Undergraduate Course Catalog 2008-2009
College of Liberal Arts
» http://www.unh.edu/liberal-arts/
Political Science (POLT)
» http://www.unh.edu/political-science/
» Click to view course offerings
Chairperson: Warren R. Brown
Professor: Marla A. Brettschneider, Melvin J. Dubnick, Mark W. Huddleston
Associate Professor: Warren R. Brown, John R. Kayser, Aline M. Kuntz, Lawrence C. Reardon, Dante J. Scala, Susan J. Siggelakis, Andrew E. Smith, Stacy D. VanDeveer, Clifford J. Wirth
Research Associate Professor: Charles T. Putnam
Affiliate Associate Professor: S. Alan Ray
Assistant Professor: Roslyn Chavda, Alynna J. Lyon, Mary Malone, Jeannie L. Sowers
Lecturer: Tama Andrews, Kamal Chavda, Lionel R. Ingram
The study of government and politics, to which the courses and seminars of the Department of Political Science are devoted, includes the development of knowledge of political behavior by individuals and groups as well as knowledge about governments: their nature and functions; their problems and behavior; and their interactions—at the national and international levels and at the local, state, and regional levels.
Much of the learning offered by the Department of Political Science can also be regarded as essential for good citizenship, since political knowledge helps to explain the formal and informal institutions by which we are governed and the forces which lead to policy decisions, and also seeks to clarify the issues and principles that encourage people toward political involvement. It contributes to the store of knowledge necessary for informed citizenship. In addition, such learning is especially valuable to students planning to enter local or national government or other public service, including the Foreign Service, and it will be of great help to those who intend to study law and enter the legal profession. For teaching, particularly at the college level, and for many types of government service, graduate work may be indispensable. An undergraduate major in political science will provide a helpful foundation for any further study of politics and related fields in the social sciences and humanities. Such an emphasis will also be valuable for students seeking careers in journalism, international organizations, and the public affairs and administrative aspects of labor, financial, and business organizations.
The major program in political science consists of at least ten courses (40 credits) and not more than twelve courses (48 credits). The minimum grade requirement is C- per course. Any grade lower will not count toward major. Courses are to be distributed in the following way:
1. Three 400-level courses: 401, 402, and 403. Once they declare the major, students must complete these three courses within the first calendar year.
2. Six 500- and/or 600-level courses. Of these, at least one shall be chosen from each of the four fields in which the department’s courses are organized: American politics, political thought, comparative politics, and international politics.
3. One 700-level course.
The Department of Political Science will allow the use of one 400-level course (401, 402, 403) to “double count” as a major requirement and a general education requirement.
Minor in Political Science
The political science minor consists of five courses (20 credits total). These courses may be taken in any combination of the four fields and levels (400-700) offered. The fields to choose from are: American politics, political thought, comparative politics, and international politics. No more than two courses can be taken at the 400 level.
The minimum grade requirement is C- per course. Any grade lower than a C- will not count toward the minor. Students wishing to use transfer credits from abroad or other universities should meet with a political science adviser to determine eligibility toward the minor.
Internships and Advanced Study
In addition to the courses regularly offered, the department will have available selected topics, advanced study in political science, and internships. Interested students should check with the department office to learn of the offerings for a given semester.
The department also offers several internship opportunities giving students experience in various aspects of government, policy making, and the legal system at the local, state, and national levels. Students need not be political science majors, but a student must have taken certain course prerequisites for each kind of internship. In addition, students must have junior or senior standing and normally have a 3.2 average or higher to be eligible for consideration. Washington placements are made either through the Department of Political Science or through the Washington Center located in the National Student Exchange Office in Hood House; major credit must be arranged through the department.
Political Science Language Requirement
The bachelor of arts degree at the University of New Hampshire requires that a student satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement. The requirement may be met by demonstrating language proficiency equal to a one-year college-level course (401 and 402, 403 and 503, or 503 and above in spoken language).
The Department of Political Science does not allow American Sign Language (ASL) to count toward the language requirement effective for students who declare the major as of Fall 2007.
Exceptions to this must be petitioned and approved by the Department of Political Science's Undergraduate Committee and a student's adviser.
