Understand Politics Through Real-World Experiences
The Political Science Department prepares students to reach their career goals in the public, non-profit, or private sectors and encourages a commitment to responsible civic engagement. Students learn about American and non-American political systems to prepare them as citizens in an increasingly global society. Our faculty are experts in areas such as law and courts, money in politics, lobbying, Middle East and African politics, the politics of China and East Asia, civil conflict processes, political psychology, political communication, and public opinion.
debate and engage
Political science students gain a sophisticated understanding of political institutions, processes, behavior, and ideas and promote habits of critical, independent thinking about political topics. The department fosters skills in problem-solving, analysis, research, and written and oral communication, so that students may be effective and well–informed citizens.
Political Science at Ripon is unique in its emphasis on experiential learning, particularly in allowing students to be involved in panel discussions to debate current events and engage with many political speakers on campus throughout the school year. The Center for Politics and the People (CPP) at Ripon College has organized more than 130 events, and our student-led political organizations host an impressive array of dynamic speakers and thought-provoking panel discussions. Courses emphasize hands-on learning, such as congressional and presidential simulations and role-playing exercises.
We strongly stress research and writing throughout our curriculum, and we apply a variety of approaches and methods, both quantitative and qualitative, to the study of specific areas of politics. Political science graduates are well prepared to start careers in government, politics, business, non-profits, non-governmental organizations, journalism, and education or to continue their postgraduate education in graduate or professional school.
Faculty
Henrik Schatzinger
Professor of Political Science, Chair of Political Science Department, Director for the Center for Politics and the People and Program Director for American Studies
Al Sturgeon
Associate Vice President for Student Success and Assistant Professor of Political Science
Total Credits:
36 credits
Core Courses:
POL 140 American Politics and Government, POL 235 Data Analysis and Visualization for Political Science; one of the following: POL 105 Introduction to International Relations or POL 335 Congress and the Presidency
Elective Courses:
Five elective courses (up to two of the electives may be pre-approved courses in other departments or in off-campus programs such as the Washington Semester program); POL 501. Students considering a career in International Relations should take POL 105
More Courses:
105 Introduction to International Relations, 111 Global Political Culture, 112 Global Political Economy, 114 Introduction to Global Issues, 140 American Politics and Government; 170 Comparative Politics: Theory and Practice, 200 Departmental Studies, 212 Introduction to Law, 216 Constitutional Law, 222 Media, Politics, and Personal Power, 223 Interest Groups and Money in American Politics, 231 American Political Thought, 235 Data Analysis and Visualization for Political Science, 236 Survey and Experimental Design, 240 Political Psychology, 241 Civil War and Conflict Resolution, 254 Politics of China, 256 Politics of the Middle East, 257 U.S.-East Asia Relations, 258 African Politics, 268 Diversity and American Politics, 272 Development and Change in Latin America, 276 Politics of Contemporary Europe, 278 Digital Media and Global Politics, 283 American Foreign Policy, 300 Departmental Studies, 311 Leader Psychology and International Relations, 315 International Security, 320 Topics in American Politics, 324 Campaigns and Elections, 335 Congress and the Presidency, 341 American Public Policy: Process, Promise, and Performance, 370 Topics in Comparative Politics, 380 Topics in International Politics, 415 21st Century Security Studies, 501 Senior Seminar, or 550 National Security Capstone
Total Credits:
20 credits
Core Courses:
POL 220 American Politics and Government, 280 Introduction to International Relations; 12 additional credits. Students interested in teaching political science need to complete the secondary education major and the social studies education licensure requirements which include: a history major or minor including 8 credits of World History, 8 credits of American History, and at least 8 credits at the 300 level or above and HIS 295; The following courses to ENV 120, PSC 110, POL 220, POL 335, ECO 211 or 212, ANT 110 or SOC 110, and EDU 323.
Elective Courses:
8 credits of World History, 8 credits of American History, and at least 8 credits at the 300 level or above and HIS 295; The following courses to ENV 120 Environmental Studies, PSC 110 General Psychology, POL 220 American Politics and Government, POL 335 Congress and the Presidency, ECO 211 Principles of Economics or 212 Principles of Economics, ANT 110 The Human Experience: How To Think Anthropologically or SOC 110 Introduction to Sociological Imagination, and EDU 323.
Career Tracks
With a versatile degree in Political Science, students are situated to excel in any number of professions. Our graduates are ready to immediately jump into a career or enter graduate school programs in international affairs, law, national security, public administration, political science, business, and communication.
Our alumni hold careers in national, state, and local government, international relations, business, and legal fields. Examples of career titles include attorney, judge, chief of staff, legislative director, policy analyst, political consultant, intelligence analyst, diplomat, policy advisor, national director, deputy secretary, campaign manager, data analyst, division administrator, professor, and communication strategist. Our alumni work for organizations such as the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, intelligence agencies like the FBI and CIA, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the Wisconsin Legislature, large law firms, and as high school teachers.
Unique Opportunities
- Connections to legislative staff, administration, lobbyists, judges, nonprofits, and advocacy groups, which are helpful for internships and careers
- An unusual number of students who present their own research at regional and national conferences
- Ability to study in Washington, D.C. for a semester through the Washington Semester Program with American University
- Internships with the City of Ripon and other local, state, and national partners
- An established fellowship program by the Center for Politics and the People awards scholarships to some students who accept unpaid internships in local, state, and national government agencies, in political offices and campaigns, and in nonprofit organizations dealing with public policy issues
- Student leadership on the Student Advisory Board for the Center for Politics and the People
- Through the Department of Educational Studies, certification in political science is available in early adolescence/adolescence (grades 6-12).
We strongly stress research and writing throughout our curriculum, and we are unique in the emphasis we give to integrating the study of methodology (how information about politics is gathered and analyzed) with the study of specific areas of politics.
Advising
Ripon College faculty and professional staff are dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be and however often they may change along the way. It’s part of our value statement to you.
As a student at Ripon, you will be assigned a faculty adviser based on your area(s) of interest. You will meet with your faculty adviser throughout your time as a student to discuss your current aspirations, plan your course schedule and plot a future trajectory. We also work collaboratively with Ripon College Career and Professional Development to help match your interests and skills to concrete goals and construct a plan for professional success offering personalized career counseling, off-campus learning opportunities and an online job board with potential to connect with local, national and international employers.
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