As one of Dickinson’s largest majors, the political science program provides many avenues for the study of American politics, international relations, comparative politics and political theory. The department is known for its strengths in a variety of areas and for its commitment to international and interdisciplinary programs. Faculty currently are conducting research on Russia, Latin America, Asia, Europe, policy issues, political communication, political theory and American law.
Welcome to the Political Science Department
Dickinson has an unusually large political science faculty for a college of its size. Our 14 full-time professors analyze political systems, actors, processes, and policies on the international, national and local levels. In doing so, the department seeks to expose students to a variety of methods in the sub-fields of American politics, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations, and to a broad spectrum of ideological perspectives.
Although political science is one of the social sciences, our faculty have skills and interests that range from questioning the moral dimension of politics to employing mathematical tools for quantitative research. Some of these interests are reflected in their activities outside the department in such interdisciplinary programs as International Studies, Women's and Gender Studies, American Studies, Latin American Studies, East Asian Studies, Policy Studies, and the Bologna Program.
Departmental goals for faculty and students include the examination of values, the sharpening of analytical skills, and the formulation of considered views. In most years, more students major in political science at Dickinson than in any other discipline. Whether they go on to become lawyers, business executives, civil servants, journalists, or dentists, our graduates are likely to be more able practitioners of the science and art of politics.
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