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.
Political science is the study of governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behavior. At Union, you can join a dynamic group of approximately 50 students who seek to use their knowledge and skills to become leaders who will improve their community, nation, and world.
With student teacher-ratios of about 10 to 1, students get individual attention from professors who know their students and their needs and work to develop all aspects of their analytical, research, and communication skills.
Consequently, Union political science students serve as White House Interns, receive Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships to pursue graduate studies abroad, and win Tennessee Political Science Association awards for best paper written in the state.
After they graduate, our students go to law, graduate, and divinity schools, work in politics running campaigns, working on Capitol Hill, or federal, state, or local government, work as journalists, teachers, businessmen and women, serve as pastors, and work for non-profit associations.
Please see the Academic Catalogue description for more detail.
Advisor: Dr. Sean Evans
The Union Pre-Law Society provides information regarding law school and job opportunities in the legal field and encourages the study of all facets of the law.
Kevin Cooney traveled to Japan last summer on a PEW research grant. He conducted research on the foreign policy decision making process of Japanese government officials. While in Japan he traveled to the city of Fukuoka to present a paper at the 20th International Political Science Association World Congress. The paper was entitled “Measuring Foreign Aid: Public vs. Private.” In February he presented a paper entitled “How the Powerful Think: Foreign Policy Making in Democratic Japan,” at the International Studies Association Annual Convention, Chicago based on his summer research. In August he was elected treasurer of Christians in Political Science and attended the American Political Science Convention in Philadelphia. In October his second book Japanese Foreign Policy Since 1945 was published by M.E. Sharpe Publishers and in November he signed a contract with Routledge Publishers for an edited volume tentatively entitled Rising China: America and East Asia Respond. (posted: May 22, 2007)
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