Union University

Department of Political Science

Department of Political Science

Called the "queen of the sciences" by Aristotle because of its impact on law, society, philosophy, ethics, economics, and religion, political science is more than the study of government, political attitudes and behavior, and public policy. It is the study of people, their motives, their values, their relations with others, and the best way for individuals and groups to achieve their goals while improving society. Moreover, as Christians, the study of politics increases our understanding of God by learning how He wants us to live with others and how our faith leads us to be good stewards of our local, national, and global community. READ MORE

Consequently, the Department seeks to (1) create an active, informed citizenry capable of infl uencing government; (2) prepare students for a changing world by developing and refi ning their analytical, communication, and research skills; (3) foster the understanding of the role of Christians in the public square and the most effective means to renew society; (4) prepare students for graduate and professional opportunities in politics, law, public service in the U.S. and abroad, business, teaching, and other endeavors; and (5) develop students who can be leaders in political, social, and religious institutions.

To this end, the Department offers a broad range of courses that focus on how individuals and groups interact with governmental and global systems while preparing students to exercise leadership in our changing domestic and global worlds. Each student begins by orienting themselves to the discipline by taking classes in each of the subfi elds of political science (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Research Methods). Each student begins by orienting themselves to the discipline by taking classes in each of the subfields of political science (American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Research Methods). Then students take courses in both American and Global politics courses to ensure a balance in their studies while having additional hours to pursue their specific interests. Moreover, the Department encourages both practical and theoretical learning through internships and study abroad experiences which provide a broader understanding of other cultures and worldviews. Finally, the capstone experience provides students the opportunity to synthesize their knowledge in writing their senior thesis.

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10/27/11 - Peter Lawler, author and Dana Professor of Government, speaks to Union students and faculty about American feudalism and politics. - Zac Calvert
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Peter Lawler, author and Dana Professor of Government, speaks to Union students and faculty about American feudalism and politics. - Zac Calvert

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9/29/11 - Micah Watson, director of the center of politics and religion, introduces the speaker, Matthew Anderson.  - Anne Richoux
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Micah Watson, director of the center of politics and religion, introduces the speaker, Matthew Anderson. - Anne Richoux

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9/29/11 - Sean Evans, chair of the department of political science, talks to a group of Union students prior to Matthew Anderson's lecture.  - Anne Richoux
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Sean Evans, chair of the department of political science, talks to a group of Union students prior to Matthew Anderson's lecture. - Anne Richoux

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2/18/11 - Amer Lovelady, senior political science major, talks with fellow students during the student organization fair about her involvement with ONE, an international mission to fight extreme poverty and preventable disease. - Abigail Harris
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Amer Lovelady, senior political science major, talks with fellow students during the student organization fair about her involvement with ONE, an international mission to fight extreme poverty and preventable disease. - Abigail Harris

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Undergraduate Catalogues (.pdf)
Undergraduate Areas of Study
  • Political Science*

  • * Teacher Licensure Available
  • ** Secondary School Licensure is built around the student's majoring in the teaching field, such as Mathematics, PE, English, etc.
  • *** Indicates area of study available as a minor concentration; all others are available as a major concentration