Mission

The Bachelor of Arts program in Political Science/International Affairs trains students in comparative politics, international relations, and political theory, and in the methodology of political analysis. It provides students with the analytical skills to work in the governmental, corporate and NGO sectors. It also provides them with a strong research foundation to pursue graduate studies.  It further seeks to develop future leaders who recognize and value diversity in a variety of professional settings.

Program Educational Objectives

The purpose of the B.A. in Political Science & International Affairs is to:

1. Prepare graduates to pursue academic and/or professional careers in Political Science/International Affairs and related fields.
2. Graduate students who appreciate the diversity of perspectives and life experiences that influence the global political, social, and economic environment.
3. Graduate students who can integrate the gender, cultural, social, legal, and ethical issues inherent in the description and analysis of politics and international affairs.
4. Graduate students who have a strong foundation in the theories, concepts and research methods in political science/international affairs at the local, national and international levels.

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of the B.A. in Political Science & International Affairs, students will be able to:

1. Distinguish between the different areas of study in Political Science/International Affairs
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the principal concepts and theories in Political Science/ International Affairs.
3. Acquire research skills that are appropriate to Political Science/International Affairs.
4. Use learned concepts and theories to the analysis of local, regional and global issues.
5. Apply critical thinking in the analysis of politics and international affairs.
6. Acquire communication skills necessary to disseminate knowledge to diverse audiences.
7. Comply with the recognized ethical standards in the field.

Curriculum

A total of 92 credits are required to graduate, distributed as follows:

• Major Core Courses (24 credits)
• Major Electives (18 credits)
• LAS Core (6 credits)
• LAS Electives (21 credits)
• Free Electives (23 credits)

A senior study project is required for all students in addition to successful completion of the course of study.

Major Core Courses (24 credits)

• POL201 Introduction to Political Science (3 cr.)
• POL203 Government & Politics of Lebanon (3 cr.)
• POL210 Introduction to Political Thought (3 cr.)
• POL222 Comparative Political Systems (3 cr.)
• POL242 Introduction to International Relations (3 cr.)
• POL318 Research Methodology I (Qual.) (3 cr.)
• POL319 Research Methodology II (Quant.) (3 cr.)

Students have the choice to choose one of the following courses. Students who wish to register POL49X Undergraduate Research should have a minimum GPA of 3.2.

POL499R Undergraduate Research (3 cr.)
Or
POL499P Capstone Project (3 cr.)

Major Electives (18 credits)

Choose 6 courses from the lists below. Students should take a minimum of 2 400 level courses.

Global Governance

• POL324 Foreign Policy Analysis (3 cr.)
• POL325 Diplomatic and Consular Services (3 cr.)
• POL326 Politics of the European Union (3 cr.)
• POL327 Fundamentals of Security Studies (3 cr.)
• POL331 International Organization (3 cr.)
• POL332 Public International Law (3 cr.)
• POL346 International Political Economy (3 cr.)
• POL357 Globalization &Political Change (3 cr.)                     
• POL434 Topics in Global Governance (3 cr.)

Comparative Politics

• POL252 Fundamentals of Conflict Resolution (3 cr.)
• POL321 American Gov’t & Politics (3 cr.)
• POL328 Fundamentals of Public Policy (3 cr.)
• POL334 Negotiation and Bargaining (3 cr.)
• POL335 Politics of Multiculturalism (3 cr.)
• POL336 Politics of the Global South (3 cr.)
• POL435 Topics of Comparative Politics (3 cr.)

Middle East Politics

• POL323 M.E. Government and Politics (3 cr.)
• POL422 The M.E. in the World Affairs (3 cr.)
• POL436 Topics in Middle Eastern Studies (3 cr.)
• SOC321 Sociology of the Arab World (3 cr.)
• WOS313 Women in the Arab World (3 cr.)

LAS Core Courses (6 credits)

• ENG202 Advanced Academic English (3 cr.)
• COM203 Art of Public Communication (3 cr.)

LAS Electives (21 credits)

• Digital Cultures (3 cr.)
• Change Makers (6 cr.)
• Liberal Arts and Humanities (3 cr.)
• Liberal Arts Electives (9 cr.)

Free Electives (23 credits)