Political Science
http://www.whitworth.edu/politicalscience
 The Whitworth Political Science Department strives to embody the university’s education of mind and heart through excellent teaching, open and robust debate, active scholarship and personal mentoring. Our goal is to prepare students for careers in government and politics, law, humanitarian work, teaching, research and peacemaking, as well as for work in related fields, such as business or missions. The department is committed to providing students with the political knowledge and skills that will enable them to assume responsibility from the local level to the global community. Through the study of political theory and law, the analysis of a variety of political systems, internships and off-campus study, and rigorous research projects, faculty members challenge students to develop both the tools and the vision for understanding, nurturing and transforming the society in which they live. All of our courses are informed by a commitment to justice and reconciliation as articulated by the great political thinkers throughout history and, especially, as defined by the principles of the Christian faith.
The learning outcomes of this major prepare students in the following ways:
- With regard to knowledge, political science students will do the following:
- gain competency in the primary sub-fields of political science: American, comparative, international relations and theory/philosophy;
- develop an understanding of citizenship in the local, national and global community;
- understand the role of government and also the way nongovernmental actors (individuals, groups and institutions) can function in society to promote or undermine the common good.
- With regard to skills, political science students will become proficient in quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, written communication (policy papers, legal positions, literature reviews, and research papers), and oral communication (the ability to speak and listen, skills essential for public discourse). Above all, students will learn to exercise their skills as responsible citizens and as leaders in government, the private sector, education, and the community of faith.
- With regard to faith and values, political science students will learn civil and global responsibility, principled pluralism, and respect for the common good rather than self-interest. In addition, students will be able to articulate the philosophical or religious foundations of their political commitments, and they will be able to express those commitments in ways that are appropriate in a multicultural and multi-faith society and world.
Requirements for a Cross-Cultural Studies Major, Political Science Emphasis, B.A. (51) |
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| PO 102 | American National Politics | 3 | | PO 151 | International Relations | 3 | | PO 240 | Comparative Politics | 4 | | PO 498W | Senior Seminar | 3 | | | | 6 | | Chinese Gardens and Temples | | | Precolumbian Art and Architecture | | | Modern Latin American Art | | | Modern Global Literature | | | Introduction to Linguistics | | | Advanced Oral French in Guadeloupe | | | Latin American Short Story I | | | Latin American Short Story II | | | Survey of Spanish Literature I | | | Survey of Spanish Literature II | | | Advanced Oral Spanish in Mexico | | | 9 | | Political History of Beijing | | | Cultural Odyssey of China | | | Latin American Culture and Civilization | | | Political History of Beijing | | | Cultural Odyssey of China | | | History of Vietnam War | | | History of Latin America | | | Cultural History of China and Japan | | | Modern China and East Asia | | | Colonialism and Globalization | | | Medieval Russia: Mongols and Madmen | | | The French Revolution | | | African Life and Culture | | | Latin American Politics | | | Peace and Conflict in Ireland | | | Contemporary Africa | | | Contemporary South Africa | | | Contemporary China and East Asia | | | Globalization in Southeast Asia | | | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union | | | Sociology of Middle-Eastern Society | | | 6 | | Environment and Society | | | Economic Development | | | Nonviolent Defense and Conflict Resolution | | | International Political Economy | | | International Development | | | Revolution in History | | | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology in Hawaii - Jan Term Off-Campus Program | | | World Religions | | | 3 | | | | 14 | | |
Requirements for an International Studies Major, Political Science Emphasis, B.A. (46) |
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| EC 211 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 | | PO 102 | American National Politics | 3 | | PO 151 | International Relations | 3 | | PO 240 | Comparative Politics | 4 | | PO 498W | Senior Seminar | 3 | | | | 6 | | | | 12 | | Political History of Beijing | | | Cultural Odyssey of China | | | Latin American Culture and Civilization | | | Political History of Beijing | | | Cultural Odyssey of China | | | History of Latin America | | | Cultural History of China and Japan | | | Modern China and East Asia | | | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union | | | The French Revolution | | | African Life and Culture | | | Peace and Conflict in Ireland | | | Contemporary Africa | | | Contemporary South Africa | | | Contemporary China and East Asia | | | Globalization in Southeast Asia | | | Sociology of Middle-Eastern Society | | | Latin American Politics | | | 9 | | Environment and Society | | | Colonialism and Globalization | | | U.S. Foreign Policy in Film | | | History of Vietnam War | | | Nonviolent Defense and Conflict Resolution | | | History of Vietnam War | | | Gender, Politics and Law | | | International Political Economy | | | Marxism and the Socialist World | | | International Development | | | Revolution in History | | | American Foreign Policy | | | 3 | | |
Requirements for a Peace Studies Major, BA (46) |
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| 13 | | American National Politics | | | International Relations | | | Comparative Politics | | | Nonviolent Defense and Conflict Resolution | | | 3 | | | | Ethics | | | Biblical Theme of Shalom | | | 6 | | | | Holocaust Literature | | | World at War: 1900-1945 | | | History of Latin America | | | History of Vietnam War | | | Latin American Politics | | | History of Vietnam War | | | Contemporary Africa | | | Contemporary South Africa | | | Contemporary China and East Asia | | | Revolution in History | | | American Foreign Policy | | | Sociology of Middle-Eastern Society | | | 6 | | | | Economics of Social Issues | | | Economics of Social Issues | | Environment and Society | | | Economic Development | | | Conflict Mediation | | | Poverty and Community Development | | | Globalization, Ecology, Gender in Central America | | | Development Strategies in Central America | | | International Political Economy | | | International Development | | | Population, Environment and Society | | | Deviance, Crime and Criminal Justice | | | Social Stratification: Power, Prestige And Wealth | | | Cities and Urban Life | | | Intro Women's and Gender Studies | | | 6 | | | | Identity, Race, and Power in American Life | | | African Life and Culture | | | Law and Society | | | Peace and Conflict in Ireland | | | Gender, Politics and Law | | | Marxism and the Socialist World | | | Race and Ethnicity | | | Small Group Communication | | | Intercultural Communication | | | World Religions | | | 3 | | | | Senior Seminar | | | Making Change: Social Intervention Strategies | | | 6 | | 3 | | Internship | | | |
Requirements for a Political Science Major, B.A. (41-43) |
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| PO 102 | American National Politics | 3 | | PO 151 | International Relations | 3 | | PO 240 | Comparative Politics | 4 | | PO 498W | Senior Seminar | 3 | | 9 | | U.S. Foreign Policy in Film | | | History of Vietnam War | | | Law and Society | | | Politics, Media and Pop Culture | | | American Political Parties | | | Poverty and Community Development | | | History of Vietnam War | | | The American Presidency | | | Modern Congress | | | Gender, Politics and Law | | | American Constitutional Law | | | American Foreign Policy | | | 6 | | Environment and Society | | | Gender, Politics and Law | | | Social-Political Philosophy | | | American Constitutional Law | | | Marxism and the Socialist World | | | Western Political Thought | | | American Political Thought | | | 6 | | African Life and Culture | | | U.S. Foreign Policy in Film | | | History of Vietnam War | | | Political History of Beijing | | | Cultural Odyssey of China | | | Latin American Politics | | | History of Vietnam War | | | Peace and Conflict in Ireland | | | Contemporary Africa | | | Contemporary South Africa | | | Contemporary China and East Asia | | | Globalization in Southeast Asia | | | International Political Economy | | | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union | | | International Development | | | Revolution in History | | | American Foreign Policy | | | International Law | | | 6 | | 1-3 | | Internship | |
Pre-Law Advising
Pre-law advisor: Julia Stronks
Whitworth’s rigorous liberal arts education is ideal training for law school and the legal profession. Recent graduates have been accepted into law schools at Yale, Stanford, Duke, Harvard, University of Michigan, Cornell and University of Washington, and Whitworth alumni are working at some of the most successful law firms in Washington and around the United States. Pre-law students are welcome to select any liberal arts major, but they may find the most relevant law school preparation in programs offered through the departments of history, political science, literature, philosophy, economics, sociology, psychology, mathematics and science. Regardless of students’ majors, Whitworth prepares its graduates to succeed in law school by equipping them with a broad knowledge base and strong analytic, critical-thinking and communication skills. In addition, the pre-law advisor actively assists students in developing an appropriate course plan and making arrangements for taking the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and applying for law school. While Whitworth does not have a designated pre-law curriculum, the following courses are recommended:
Note: Study abroad is strongly recommended.
Requirements for a Minor in Community Engagement and Transformation (18) |
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| TH 256, 356 | Biblical Theme of Shalom | 3 | | 3 | | Poverty and Community Development | | | Psychology of Poverty and Social Class | | | Cities and Urban Life | | | 12 | | |
Requirements for a Minor in Peace Studies (15) |
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| PO 297 | Nonviolent Defense and Conflict Resolution | 3 | | 12 |
Requirements for a Minor in Political Science (18) |
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| PO 102 | American National Politics | 3 | | PO 151 | International Relations | 3 | | 3 | | 3 | | 6 |
Courses
| PO 102 American National Politics | 3 |
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Overview of founding principles, political culture decision-making processes and institutions of American government. | |
| PO 104 Political History of Beijing | 3 |
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Provides historical understanding of the political and social history of China's capital city, Beijing. Listed in both political science and history. | |
| PO 105 Cultural Odyssey of China | 3 |
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Provides historical understanding of the cultural and religious history of China through its imperial and modern eras. Listed in both political science and history. | |
| PO 140 African Life and Culture | 3 |
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Examination of representative African peoples, countries, lifestyles, and beliefs. Topics covered will include media coverage of Africa, traditional and modernizing influences on African lives today, Africans as global citizens, health, gender, religion and rites of passage. Jan Term. | |
| PO 151 International Relations | 3 |
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This course is a balance between understanding the key issues in international relations and the perspectives that help explain those issues. Foreign policy behavior of major states, traditional and recent security issues, cause of war and conflicts, impact of independence. Fall and spring semesters. | |
| PO 191 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| PO 192 Foreign Study/Exchange | 1-17 |
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| PO 196 Topics in Political Science | 1-3 |
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Selected topics in political studies. | |
| PO 205 U.S. Foreign Policy in Film | 3 |
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An analysis of the history, processes and institutions involved in making U.S. foreign policy. The global response to U.S. foreign policy is also prominently featured. Case studies drawn from film where IR and Foreign Policy are emphasized. Periodic offering, Jan Term. | |
| PO 209 History of Vietnam War | 3 |
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The causes of America's involvement in the war in Vietnam, the military strategies employed, the political decision-making, and the effects of the war on American society will be examined. Particular attention will be paid to the lessons of war. Periodic offering. Also listed as PO 309. | |
| PO 223 Law and Society | 3 |
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The role of law in society. Participants in the legal system (lawyers, judges, police, juries), study of the structure of the judicial system, trial procedures. Periodic offering. | |
| PO 224 Conflict Mediation | 3 |
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This course is designed to prepare students to practice mediation in relationships, personal interaction, and as a mediator assisting in conflict resolution. Emphasis will be placed on transformative mediation. Course objectives will target three student groups: a.) All students will acquire the knowledge of what conflict resolution is, the history of mediation, various styles and strategies, and basic skills for mediation. b.) Students with career interest in mediation will acquire sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience to gain basic competency, enabling them to identify themselves as mediators, and to function as such when requested by parties to assist in conflict resolution. c.) Students seeking certification as transformative mediators will complete either eight co-mediation sessions or 12 hours of co-mediation experience. After completion of PO 224, required co-mediation experience involving both self- and outside-evaluation, and a review process, students will be certified by Whitworth University as Transformative Mediators. Jan Term. | |
| PO 225 Politics, Media and Pop Culture | 3 |
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Politics often occurs 'downstream' of culture in the United States; this course will examine the interplay between the two, giving special attention to contemporary forms of popular culture such as music, film, television, and literature. Jan term. | |
| PO 240 Comparative Politics | 4 |
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Different governmental styles and political life of selected European, Asian and Latin-American governments. Comparisons of government structures, functions and outcomes. The course will examine democratic, authoritarian, patron-client and revolutionary systems. | |
| PO 242 American Political Parties | 3 |
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The role and functioning of parties in American politics and government. Interest groups, political action committees, campaigning and voting behavior are also examined. | |
| PO 247 Contemporary Korea | 3 |
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Interpretation of recent events in North and South Korea. South Korea's transition from dictatorship to democracy and its growth into an economic powerhouse 6 two successes that many developing countries would like to emulate. The North Korean nuclear threat and negotiations to end it. The fragile detente between North and South Korea, and the controversial U.S. role in Korea. Fulfills the Global Perspectives requirement. | |
| PO 250 Environment and Society | 3 |
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Studies the role of markets, governments, and civil society in shaping the way people behave toward the environment, focusing on the concept of sustainability in terms of society, economics and the environment. Because people interact in a variety of ways, the course moves from local to global and focuses on issues at each level. Also listed as EC 250. | |
| PO 275 Poverty and Community Development | 3 |
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Examines the changing tasks of cities and states in managing our societal future and the effectiveness of structures and policies. Highlights the politics of welfare and affirmative action. | |
| PO 291 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| PO 293 Great Decisions | 1 |
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Participation in series of lectures and discussions on crucial foreign policy issues. Written responses to presentations. Spring semester. | |
| PO 297 Nonviolent Defense and Conflict Resolution | 3 |
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Major themes in the history and politics of nonviolence. Just War theory, nuclear pacifism, alternatives to military force, interpersonal conflict resolution. Ideas of Jesus, Tolstoy, Gandhi, Niebuhr, M.L. King, Jr., Gene Sharp. | |
| PO 302 Legal Issues in Social & Behavioral Studies | 3 |
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This course presents a brief historic overview of the American judicial system, and a comprehensive study of our contemporary legal processes and systems, with emphasis on issues and tensions between the legal system, societal norms, and individual interest. | |
| PO 304W Political History of Beijing | 3 |
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Provides historical understanding of the political and social history of China's capital city, Beijing. Listed in both political science and history. | |
| PO 305W Cultural Odyssey of China | 3 |
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Provides historical understanding of the cultural and religious history of China through its imperial and modern eras. Listed in both political science and history. | |
| PO 307 Latin American Politics | 3 |
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Explores the wide range of problems facing Latin-American societies based on their past underdevelopment. Takes a thematic approach, focusing on subjects as diverse as the military, peasants, Indians, U.S. foreign policy, multinational corporations, urbanization and education. Builds an understanding of Latin America using the resources of sociology. Prerequisite: SO 120. Fall semester. | |
| PO 309 History of Vietnam War | 3 |
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Also listed as PO 209. | |
| PO 310 Research Methods in Political Science | 3 |
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An introduction to the methods of research used by political scientists. Attention is given to survey research, polling, public opinion and data analysis. The course is highly recommended for students' interested graduate studies in social science, political science, policy studies, or foreign affairs. Prerequisites: PO 102 and PO 240. | |
| PO 312 South Africa Program Preparation | 1 |
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| PO 314 Tanzania Program Preparation | 1 |
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Preparation course for all students who will be part of the Semester in Tanzania program. Emphasis on the politics, history, economics, religion and culture of Tanzania. | |
| PO 315 Understanding Global Issues | 3 |
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This course provides an opportunity to learn about and reflect upon current issues in today's world. Issues covered will include the concept of human rights, war and peace, economic development, ethnicity, diversity, and environmental degradation. Continuing studies only. | |
| PO 316 Ireland Preparation | 1 |
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Preparation course for Peace and Conflict in Northern Ireland. Acceptance into PO 326 required. | |
| PO 318 Globalization, Ecology, Gender in Central America | 4 |
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Examination of the interconnected aspects of globalization, gender and ecology in Central America, in the light of the conceptions of biblical and social justice. Prerequisites: SO 307. Every third spring semester in Central America. | |
| PO 320 American Political Process | 3 |
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This course focuses on Western political theory and its intersection with public administration. Particular focus will be placed on issues related to social services. Required course for the social services major. Continuing studies only. | |
| PO 326 Peace and Conflict in Ireland | 3 |
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Explores of the historical, political, and religious roots of "the Troubles" in Northern Ireland as well as examines the prospects for peace in the region. Explores the ways in which this divided society copes with the attendant political, economic and social problems of religion, peace and conflict. Prerequisite: selection by instructor; sophomore standing. Periodic offering in Ireland. | |
| PO 327 Contemporary Europe | 3 |
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Periodic offering. | |
| PO 331 The American Presidency | 3 |
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Constitutional development of the office. Executive branch relations with Congress, the bureaucracy, the judiciary, the media and the public. | |
| PO 332 Modern Congress | 3 |
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Evolution of Congress and its relationship to modern society, the bureaucracy and the executive. Special focus on the process of (and participants in) policy making. | |
| PO 334 Gender, Politics and Law | 3 |
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Issues related to gender in American political history. Theoretical foundation of the women's movement; current political conflict related to gender in workplace, family, and society. | |
| PO 336 Social-Political Philosophy | 3 |
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An examination of the nature of justice and the extents of our social obligations. Considers both historical and contemporary sources, the latter including feminist and multicultural thinkers. Covers both theory and particular issues, like just war, economics and justice, rights to free expression, etc. Also listed as PH 336. | |
| PO 340 Contemporary Africa | 3 |
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Recent colonial and independence history of principal African countries. Traditional setting, cultural change, modern philosophies of political and economic development. Also listed as HI 340. | |
| PO 341 Contemporary South Africa | 3 |
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Analysis of the history, politics and religion of this strife-torn region of the African continent. Emphasis on the stress and conflicts between Africans, the British and the Afrikaners in the early years and on recent attempts to dismantle the apartheid system. Also listed as HI 341 and SO 341. Periodic Jan Term in South Africa. | |
| PO 345 Development Strategies in Central America | 4 |
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A service-learning and field development experience with agencies such as the Center for Christian Development, World Vision, Habitat for Humanity and other in Central America. Prerequisite: PO 307. Every third spring semester in Central America. | |
| PO 346 Contemporary China and East Asia | 3 |
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Interpretation of recent events in China, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, through the cultural, historic, economic and institutional aspects of these societies. | |
| PO 347 Globalization in Southeast Asia | 3 |
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This course serves as a thematic overview of the political, social, cultural, and economic processes shaping Southeast Asia today. We investigate how Southeast Asia countries address and respond to the themes of democratization, liberalization and the environment. | |
| PO 353 International Political Economy | 3 |
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Progress of people in organizing beyond national borders; prospects for a world community based on world law. Advanced study in international relations. | |
| PO 364W American Constitutional Law | 3 |
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Examination of key Supreme Court decisions involving separation of powers, national regulation of the economy, church and state, civil rights and civil liberties. Prerequisite: PO 102. | |
| PO 366 Modern Russia and the Soviet Union | 3 |
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Also listed as HI 366. Periodic offering. | |
| PO 371 Introduction to Public Administration | 3 |
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An introduction to key elements in public administration. Organization theory, management of human resources, budgeting theories and evaluation of employees will be key topics. Periodic offering. | |
| PO 391 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| PO 392 Foreign Study/Exchange | 1-17 |
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| PO 395 Teaching Assistantship | 1-4 |
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| PO 396 Topics in Political Science | 1-3 |
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Study of selected topics in political studies. | |
| PO 421 Faith and Politics | 3 |
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Politics is a window through which one explores the ways that biblical virtues such as justice, compassion, mercy, equity, humility and integrity offer viable alternatives to the cultural norms evident in our society. We will consider the role that Christianity can play in American public policy, focusing on the evangelical, Reformed, Catholic and Anabaptist traditions. Students will develop expertise in a policy area of their choice. Research intensive. | |
| PO 423W Marxism and the Socialist World | 3 |
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Focus on Marx's critique of capitalism. Later interpretations and application of Marx's theories in a variety of revolutions, from those of the Soviet Union, China, Yugoslavia and Cuba to current upheavals in the socialist world. Also listed as PH 423W. Periodic offering. | |
| PO 425W International Development | 3 |
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This course focuses on the challenges faced by poor countries located in the global south. It will include discussion of the political, cultural, social and economic factors that influence human development. We will practice applying major social science theories to specific, practical development problems. Attention will also be paid to the impact of globalization on the developing world. Regions discussed will include Latin America, Africa, Asia and eastern Europe. | |
| PO 433W Western Political Thought | 3 |
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Liberalism and pluralism--completing voices in Western political thought--are examined and critiqued. | |
| PO 434W American Political Thought | 3 |
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Principal ideas influencing American political institutions and policies. Rights, theories, the influence of faith and the development of our law are considered. | |
| PO 445 Revolution in History | 3 |
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Theory and history of revolution in Western Civilization. The Great Rebellion in England and revolutions in American, France, Russia, and China. Contemporary revolutionary movements in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Also listed as HI 445. Periodic offering. | |
| PO 463 American Foreign Policy | 3 |
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Major themes, debates, patterns and precedents of American foreign policy, emphasizing 20th-century diplomatic issues. | |
| PO 465 International Law | 3 |
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International law is a tough but interesting concept. Domestic law is positive law, which means that it is written down. Natural law is that which is written on our hearts. International law lives somewhere between the two. Part of it is written down; part of it is written on our hearts. You will make yourself crazy if you cannot allow yourself to live halfway between the concrete and the ephemeral for three months. We'll be looking at the law that binds nations. Sometimes nations are bound when they give their permission; sometimes they are bound in an absolute sense. But, there is no enforcement of this binding law. If there is no enforcement, why does it exist? Who obeys it? Who decides what it is? Is it real? These are the questions that connect all the units of the semester. Prerequisite: PO 364W. | |
| PO 491 Independent Study | 1-4 |
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| PO 495 Teaching Assistantship | 1-4 |
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| PO 498W Senior Seminar | 3 |
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In-depth research paper. Skills for graduate study and/or management positions in domestic and international affairs. Fall & Spring semesters. | |
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Dean of Arts and Sciences
NOELLE WIERSMA Chair
KATHRYN LEE Professors
KATHRYN LEEJULIA STRONKSJOHN YODER Associate professor
PATRICK VAN INWEGEN Assistant professor
MEGAN HERSHEY Visiting assistant professor
MICHAEL ARTIME
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