Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government
Gary Quinlivan, Dean, McKenna School and Program Chairperson
James Harrigan; Gabriel S. Pellathy; Richard Saccone; Bradley C. S. Watson
Adjunct Faculty: Lee Demoskey; Cecilia Dickson
The
Political Science program approaches the study of politics as both
philosophical reflection and analytical art. From the study of ancient,
modern, and contemporary sources, students are led to examine
critically the ideas and events that have influenced the formation of
political principles, government organization, characteristics of
citizenship, and social policy. Along with philosophical grounding, the
program seeks to provide analytical competence to understand the
contemporary political environment, to address public policy issues,
and to contribute intellectually and practically to the sociopolitical
challenges of our times. The Political Science Department also seeks to
provide special educational opportunities for its students in the study
of political ideas and public affairs through collaboration with the
Center for Economic and Policy Education.
The systematic study of political thought and organization contributes
to a well-rounded liberal arts education and helps prepare students to
face intelligently the complexities of modern society. The Political
Science Department seeks to provide a comprehensive background in the
discipline while especially concentrating on American government and
politics, political thought, and public policy and administration. The
major in Political Science is designed to accomplish several goals: to
prepare students for professional studies such as law, public
administration, legislation, public policy, international affairs, and
related fields; to prepare students for graduate studies that are
required for careers of scholarship and teaching; and to help prepare
students considering immediate employment in government service,
government relations, business, voluntary organizations, public
affairs, and politics.
Students with a major in Political Science are eligible to participate
in a cooperative program between Saint Vincent and Duquesne Law School
that allows students to earn their bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor
degree in six years. In this program, qualified students who, with high
grades, complete their first three years of study at Saint Vincent,
fulfilling the Core Curriculum requirements and the requirements for
the major, may transfer into the Law Program and complete the
requirements for the Juris Doctor degree in three years. For details,
see the explanation of this program in the Pre-Law section of the
Bulletin.
The Political Science major’s culminating activity is a senior thesis.
Political Science majors may receive either the Bachelor of Arts or
Bachelor of Science degree (see Core Curriculum requirements for each
degree).
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science
Minor in Political Science (Pre-Law Minor)
Variations
from above are possible with permission of the Dean of the McKenna
School. A student may choose, with the departmental advisor and
with the consent of the Dean, a program designed to meet individual
objectives.
Minor in Public Administration
This
program is an interdisciplinary program under the direction of the
Political Science Department. Substitutions for some of the courses
above are allowed with the consent of the Dean of the McKenna School.
Public Policy
Courses from both economics and political science have been combined to create this major. The major emphasizes the analysis of public institutions and policy formulation. See the Public Policy listing in this Bulletin for information concerning this major.
Pre-Law
The Political Science Department offers courses by trained lawyers. Students participate in the Pre‑Law Club, where students meet members of the Bench and Bar, including many Saint Vincent College graduates. Students interested in law and legal internships should contact the Pre‑Law advisor, Dr. Gabriel Pellathy.
Graduate Study
Candidates for the B.S. or B.A. degree who plan to pursue a PhD in political science generally have two options in graduate school — they must show competence in two foreign languages or have a reading knowledge of one language and quantitative skills. Competence in two foreign languages implies that candidates are fluent in one and have reading knowledge in the other. We suggest that B.A. candidates consider taking foreign language courses beyond the second intermediate level. The quantitative skill requirement for graduate school varies.
Public Affairs and Public Administration
For those seeking M.A. degrees in public affairs and public administration, it would be advantageous to complete BA 100, BA 101, EC 201, EC 202, BA 350, and EC 360. Students should have further discussions with their advisors.
International Affairs
Those students who intend to pursue a master’s degree in international affairs are strongly encouraged to complete two languages, EC 201, EC 202, BA 350, EC 360, EC 351, and EC 353.
Internship Programs
Internships
in the third and fourth years are recommended. Majors are welcome
to apply for internships and to work with the Center for Economic and
Policy Education.
The State of Pennsylvania has internships available in Harrisburg, and
the department will aid qualified students in acquiring them. Local
part‑time internships are also feasible — Career Services will
coordinate and assist in student placement.
Political Science students interested in such internships for credit
will need the approval of the Department Chairperson. In addition, the
Department must be convinced that benefit will accrue to both the
student and the cooperating body. The number of credits granted for the
internship is decided on an individual basis, not to exceed four
credits in a semester. Students must register for PS 550, Internship.
Departmental Activities
Depending on their interest and initiative, students are encouraged to join activities such as the Politics Club, Pre-Law Club, the Mock Trial Team, the staff of the Center for Political and Economic Thought, the Republican Club, and the Democrat Club. The SVC Mock Trial team is quickly becoming nationally recognized — we compete against and have defeated numerous Ivy League teams. Other recommended activities include attending relevant lectures sponsored by the Center for Economic and Policy Education on campus.
Job Opportunities After Graduation
Political Science majors interested in civil service jobs should take both the federal and state civil examinations. Availability of positions in these areas varies from year to year, depending upon government’s hiring practices. Specific federal and state government agencies may have their own entrance examinations. A student going into government service might find it an advantage to take a general Political Science program with a minor in Public Administration. For other job opportunities in the private sector, please consult Career Services.
Teacher Preparation
See the Education Department for teacher certification requirements in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education. Interested students must contact the Education Department Chairperson and confer with their academic advisor. All programs begin in the sophomore year by registering for ED 100: Foundations of Education.
Independent Study Course
It is possible, with the approval of the Department Chairperson, to do individual research projects/papers for credit. Students register for PS 500, taking not more than four credits each semester.
Course Descriptions
PS 100 Principles of American Politics
Political
science raises fundamental questions: how ought we, as human beings, to
live? Put another way, what is the nature of good and evil, right and
wrong, justice and injustice? Implicit in these questions, at the
practical level of government, are further questions as to how we in
fact
live, how we should organize ourselves in communities, and who
ought to govern in the communities in which we, as political beings,
dwell. The American constitutional order represents one set of answers
to these fundamental questions. This course examines the genesis of
this constitutional order through a close study of the writings,
speeches, and deeds of those who were responsible for its creation. It
also elucidates the relationship of the regime to the larger tradition
of Western political thought. The course will aid students in
understanding the American regime as its founders understood it and in
evaluating this understanding. The course will also pay attention to
the extent to which the regime as it currently operates either does or
does not reflect this original understanding. Offered every semester.
Three credits.
PS 121 National Government
A
political analysis approach to the federal system of American national
government is made. The traditional branches of the national
government are thoroughly examined. The student is expected to
acquire a strong understanding of the Constitution. However,
serious changes are taking place in both the nation and the modern
world which affect governance. A critical approach will consider
procedures, issues, and policy proposals to develop understanding of
the realities of national politics and policy. Offered every semester.
Three credits.
PS 135 Classical Political Thought
A survey of the basic principles of political philosophy from the Western tradition. This course examines the fundamental ideas about the political good that are suggested by both classical and modern writers. Readings will normally include selections from Plato, Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Nietzsche. Offered fall semester. Three credits.
PS 136 Modern Political Thought
A survey of the basic principles of political philosophy from the Western Tradition. This course examines fundamental ideas about the political good suggested by modern philosophers. Readings will normally include selections from Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, and Nietzsche. Recommended: PS 135. Offered spring semester. Three credits.
PS 150 Government and Business
The
making of public policy affecting the private sector will be analyzed.
An examination of the structure and processes of federal agencies
dealing with business, with stress put on independent regulatory
agencies. Some comparisons to practices of other countries
are explored. Designed for Freshmen and Sophomores. Offered
spring semester. Three credits.
PS 222 State and Local Government
The
structures, functions, and relationships of the various units of state
and local government are presented, and their linkage to the federal
government is analyzed. A term paper on a local government unit or
function, partly based on interviews, will be required. Offered
spring semester. Three credits.
PS 227 Criminal Law and Process
The
primary objective of this course is to present to the student basic
principles and methods of the American Criminal Justice System.
It will discuss aspects of crime, means of social control, law
enforcement, and the operation of criminal courts. Offered in spring
semester. Three credits.
PS 242 Introduction to International Relations
This
course studies the process of international relations from a variety of
perspectives. The three levels of international politics are
analyzed; the different state and non-state actors are examined; the
balance of power concept and its alternatives are addressed; and the
future of the national state system is examined. Several major
models commonly used to understand the international system are
explored. Not recommended for freshmen. Prerequisite: PS
121. Offered in fall semester. Three credits.
PS 250 Public Administration
This course is concerned with the political environment, styles, theories and decisions of public administrators. Organization theories, accountability and leadership, budgeting and relationships between governmental units will be discussed. This is a basic course for the Public Administration minor. Offered fall semester. Three credits.
PS 290 Presidency, the Congress, and the Courts
This course examines the institutions (i.e., Congress, the Presidency, and the Courts) of American Government in the order that they are presented in the United States Constitution. The Constitution itself, thus, serves as the guide. Students read relevant chapters from The Federalist in order to gain a full appreciation of the aims of the Founders in terms of the design and intent of the governing institutions. Students delve into a good deal of relevant literature, both primary and secondary in nature. Offered fall semester. Three Credits.
PS 300-1,2,3,4 Introduction to Legal Reasoning I-IV
This
course introduces the student to various fields of the law, especially
the objectives and reasoning pursued in criminal law, contract law and
negligence law. The proper ways of stating a case and presenting it to
a court will be fully discussed, and the merits and weaknesses of
illustrative cases will be subjected to comprehensive analysis. the
course is not only a preparation for those wishing to take the Law
School Admission Test (LSAT), but a background for participation in
College Mock Trial team competition. Offered every semester. Each
classes (I to IV) has a different case associated with it. One credit
per semester up to four total credits.
PS 336 American Political Thought
A
study of important themes and/or developments in American political
thought from the Civil War to the present. A key theme will be
the change from Madisonian constitutionalism to the Progressivism of
the 20th century; the course will examine the political ideas that
underlie this transformation. Subjects to be addressed include the
nature of political equality, social Darwinism, pragmatism,
Progressivism and its critics, constitutional interpretation, and the
“Reagan Revolution.” Prerequisite: PS 100. Offered fall
semester. Three credits.
PS 339 Constitutional Law: National Powers
The study of the American Constitution is basic to those in the Political Science discipline and all who try to understand the essence of our republic as it has evolved over the past 200 years. Political theory, historical forces and the nature and importance of the law in society are all blended in the course materials. The course considers both how the Constitution as written by the framers sought a limited federal government, and how that limitation was expanded by Supreme Court interpretation after 1935. Specific areas of personal liberty (freedom of speech, religion, privacy, etc.) are also covered in detail, along with important developments in Constitutional criminal procedure. The course is conducted pursuant to a modified Socratic method, emphasizing and welcoming student participation in class. Prerequisite: PS 121. Offered spring semester. Three credits.
PS 341 Global Terrorism
This course analyzes the
growing phenomena of Terrorism. Students examine diverse perspectives from
governments, leading experts and the terrorists themselves. The course covers
the source and growth of terror, tactics of terror, key terrorists incidents,
specific terrorist groups and profiles of key individual leaders within groups.
Students study and discuss government policy related to terror including how
the
Offered
spring semester. Three credits.
PS 343 Comparative Politics
This course offers an examination of different political systems and how they compare with each other. Students study how varying forms of government affect the lives of people and how it forces nations to react to each other. Students will be asked to select one or more systems for closer analysis and report their research in a written paper. Students also study the major problems facing the international community and how each system may approach solutions to them. Offered spring semester. Three Credits.
PS 345 Domestic Public Policy
Examines
the public policy process and analyzes selected U.S. domestic issues of
current concern. Considers the political principles, interests,
and empirical evidence behind differing policy positions and evaluates
their impact. Readings may be from public policy advocates,
politicians, commentators and scholars. Offered spring semester. Three
credits.
PS 369 Civil Rights and Liberties: Law and Issues
An
analysis of federal court decisions dealing with Bill of Rights
guarantees, with special emphasis on U.S. Supreme Court rulings.
First Amendment issues — free speech, freedom of religion, and freedom
of associations, as well as Fourteenth Amendment issues — equal
opportunity, voting, and civil rights legislation, are explored.
Federal policies and politics in this area are analyzed. Offered fall semester. Three
credits.
PS 370 George Washington Fellowship
The
George Washington Fellows Program is named after our nation's first
president in order to focus on the theme of citizenship. Washington
emphasized in his writings and addresses that the success of the new
American republic would depend upon the nation's ability to become a
sacred union of citizens. The Program seeks to attract students
interested in scholarly inquiry into the key questions of American
citizenship, paying careful attention to the duties and
responsibilities of individuals in a free, well ordered society.
Applications for projects in the following areas will be accepted:
American political thought, American economic thought, political or
economic thought generally, American culture and religion, and American
constitutionalism. Offered fall semester. Zero credit.
PS 390 Environmental Law and Policy
A
survey of the history and present status of laws seeking to establish
acceptable safety levels for air, water, chemicals, and land use.
Methodologies of standard-setting, alternate policies, financial costs,
and future developments will be discussed. Offered fall
semester. Three credits.
PS 460, 461, 462, 463 Topics in Political Philosophy
This seminar style course concentrates on a particular topic in political philosophy. Topics vary from year to year, and typically include an in-depth examination of a particular work, philosopher, or idea of central significance to the development of political thought or practice. Offered fall semester. May be repeated. Three Credits.
PS 480 Senior Thesis
Facilitates
and supervises the writing of the senior thesis, which is the
culminating project for political science majors. Special care will be
taken to aid students in utilizing their research and writing skills so
that they may produce a high quality thesis. Offered spring
semester. Three credits.
PS 500 Independent Study
Such
study involves research in areas of special interest to students, under
faculty supervision. Offered to those students whom the
department judges ready for such responsibility. May be repeated.
Variable credit (not to exceed six credits per semester).
PS 550 Internship
Internships
constitute a practicum to supplement academic learning. See the
description above. The number of credits and the hours involved
vary depending on the nature of the internship. Please see the
Career Development Center Staff for current procedures that must be
followed, in addition to securing departmental approval and
supervision. Pass/Fail Option only. Students are subject to the McKenna School's STUDENT GUIDE TO INTERNSHIP PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS. See the Business Administration section of this Bulletin for a detailed description. May be repeated. Variable credit up to three credits.