Minor in Political Science

Political Science
Student Organizations
UNESCO Chair
Contact Us

About

A Minor in Political Science is a great asset, no matter your major. In the minor, you’ll learn valuable skills that can be used in many disciplines and become a more well-informed citizen.

You’ll study modern American government, learn the basics of political theory and get an introduction to comparative politics. Some of the specific topics you’ll cover include:

  • The founding of the United States and federalism
  • Civil rights and civil liberties
  • American political institutions such as Congress, the presidency and the judiciary
  • Power, ideology, and the citizen role in democratic politics.

Curriculum & Requirements

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Political Science Minor

Required Courses
POLI 100INTRODUCTION TO US POLITICS5
POLI 202INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY5
POLI 203INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS5
Electives–choose two courses from the 300-400 level below 470 (excluding POLI 370 but may include POLI 490).10
Total Credits25

Sample Courses

POLI 318. MARX AND MARXISM. 5 Credits.

Pre-requisites: POLI 202 and POLI 203.
This detailed examination of the political, economic, and social theory of Karl Marx begins with a discussion of the ideas of G.W.F. Hegel, perhaps the most important European philosopher of the 19th Century and a major influence on Marx's thinking. Students subsequently read a large number of primary texts by Marx himself with excerpts from the writings of Vladimir Lenin, the protagonist of the 1917 Russian Revolution.

Catalog Listing

POLI 330. FEDERALISM, STATE AND LOCAL POLITICS. 5 Credits.

Pre-requisites: POLI 100.
This course examines the theory, history and functioning of the U.S. federal system of government. Emphasis is placed on the structure of the system as well as the interrelationships that exist. State and local governments are examined and emphasis is placed on policy formation, dispersion and implementation as well as the consequences of those policies.

Catalog Listing

POLI 421. FEDERAL INDIAN LAW AND POLICY I. 5 Credits.

Cross-listed: IDST 421.
This is the first course in a two course series on federal Indian law and policy. Federal Indian law is the body of law that regulates the relationship between Indian tribes and the United States. Federal Indian policy consists of the various doctrines underlying federal legislative and executive actions affecting Indian tribes. This course will introduce students to laws, regulations and case law that comprise federal Indian law as well as the policies underlying those laws. Topics will be further explored through the use of case studies.

Catalog Listing

POLI 350. CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL PROBLEMS. 1-5 Credits.

Notes: May be cross-listed with CHST 320. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
A topical course designed to accommodate the interest of the general student and the department faculty. Topics vary from quarter to quarter and are listed in the quarterly Course Announcement. Recent offerings include Citizen and Law, and Pacific Rim. Analysis of contemporary problems may be under the guidance of one or more department members.

Catalog Listing