Undergraduate Course Catalog 2006-2007
College of Liberal Arts
» http://www.unh.edu/liberal-arts/
Political Science (POLT)
» http://www.unh.edu/political-science/
» Click to view course offerings
Assistant Professor: Alynna J. Lyon, Mary Fran T. Malone, J. Mark Wrighton
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 can
also 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 which 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
will also 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 nine
courses (36 credits) and not more than twelve 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. Two 400-level courses. These introductory courses
should be completed by majors by the end of the sophomore year.
2. Six 500- and/or 600-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 Department of Political Science will not allow the use of 400-level
courses to “double count” as a major requirement and a general
education requirement. However, if a student has successfully completed
three or more 400-level courses, special permission can be obtained to
use one of the 400-level introductory political science courses as a
general education requirement.
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 will have
available selected topics, advanced study in political science, and
internships. Interested students should check with the department
office to learn of the offerings for a given semester.
The department also offers several internship opportunities giving
students experience in various aspects of government, policy making,
and the legal system at the local, state, and national levels. Students
need not be political science majors, but a 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. 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.
