The program in political science leading to the B.A. or B.S. degree is designed to meet the needs of the liberal arts major who wishes to learn more about public and international affairs, government, and the demands of citizenship. It is appropriate for professionally motivated students who wish to pursue careers in political science, public administration, international organizations, domestic government, communications, education, or law. It is also appropriate for inquiring students desiring to learn more about the way human beings live together and the structures and institutions they have developed (or might develop) to facilitate social cooperation and conflict management.
The most current information about undergraduate degree programs, internships, and other opportunities is available on the program website (www.pdx.edu/hatfieldschool/undergraduate-program-political-science).
Law and Legal Studies Minor
The minor in law and legal studies offers an interdisciplinary, liberal arts approach to the study of law. This is an academic program, not a professional training program, emphasizing the political, social, cultural, and philosophical foundations and impacts of law and legal systems. It is designed for pre-law students and also for a broad array of students from across the PSU campus who are interested in the relationship of law to politics, society, and culture. While the core courses concentrate on American law and the American legal system, the electives allow students to focus on aspects of law related to areas such as international law, comparative law, and philosophy.
Requirements
Lower Division Requirements
| PS 101 | United States Government | 4 |
| PS 221 | Introduction to Law and Legal Studies | 4 |
Upper Division Requirements
| PS 421 | The Supreme Court and American Politics | 4 |
Electives (16 credits)
Political Science options (minimum 8 credits)
Non-Political Science options (maximum 8 credits)
| CCJ 310 | American Courts | 4 |
| CCJ 420 | Criminal Law and Legal Reasoning | 4 |
| Phl 311U | The Morality of Punishment | 4 |
| Phl 333U | Philosophy of Law | 4 |
| Hst 446 | Civil Rights and the Law: The History of Equal Protection | 4 |
| Hst 447 | U.S Constitutional History: Foundations | 4 |
| Hst 448 | U.S. Constitution: Nineteenth Century | 4 |
| Hst 449 | U.S. Constitution: Twentieth Century | 4 |
| | Electives approved by Law and Legal Studies advisor (maximum 8 credits) | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28 |
For law and legal studies minors who are also majoring or minoring in political science, at least three electives (12 credits) must be applied solely to the law and legal studies minor. In order to count toward fulfillment of the minor, courses must be passed with a grade of C or above.