Political Science

About the program

Political Science involves the study of politics and international relations. The program is committed to developing the complete student who can easily function in a local or global community. The program expects students to reflect on their role in any community as participants and human beings. The emphasis placed on skills development, self-awareness, ethical responsibility and cultural understanding is an acknowledgement of the program’s devotion to the substantive reasons and benefits of the Ferrum College experience. The political science program also understands the logic of students engaged in experiential and community-based learning. By emphasizing service learning, the program encourages its students to combine critical citizenship, reasoning and effective social transformation. It recognizes that it must expose its students to a liberal learning environment that promotes specific foundational civic skills and community building.

Coursework in Political Science

The curriculum incorporates a variety of topics to prepare students for opportunities in the field of Political Science, and includes courses such as:

Comparative Government
International Politics
Politics & Human Rights
Media and Politics
Constitutional Law
International Terrorism
African Politics & Literature
Citizenship and Service Learning
International Law & Organization
Policy Analysis

Related Clubs

There are over 50 clubs and organizations available to students at Ferrum College. These are specifically related to Political Science:

Pi Sigma Alpha: Political Science National Honor Society
SEPAC: Student Engagement in Political Action and Community
The Passport: Student publication
Iron Blade: Campus newspaper

Experiential & hands-on learning opportunities

Internships: Students are strongly urged to explore career opportunities and to establish mentors through an internship. In the past, students have had internships in the offices of a US senator, a member of the House of Representatives, a governor of Virginia, several lawyers’ offices, with law enforcement, and other federal and local government agencies.

Civic Engagement and Service Learning: Students participate in specific service-based initiatives that highlight the connection between community building and classroom learning.

Student Government Association (SGA): Enables students to become actively involved in the governing of their lives on campus.

Annual Model United Nations Security Council Simulation Exercise: A role-playing experience designed to convey the full richness, complexity, drama, and importance of international affairs. The Model United Nations is a full-day activity that provides students with the opportunity to act as international policymakers seeking to resolve serious and sometimes protracted crises.

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