Political Science

1. Political Science • Political science is the study of governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behavior. • It is made up of subfields which include political theory, political philosophy, political ideology,  political economy, policy studies and analysis, comparative politics, international relations, and a host of related fields in law. • Goals of community: acquire substantial knowledge of current political and governmental structures and processes in the United States; understanding of influential thinkers and ideas that have shaped democratic values

2. Literacy in the Community • The reading and writing that takes place in this community is mostly done through books or review journals by professionals based on specific research done in each one of their fields of work • Examples • Lawyers must write law reviews, which is journal focusing on legal issues, normally published by an organization of students. • Social Scientist are required to take public surveys, conduct case studies and statistical analysis.

3. Professional & Student Opinion • Stressed the importance of reading and following diverse sources and different news areas, to see the views of different parties. This will give you a better understanding of how the government is organized and ran. • For research, to use Jstor(provided by the library) or follow the Political Science Quarterly • Major topic being discussed is the upcoming elections and how the outcome is going to effect America.

4. Professional Associations • Leading organizations is the American Political Science Associations (APSA) • Career Publications: provides guides for educational, professional or minority incentives (ex. Careers and the Study of Political Science: A Guide for Undergraduates) • Department Publications: provides books or journals of how political science is used in the field. (ex. Development at the Departmental Level: 2007 Workshop for Chairs)