Students will be knowledgeable of the most significant concepts in each of the major areas of political science (American institutions, international relations, public administration, public policy, comparative government, political theory, and research methods).
 

Students will be knowledgeable of the most significant empirical theories in each of the major areas of political science (American institutions, international relations, public administration, public policy, comparative government, political theory, and research methods).
 

Students will be knowledgeable of the political systems of Western Europe: Great Britain, France, and Germany.
 

Students will be knowledgeable of the major models of democracy: pluralist, majoritarian, elite, procedural, substantive, participatory and representative.
 

Students will be able to articulate the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary political systems: presidential, parliamentary, totalitarian, and authoritarian.
 

Students will be knowledgeable of the normative political theories that are the basis of the American political system.
 

Students will acquire a basic understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research designs, their associated research methodologies, which include (but are not limited to): statistical, aggregate, content, textual and case law analysis; participant observation; and true experimental designs. In addition, students will develop the skills needed to carry out literature reviews, data collection, and research designs.
 

Students will be able to analyze the causes of contemporary social problems utilizing theoretical perspectives and methods employed by political scientists.
 

Students will be able to identify practical solutions to social problems that take into account obstacles and opportunities in the political environment such as the legal structure, the organizational processes associated with bureaucratic organizations, and the attitudes of key political actors and the general public.
 

Students will acquire an understanding of how to effectively influence political decisions made by political elites in legislative bodies, bureaucratic organizations, political parties, organized interests, and judicial institutions.
 

Students will acquire an understanding of how individuals’ political attitudes are shaped by the most important agents of socialization: family members, schools, peers, news and entertainment media, and government institutions.