Political Science
Political Science Major
Our Political Science program prepares students through rigorous educational experiences to master the knowledge, values and skills of the discipline of political science, to apply these skills successfully in a variety of professional or graduate level settings and to engage faithfully and effectively as a Christian in the contemporary political world.
Courses include foundational studies in political thought, American government, comparative politics, law and policy, international relations, social and criminal justice and more. The standard track prepares students in American Government, Law and Policy, ideal for the Pre-Law candidate. Students have the additional option of pursuing emphasis in criminal justice, international studies or social justice.
Specializations
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the political science major:
- Students should be able to distinguish among the diversity of traditions in the field and successfully identify the structure and operation of the U.S. and other political systems.
- Students should be able to construct and evaluate analytical arguments and write clear logical prose.
- Students should be able to identify and gather information from credible primary and secondary sources, recognize assumptions and to devise basic research designs, test questions, arguments, and hypotheses with qualitative and/or quantitative methods.
- Students will have the ability to effectively employ oral and written communication skills within a variety of academic and professional contexts.
- Students should be able to appreciate and understand both theoretically and practically the values of citizenship and its beneficial consequences as an engaged Christian.
Political Science Minor
Required Courses
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLS 2700 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| POLS 2720 | American Government | 3 |
Electives (15 credits)
Take 15 credits from any Political Science courses, plus Business course BUSS 3930. Please note that 12 of the total 15 credits must upper-division courses.
Timothy J. Orr, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of History
Department Chair of the History and Political Science Department
torr@simpsonu.edu
Timothy J. Orr, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of History and Department Chair of the History and Political Science Department at Simpson University. He holds an undergraduate degree from John Brown University, MA from the University of Tulsa, and PH.D. from Baylor University. His research focuses on gender, displacement, and identify formation in early-modern Europe. He has published in Church History and Religious Culture, Crossing Borders, and the Cambridge Contextual volumes on both Martin Luther and John Calvin. He is a regular presenter at The Sixteenth Century Society Conference. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Northern California and indulging in its culinary offerings.
