Nathaniel Birkhead​, Head

101D Calvin Hall
785-532-6842

E-mail: polsci@k-state.edu
www.k-state.edu/polsci

The major in political science acquaints students with political aspects of society and encourages them to develop a critical and imaginative perspective on public issues. The program in political science provides the foundation for a liberal education, including the intellectual skills of critical analysis, writing, and discussion. It also emphasizes the importance of continuing involvement in political activity and public affairs. These educational experiences prepare our students for a variety of careers in fields including public service, business, teaching, research, journalism, public relations, and administration.

A political science major should complete a broad liberal arts program that includes study in related social sciences and provides familiarity with computer applications, statistics, and mathematics as basic tools describing and explaining political phenomena.

Advising and specialized curricula

Advising by faculty members

Advising is undertaken by Kathy Lillich (117A Calvin Hall) and Dr. John Fliter (101A Calvin Hall). For advising appointments or questions please contact by phone at 532-0642.

Specialized curricula

The department participates in a number of interdisciplinary curricula and activities and encourages students to take advantage of these. In most instances, the requirements for these programs or secondary majors also fulfill college or political science department requirements, making it possible to finish both the major and a secondary major within the required 120 hours for graduation. More extensive information on these programs and secondary majors is available through the links provided.

International and Area studies

Students interested in the multidisciplinary study of the relations among countries, or in the study of world regions, may wish to pursue a secondary major in international and area studies. For more information, contact the International and Area Studies, 104 Eisenhower Hall.

Gender, Women, and Sexuality studies

The Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies minor focuses on analyzing personal experience and social institutions as they shape and are shaped by gender, sex, sexuality, race/ethnicity, class, (dis)-ability and global location. This analysis enables both an understanding of oppression as well as a vision of social equity and justice. For more information contact the Social Transformative Studies program, 3 Leasure Hall.

American ethnic studies

The American Ethnic Studies minor focuses on how race and ethnic understandings have been shaped across history. It explores Native American, African American, Mexican/Latina/o American, and Asian American historical and cultural dynamics and prepare students to function productively in today’s multicultural society. For more information, contact the Social Transformative Studies program, 3 Leasure Hall.

Internships and community service for credit

Students may gain practical experience and academic credit by participating in internships in city, county, state, national, or international governments and organizations or through K-State’s Community Service program. Contact Department Head Nathaniel Birkhead, 101C Calvin Hall. birkhead@ksu.edu.

Study abroad for credit

Opportunities exist for summer, one semester, or a full year of study abroad in many countries. These are coordinated through the Education Abroad Office on campus. Credits earned may be transferred back to K-State in consultation with appropriate departmental faculty. Many programs are exchanges where tuition costs are the same as studying at K-State. Contact the Education Abroad Office, 304 Fairchild Hall.

Primary Texts Certificate

Students can earn a certificate in the study of arts and science through primary texts while fulfilling Political Science and other required credit hours. This program focuses on learning subjects through reading original works instead of textbooks, and courses tend to emphasize communications skills. Contact the director of the certificate, Professor Laurie Johnson, 214 Calvin Hall, lauriej@ksu.edu, http://www.k-state.edu/artsci/primary/.

Programs

Accelerated

• •  Accelerated B.A./B.S. in Political Science and M.A. in Security Studies
• •  Accelerated B.A./B.S. in Political Science and Masters of Public Administration

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

• •  Political Science B.A./B.S.

Minor

• •  Middle East Studies Minor

Non-Degree Seeking

• •  African Studies Minor
• •  Political Science Minor
• •  Pre-Law in the Department of Political Science

Courses

Political Science

• •  POLSC 785 - Readings in Political Science
• •  POLSC 787 - Teaching Citizenship
• •  POLSC 788 - Teaching the Constitutional Principles of America’s Founders
• •  POLSC 789 - Methods and Materials in Civic Education
• •  POLSC 790 - Problems in Political Science
• •  POLSC 791 - Topics in Political Science
• •  POLSC 799 - Pro-Seminar in Political Science
• •  POLSC 805 - Seminar in American Government
• •  POLSC 810 - Security Studies Methodology
• •  POLSC 811 - Seminar in International Politics
• •  POLSC 812 - Foundations of Security Studies
• •  POLSC 813 - International Security
• •  POLSC 814 - Terrorism and Transnational Security Issues
• •  POLSC 815 - Research Design in Security Studies
• •  POLSC 821 - Seminar: Political Thought
• •  POLSC 831 - Public Administration Capstone
• •  POLSC 841 - Seminar: Comparative Politics
• •  POLSC 842 - Seminar in Comparative Ideologies
• •  POLSC 897 - Internship
• •  POLSC 898 - Master’s Report
• •  POLSC 899 - Master’s Thesis
• •  POLSC 900 - Advanced Research Methods I
• •  POLSC 901 - Advanced Research Methods II
• •  POLSC 985 - Readings in Security Studies
• •  POLSC 991 - Topics in Security Studies
• •  POLSC 999 - PhD Research in Security Studies