The Political Science program offers courses in American Politics, International Politics, and Law-related subjects. The study of Political Science develops students’ conceptual skills and provides them with the tools to analyze political concepts in broad perspective and make sense of new issues as they arise. In addition to knowledge of the subject, the program is designed to develop skills in critical thinking and written and oral expression, deepen commitment to social responsibility and political participation, and to position students to go on to graduate study and professional careers.
The program maintains affiliations with programs and centers across the University and within the community, which bring students into contact with scholars and practitioners from multiple academic fields. There are opportunities for students to learn outside of the classroom, for example through participation in internships and in the programs and research of Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics.
This section explains the discipline-specific goals and objectives of the Political Science program.
Demonstrate a knowledge of the political and judicial actors, institutions and processes of the government of the United States
Demonstrate a knowledge of past and present political actors and institutions through which world governments and organizations affect, promote, and implement public policies
Demonstrate the ability to recognize the influence of global forces and identify their connections to local and national developments
Program Competency: Critical Reading
Demonstrate ability to extract and interpret information from both primary and secondary sources and identify and critique and major arguments and evidence
Program Competency: Analytical Thinking
Demonstrate ability to identify strengths and weaknesses of arguments in the context of previously learned material
Program Competency: Problem Solving
Demonstrate ability to formulate hypotheses and research questions based on data
General Education Competency: Information Literacy
Demonstrate ability to locate and evaluate the perspective, quality and accuracy of information resources
General Education Competency: Written/Oral Communication
Demonstrate ability to utilize the proper methodologies necessary for writing a political science research paper
1 approved 3-credit internship (INTPOL 303)
5 additional 3-credit program electives, 3 at the 200-level and 2 at the 300-level or above
8 courses, exclusive of the Integrative Capstone:
an approved methods course in another discipline
4 additional 3 credit program electives, 3 at the 200-level and 1 at the 300-level or above.
+Pre-Law Minor Requirements
Chatham’s pre-law program is designed to encourage and support students with an interest in careers in law. It also helps students prepare to attend law school. The program includes the pre-law advisor, a pre-law minor, co-curricular programs offered in partnership with the PA Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy, and the support of an advisory committee.
Chatham University works collaboratively with Duquesne University and Stetson University to assist those student interested in pursuing a law degree. To learn more about this program, visit our Collaborative Programs Page.
POL303 Constitutional Law I: US Govt Powers/Relationships
This course examines the political science of law and courts through a consideration of the scope of Article III jurisdiction, bargaining and decision-making on the U.S. Supreme Court, and political struggles over doctrine within the judicial hierarchy. Topics include the ways in which courts have affected Congressional power over taxation and commerce and presidential domestic and international powers.
PHI121 Introduction to Logic
An introduction to critical thinking, induction, deduction, and contemporary symbolic logic including argument symbolization, proof construction, and truth tables.
IND104 LSAT Preparation
This course will help students prepare for the LSAT, by focusing on study skills particular to this examination.
+Political Science Minor Requirements
4 additional program electives, at least 1 at the 300-level or above.