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Political Science

http://www.whitworth.edu/politicalscience

Poltical ScienceThe 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 the student in the following ways:

  1. With regard to knowledge, political science students will:

    • 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
  1. 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.
     
  2. 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)
PO 102American National Politics3
PO 151International Relations3
PO 240WComparative Politics4
PO 498WSenior Seminar3
Courses of study in culture and language other than the student’s own. (Courses should be in sociology, history, political science, literature or the arts, or in the established courses of Whitworth semester-abroad programs. Courses not on the following list may count for the major if approved by the cross-cultural studies advisor.)
Fine Arts and Humanities6
AR 114
Chinese Gardens and Temples
AR 267
Precolumbian Art and Architecture
AR 269
Modern Latin American Art
EL 251
Modern Global Literature
EL 453
Introduction to Linguistics
FR 431
Advanced Oral French Abroad
SN 406W
Latin American Short Story I
SN 407W
Latin American Short Story II
SN 409W
Survey of Spanish Literature I
SN 410W
Survey of Spanish Literature II
SN 431
Advanced Oral Spanish Abroad
Area Studies9
HI 104
Political History of Beijing
HI 105
Cultural Odyssey of China
HI 304W
Political History of Beijing
HI 305W
Cultural Odyssey of China
HI 345
Cultural History of China and Japan
HI 346
Modern China and East Asia
PO 346
Contemporary China and East Asia
PO 347
Globalization in Southeast Asia
HI 309
History of Vietnam War
PO 326
Peace and Conflict in Ireland
HI 377
The French Revolution
HI 364
Medieval Russia: Mongols and Madmen
PO/HI 366 Modern Russia and the Soviet Union
HI 127
Latin American Culture and Civilization
PO/SO 307 Latin American Politics
HI 325
History of Latin America
HI 354
Colonialism and Globalization
PO 140
African Life and Culture
PO 328
Contemporary African Culture
PO 340
Contemporary Africa
PO 341
Contemporary South Africa
SO 238
Sociology of Middle-Eastern Society
Selected interdisciplinary and special-emphasis courses6
EC 425
Economic Development
PO 297
Nonviolent Defense and Conflict Resolution
PO 353
International Political Economy
TH 370
World Religions
SO 200
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
One additional course chosen from any listed above.3
Students pursuing a cross-cultural studies major must complete at least 10 of their 50 credits through a foreign-study experience.
Foreign Language14
A four-course sequence in second- and third-year-level language courses. (Where language offerings are limited, students may complete the total credits in a combination of two languages, as approved by an advisor.)

Requirements for an International Studies Major, Political Science Emphasis, B.A. (46)
PO 102American National Politics3
PO 151International Relations3
PO 240WComparative Politics4
PO 498WSenior Seminar3
EC 211Principles of Macroeconomics3
See math prerequisites for EC 211
Six semester credits of modern language6
(at the intermediate level in Chinese or Japanese, or at the advanced (300+) level in German, French or Spanish)
Four courses in regional studies (two-course sequence recommended):12
HI 104
Political History of Beijing
HI 105
Cultural Odyssey of China
HI 304W
Political History of Beijing
HI 305W
Cultural Odyssey of China
HI 345
Cultural History of China and Japan
HI 346
Modern China and East Asia
PO 346
Contemporary China and East Asia
PO 347
Globalization in Southeast Asia
PO 326
Peace and Conflict in Ireland
HI 377
The French Revolution
HI/PO 366 Modern Russia and the Soviet Union
HI 127
Latin American Culture and Civilization
SO 307
Latin American Politics
HI 325
History of Latin America
PO 140
African Life and Culture
PO 328
Contemporary African Culture
PO 340
Contemporary Africa
PO 341
Contemporary South Africa
SO 238
Sociology of Middle-Eastern Society
Three courses in theory, general historical studies or political issues:9
PO 205
U.S. Foreign Policy in Film
PO 209
History of Vietnam War
PO 297
Nonviolent Defense and Conflict Resolution
PO 309
History of Vietnam War
PO 334
Gender, Politics and Law
HI 354
Colonialism and Globalization
PO 445
Revolution in History
PO 353
International Political Economy
PO 423W
Marxism and the Socialist World
PO 425W
The Third World: Political Change
PO 463
American Foreign Policy
One additional course from above3
Students pursuing an international studies major must complete at least 3 of their 46 credits through a foreign study experience.

Requirements for a Peace Studies Major, BA (46)
Foundations for Peace Studies13
PO 102
American National Politics
PO 151
International Relations
PO 240W
Comparative Politics
PO 297
Nonviolent Defense and Conflict Resolution
Religious Ideals, Social Values and Peace3
One of the following:
TH/PH 221 Ethics
TH 256, 356 Biblical Theme of Shalom
National and Global Sources of Conflict, War, Revolution and Peace6
Two of the following:
EL 430
Holocaust Literature
HI 231
World at War: 1900-1945
HI 325
History of Latin America
PO 209
History of Vietnam War
PO 307
Latin American Politics
PO 309
History of Vietnam War
PO 340
Contemporary Africa
PO 341
Contemporary South Africa
PO 346
Contemporary China and East Asia
PO 445
Revolution in History
PO 463
American Foreign Policy
SO 238
Sociology of Middle-Eastern Society
Economics, Environmental and Social Sources of Conflict and Peace6
Two of the following
EC 245
Economics of Social Issues
or EC 345 Economics of Social Issues
EC 425
Economic Development
GL 196
Topics in Geology
PO 224
Conflict Mediation
PO 275
Poverty and Community Development
PO 318
Globalization, Ecology, Gender in Central America
PO 345
Development Strategies in Central America
PO 353
International Political Economy
PO 425W
The Third World: Political Change
SO 275
Population, Environment and Society
SO 283
Deviance, Crime and Criminal Justice
SO 305
Social Stratification: Power, Prestige And Wealth
SO 365
Cities and Urban Life
WGS 201
Intro Women's and Gender Studies
Ideologies, Identities, Political Structures and Peace6
Two of the following:
HI 228
Identity, Race, and Power in American Life
PO 140
African Life and Culture
PO 223
Law and Society
PO 326
Peace and Conflict in Ireland
PO 334
Gender, Politics and Law
PO 423W
Marxism and the Socialist World
SO 220
Race and Ethnicity
SP 223
Small Group Communication
SP 398
Intercultural Communication
TH 370
World Religions
Peacemaking in Practice3
One of the following:
PO 498W
Senior Seminar
SO 425
Making Change: Social Intervention Strategies
Two additional courses chosen from any listed above6
Internship Required3
PO 490
Internship
Note: Study abroad is strongly recommended.

Requirements for a Political Science Major, B.A. (40)
PO 102American National Politics3
PO 151International Relations3
PO 240WComparative Politics4
PO 498WSenior Seminar3
Three courses in American politics:9
PO 205
U.S. Foreign Policy in Film
PO 209
History of Vietnam War
PO 223
Law and Society
PO 225
Politics, Media and Pop Culture
PO 242
American Political Parties
PO 275
Poverty and Community Development
PO 309
History of Vietnam War
PO 331
The American Presidency
PO 332
Modern Congress
PO 334
Gender, Politics and Law
PO 364W
American Constitutional Law
PO 463
American Foreign Policy
Two courses in political theory:6
PO 334
Gender, Politics and Law
PO 336
Social-Political Philosophy
PO 364W
American Constitutional Law
PO 423W
Marxism and the Socialist World
PO 433W
Western Political Thought
PO 434W
American Political Thought
Two courses in comparative and international politics:6
PO 140
African Life and Culture
PO 205
U.S. Foreign Policy in Film
PO 209
History of Vietnam War
PO 304W
Political History of Beijing
PO 305W
Cultural Odyssey of China
PO 307
Latin American Politics
PO 309
History of Vietnam War
PO 326
Peace and Conflict in Ireland
PO 328
Contemporary African Culture
PO 340
Contemporary Africa
PO 341
Contemporary South Africa
PO 346
Contemporary China and East Asia
PO 347
Globalization in Southeast Asia
PO 353
International Political Economy
PO/HI 366 Modern Russia and the Soviet Union
PO 425W
The Third World: Political Change
PO 445
Revolution in History
PO 463
American Foreign Policy
PO 465
International Law
Two additional courses in political science6
An internship is strongly recommended.

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:

PO 102American National Politics3
PO 223Law and Society3
PO 364WAmerican Constitutional Law3
PH 201Logic3
PH 221Ethics3
JMC 402Mass Media Law3
BU 240Business Law3

Note: Study abroad is strongly recommended.

Requirements for a Minor in Community Engagement and Transformation (18)
TH 256, 356 Biblical Theme of Shalom3
At least one of the following:3
PO 275
Poverty and Community Development
PY 330
Psychology of Poverty and Social Class
SO 365
Cities and Urban Life
Approved engagement electives12
See department for current electives meeting this criteria

Requirements for a Minor in Peace Studies (15)
PO 297Nonviolent Defense and Conflict Resolution3
Four approved peace-studies courses12

Requirements for a Minor in Political Science (18)
PO 102American National Politics3
PO 151International Relations3
One course in American politics3
One course in international politics3
Two approved upper-division courses6

Courses

PO 102 American National Politics 3
Overview of founding principles, political culture decision-making processes and institutions of American government.

 

PO 104 Political History of Beijing 3
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
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
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
This course is a balance between understanding the key issues in international relations and thr 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.

 

PO 191 Independent Study 1-4

 

PO 196 Topics in Political Science 1-3
Selected topics in political science.

 

PO 205 U.S. Foreign Policy in Film 3
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
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
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
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.

 

PO 225 Politics, Media and Pop Culture 3
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.

 

PO 240W Comparative Politics 4
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

 

PO 275 Poverty and Community Development 3
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 280 Field Studies 1-4

 

PO 290 Internship 1-4

 

PO 291 Independent Study 1-4

 

PO 293 Great Decisions 1
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
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 304W Political History of Beijing 3
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
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
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
Also listed as PO 209.

 

PO 310 Research Methods in Political Science 3
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

 

PO 315 Understanding Global Issues 3
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
Preparation course for Peace and Conflict in Northern Ireland. Acceptance into PO 326 required.

 

PO 318 Globalization, Ecology, Gender in Central America 4
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
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
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 Jan Term in Ireland.

 

PO 327 Contemporary Europe 3
Periodic offering.

 

PO 328 Contemporary African Culture 3
This course will provide historical and contemporary aspects of Tanzanian society. We will pay special attention to the political, theological, and communicative dimensions of Tanzania and East African life in general. Students will take part in a one credit fall semester preparation class. Also listed as SO 328 and TH 328.

 

PO 331 The American Presidency 3
Constitutional development of the office. Executive branch relations with Congress, the bureaucracy, the judiciary, the media and the public.

 

PO 332 Modern Congress 3
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
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
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. Fall semester, even years.

 

PO 340 Contemporary Africa 3
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
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. Periodic Jan Term in South Africa.

 

PO 345 Development Strategies in Central America 4
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
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
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 348 Contemporary South Asia 3
The major scholarly debates on South Asian countries, including: colonial legacies, nationalism and state formation, political institutions, socio cultural diversity, regional and linguistic politics, ethnic conflict, Hindu fundamentalism, communalism, and the politics of regional cooperation, development and security concerns.

 

PO 353 International Political Economy 3
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
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 365 British Isles Study Program 3
Taught when a faculty member from the political science department is part of the study program to the British Isles.

 

PO 366 Modern Russia and the Soviet Union 3
Also listed as HI 366. Periodic offering.

 

PO 371 Introduction to Public Administration 3
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 380 Field Studies 1-4

 

PO 386 Readings 1-4

 

PO 390 Internship 1-4

 

PO 391 Independent Study 1-4

 

PO 395 Teaching Assistantship 1-4

 

PO 396 Topics in Political Science 1-3
Study of selected topics in political studies.

 

PO 423W Marxism and the Socialist World 3
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.

 

PO 425W The Third World: Political Change 3
Political challenges faced by poor countries primarily located in the southern hemisphere. Focus on political, social, and economic policies chosen by or imposed on nations in the Global South. Using current theories from political science, economics, anthropology, religion, and conflict studies the course will consider problems faced by countries in Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and former Soviet bloc nations.

 

PO 433W Western Political Thought 3
Liberalism and pluralism--completing voices in Western political thought--are examined and critiqued.

 

PO 434W American Political Thought 3
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
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
Major themes, debates, patterns and precedents of American foreign policy, emphasizing 20th-century diplomatic issues. Also listed as HI 463.

 

PO 465 International Law 3
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.

 

PO 480 Field Studies 1-4

 

PO 486 Readings 1-4

 

PO 490 Internship 1-12

 

PO 491 Independent Study 1-4

 

PO 495 Teaching Assistantship 1-4

 

PO 498W Senior Seminar 3
In-depth research paper. Skills for graduate study and/or management positions in domestic and international affairs. Fall semester.

 
Chair

PATRICK VAN INWEGEN

MEGAN HERSHEYKATHRYN LEEMICHAEL LE ROYJULIA STRONKSJOHN YODER

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