2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Nov 21, 2024

2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Combined Political Science, BA & International and Comparative Politics, MA

Program Description

The combined B.A./M.A. degree program allows students to earn a B.A. in Political Science and an M.A. in International & Comparative Politics sooner, with up to nine (9) semester credit hours of graduate electives at the 6000 level (in political science) or 5000-6000 level (outside political science) able to be double-counted and applied to both the B.A. and M.A. degree requirements.

Admission Requirements

To participate in the combined-degree program, students must meet the following qualifications:

Senior standing for the semester they start the combined-degree program.
3.0 or better cumulative grade point average on all undergraduate work
Undergraduate advisor’s approval, and
A recommendation from the Political Science advisor to be accepted in the program

Admission Process

At the end of their junior year, students who wish to pursue a combined B.A./M.A. degree should submit to the Graduate School an application for the combined degree program. Additionally, required documents include: (1) a WSU transcript; (2) A program of study approved by both the Political Science undergraduate advisor and ICP program director.

BA Program Learning Objectives

Students in the BA in Political Science will learn to:

apply analytical tools to analyze problems relevant to the public sector or the nonprofit sector.
use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate local, national, or global political, legal, or social issues.
communicate effectively in writing.
demonstrate an understanding of the value of diversity and multicultural competence in today’s global environment.

BA Program Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with the BA in Political Science can:

apply analytical tools to analyze problems relevant to the public sector or the nonprofit sector.
use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate local, national, or global political, legal, or social issues.
communicate effectively in writing.
demonstrate an understanding of the value of diversity and multicultural competence in today’s global environment.

MA Program Learning Objectives

Students will:

demonstrate an understanding of the value of diversity and multicultural competence in today’s global environment.
communicate effectively in writing.
Use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate global political, economic, or social issues.

MA Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing the program can:

Apply knowledge of theory and methods from core courses to answer exam questions about the state of International and Comparative Politics
Evaluate the literature in a chosen major field in response to exam questions from areas of International and Comparative Politics
Demonstrate adequate grasp of the core and elective materials to merit a Masters Degree in International and Comparative Politics
Accurately summarize materials from the coursework of the student’s designed Program of Study

For More Information

Undergraduate Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 38 Hours

Element 1: Communication: 6 Hours

Element 2: Mathematics: 3 Hours

Element 3: Global Traditions: 6 Hours

Element 4: Arts and Humanities: 3 Hours

Element 5: Social Sciences: 6 Hours

Required

PLS 2000 - Power and Politics Credit Hour(s): 3

Element 6: Natural Sciences: 8 Hours

Additional Core Courses: 6 Hours

LA 1020 - First-Year Seminar in Liberal Arts Credit Hour(s): 3

II. College Requirements: 18-22 Hours

Foreign Language: 12-16 Hours

Through 2020 level (1010, 1020, 2010, 2020) of one language:

Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Greek, Latin, Chinese, American Sign Language or other.

Methods of Inquiry: 6 Hours

PHL 3000 - Critical Thinking Credit Hour(s): 3
Research Methods - One course from approved list Credit Hour(s): 3

III. Departmental Requirements: 42 Hours

Complete A through C below:

A. Core

Six credit hours required from the following:

PLS 2120 - American National Government Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 2220 - International Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
OR
PLS 2510 - Comparative Nonwestern Social Systems Credit Hour(s): 3

B. Area Requirements

18 credit hours required. Choose six hours from each of the three areas listed below.

C. Major Electives

18 credit hours required. Choose 18 hours of any upper-level PLS courses with a minimum of 3 hours at the 4000-level.

Law & Government Option

Students who want this focus may choose the Law and Government Option (6 hours, plus 12 hours of additional PLS electives).

American Institutions & Politics (3 hours)
PLS 3310 - Political Parties Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 3350 - The American Presidency Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 3370 - The Legislative Process Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 3450 - Public Administration Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4030 - Campaigns and Elections Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4300 - American Government Seminar Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4460 - Public Budgeting Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4820 - State Legislative Internship Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4822 - Congressional District Internship Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4823 - Campaign Internship Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4824 - Local/City Internship Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4825 - Washington, DC Internship Credit Hour(s): 3
Legal System & Perspective (3 hours)
PLS 3400 - Law and Society Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 3410 - Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 3420 - Civil Liberties I: First Amendment Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 3430 - Civil Liberties II: Due Process Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 3440 - Police Procedures and Operations Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 3750 - Human Rights in United States Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4040 - Struggles for Civil Rights in America Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4150 - Law, Lawyers and the System Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4160 - Sex and the Law Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4170 - Appellate Politics and Moot Court Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4210 - American Constitutional Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4260 - Supreme Court in American Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4360 - Criminal Law Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4370 - Criminal Procedure Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4380 - Environmental Law and Policy Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4390 - Bioethics and Law Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4400 - Constitutional Law Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4410 - Natural Resources Law Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4420 - Criminal Justice System Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4440 - Topics in Criminal Justice Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4480 - Gender Violence & American Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4710 - International Law Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4821 - Pre-Law Internship Credit Hour(s): 3

IV. Electives: 18-22 Hours

Total: 120 Hours

Of the 120 hours for the BA, 9 may come from graduate courses, making the functional number of hours needed 111 if 9 graduate hours are taken at the undergraduate level.

Dual Counted Courses

PLS 6030 - Campaigns and Elections Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6050 - Political Polarization in American Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6060 - Globalization Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6100 - Political Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6270 - Public Policy Analysis Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6280 - National Security Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6300 - American Government Seminar Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6320 - International Politics of Cyber Security Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6330 - Public Opinion Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6340 - Political Leadership Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6350 - Seminar - Political Corruption Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6490 - Intl Politics- Gender Violence Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6510 - Contemporary African Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6520 - International Human Rights Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6530 - Politics of Russia Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6540 - Politics of the Middle East Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6550 - Politics of Iraq Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6560 - Politics of Europe Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6570 - Politics of Developing Nations Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6580 - Latin American Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6590 - Contemporary Brazil Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6600 - Seminar in Comparative Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6610 - Comparative Social Movements Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6620 - US- India-Pakistan-Afghan Relations Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6650 - Politics of Nationalism Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6660 - Political Institutions and Issues- South Asia Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6670 - Chinese Domestic Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6710 - International Law Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6720 - Terrorism and Counterterrorism Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6730 - American Foreign Policy Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6750 - Weapons of Mass Destruction Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6770 - International Organization Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6850 - Chinese Foreign Policy Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6860 - Model United Nations Seminar Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6870 - Politics of Intelligence Gathering Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6871 - Fundamentals of Intelligence Tradecraft: Research, Analysis, Writing, and Briefing Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6880 - Conflict Resolution Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6881 - Diplomacy & Negotiation Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6890 - Foreign Service Seminar Credit Hour(s): 1

Graduate Program Core Requirements

The ICP MA requires a minimum 30 hours, including:

3 core seminars (9 hrs):

PLS 7030 - Research Design Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 7200 - IR Theory Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 7300 - Theories of Comparative Politics Credit Hour(s): 3

The ICP MA requires methodology credit through demonstrated or earned foreign language coursework at the 3000/5000 level, or PLS 7010 (Statistics).

Electives

ICP Major Field: 5-7 Courses

ICP Students choose a major area of concentration, which should dovetail with the interests and options of the Political Science major area of concentration. Internships or practicum may count as one of these courses, with Program Director permission. Students are not permitted to count “Independent Readings” courses (PLS 6910) toward this total.

How many classes are required depends on the Track chosen in the ICP MA Program: Research or Exam.

RESEARCH TRACK: 5 COURSES

Students on the Research track must take 5 courses of major field electives in a related field to help develop expertise in their intended area of research. Major Fields of Concentration include: Area Studies; Conflict and Security Studies; Intelligence Studies; and Democracy & Rights.

EXAM TRACK: 7 COURSES

Students on the Exam track must take 7 courses of major field electives, in preparation for the general exam. Major Fields of Concentration include: Area Studies; Conflict and Security Studies; Intelligence Studies; and Democracy & Rights.

Exam, Thesis, or Project: 1 or 8 Hours

ICP students must choose to do a thesis or project within the Research Track, or to take general exams within the Exam Track.

RESEARCH TRACK - THESIS OR PROJECT: 8 HOURS

For those on the Research Track of our MA Program, students choose to do a thesis or project totaling 8 hours. Course permission required in consultation with Thesis Adviser or Project Director.

PLS 7980 - Graduate Project 8 Credit Hours

PLS 7990 - Graduate Thesis Research 8 Credit Hours

EXAM TRACK: 1 HOUR

PLS 7970 - Graduate General Examination Credit Hour(s): 1 *

Each Fall or Spring semester, by permission, repeatable

Total ICP Hours: 30

Graduate Courses

PLS 6030 - Campaigns and Elections Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6050 - Political Polarization in American Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6060 - Globalization Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6100 - Political Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6270 - Public Policy Analysis Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6280 - National Security Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6300 - American Government Seminar Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6320 - International Politics of Cyber Security Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6330 - Public Opinion Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6340 - Political Leadership Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6350 - Seminar - Political Corruption Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6490 - Intl Politics- Gender Violence Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6530 - Politics of Russia Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6540 - Politics of the Middle East Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6550 - Politics of Iraq Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6560 - Politics of Europe Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6570 - Politics of Developing Nations Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6580 - Latin American Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6590 - Contemporary Brazil Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6600 - Seminar in Comparative Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6610 - Comparative Social Movements Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6620 - US- India-Pakistan-Afghan Relations Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6650 - Politics of Nationalism Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6660 - Political Institutions and Issues- South Asia Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6670 - Chinese Domestic Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6710 - International Law Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6720 - Terrorism and Counterterrorism Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6730 - American Foreign Policy Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6750 - Weapons of Mass Destruction Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6770 - International Organization Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6850 - Chinese Foreign Policy Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6860 - Model United Nations Seminar Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6870 - Politics of Intelligence Gathering Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6871 - Fundamentals of Intelligence Tradecraft: Research, Analysis, Writing, and Briefing Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6880 - Conflict Resolution Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 6881 - Diplomacy & Negotiation Credit Hour(s): 3