https://www.uwplatt.edu/program/political-science
Department Chair: Will LeSuer
Office: 1147 Ullsvik Hall
Phone: 608.342.1033
E-mail: lesuerw@uwplatt.edu
About the Political Science Program and Major
The UW-Platteville Department of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences offers a major and minor in political science. Political science is the study of governmental institutions and decision-making in the political arena. Political science focuses on political systems by looking at American institutions, public law, public administration, public policy, political theory, political behavior, comparative politics, and international relations. Political science is a discipline in the social sciences and part of the liberal arts approach to education.
Students in political science learn skills in writing and critical thinking. They are asked to learn to question, analyze, and consider solutions to political problems. Research abilities are important for future individual and professional success.
Mission
The political science program enables its majors to improve substantially their understanding of themselves and the world. The department seeks to educate students to have knowledge and appreciation of politics, development of political thought and governance, and the essential knowledge of their chosen fields. It attempts to enable students to live more meaningfully in the world. The department seeks to prepare its graduates for employment and/or advanced study, and to stimulate students to anticipate their future roles as professionals and citizens.
Goals and Objectives
Graduates will:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of various theoretical perspectives in Political Science courses.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills (lower order and higher order) and be able to identify similarities & differences among various political institutions & processes.
- Be able to communicate effectively using academic language from various disciplinary & theoretical perspectives.
- Demonstrate a proficient use of methodological approaches specific to Political Science.
- Garner learning experiences via high impact practices (including internships, independent study and/or study abroad programs) prior to graduation.
- Analyze the role of diversity and interlocking systems of power in shaping public opinion, public policy, and everyday practices of citizenship. Diversity is understood here in its broadest terms including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability status, socioeconomic status, immigration status and other forms of difference.
Faculty and Lecturers
Additional information about the Faculty and Lecturers below may be found in the Faculty and Academic Staff section of this catalog.
