website. Applications must be received by the first day of the preregistration period prior to the semester the course will be undertaken. Internships can only fulfill non-subfield requirements at the 500-level. Washington placements are made either through the Department of Political Science or through the Washington Center located in the National Student Exchange Office in Hood House; major credit must be arranged through the department.
Political Science Language Requirement
The bachelor of arts degree at the University of New Hampshire requires that a student satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement. The requirement may be met by demonstrating language proficiency equal to a one-year college-level course (401 and 402, 403 and 503, or 503 and above in spoken language).
The Department of Political Science does not allow American Sign Language (ASL) to count toward the language requirement effective for students who declare the major as of fall 2007.
Exceptions to this must be petitioned and approved by the Department of Political Science’s Undergraduate Committee and a student’s adviser.
