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Political Science

96%
Employment Rate
of surveyed alumni within 9 months of graduation
12:1
Ratio
Of students to faculty
100%
of incoming first-years & transfers
Receive scholarships or grants

Change the world

The foundation for success and practical experience.

Learn to think better and analyze the world you live in, while sharpening valuable workplace skills. From our Hill to Capitol Hill, from political games to war games—Mount Mercy's political science degree develops future leaders in law, government, and international business.

When you major in political science at Mount Mercy, you’ll study courses in international relations, American politics, comparative politics, and political theory, building a solid foundation in strategy, government institutions, and relations between countries.

I worked on Monica Vernon’s campaign for Congress. It was my internship at first, but then I was offered a position there. I learned more about political procedures and how local politics work.

MATT WERMERS ’15
POLITICAL SCIENCE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE MAJOR

Curriculum

You’ll gain experience to make a difference.

Learn about China or Russia, while preparing to represent the United States at one of its foreign embassies.

A strong research focus is only part of the political science major. You’ll study under distinguished faculty members who have worked for the U.S. Congress, Executive Branch, and Federal Courts. They’ve helped students find valuable internship experiences in state and federal government, in campaign offices, and nonprofit organizations.

Study state and local governments while interning with a member of the Iowa Senate in Des Moines.

Does an internship at the U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador or the Consulate in Osaka, Japan sound like your idea of education and work experience? Learn how to apply and develop the skills to succeed at Mount Mercy.

What courses will I take?

Political Science Major

Required:
PO 111Introduction To American Politics (Core Curriculum)3
PO 307Political Science Research Methods3
PO 441Seminar In Political Research3
Select Two of the Following:6
PO 100
Power & Justice
PO 101
Introduction To Political Philosophy
PO 102
Government and Politics Around the World (Core Curriculum)
PO 103
Introduction to International Relations (Core Curriculum)
Choose five electives from the following categories. Four of the five electives must be courses at 200-level or above.15
Three (3) other political science courses, and
Two (2) courses from other departments HI, CJ, SW, EC, PS, SO
Or
Five (5) other political science courses
Total Hours30

Students planning to pursue teacher education should follow the program guidelines within the Education section of this Catalog and contact an adviser in the education division for assistance.

Academic Requirements

Students majoring in political science must achieve at least a final grade of C or above (C- does not count) in each of the five required courses, at least a 2.00 average in the three elective courses in political science (and a passing grade in each); and a least a 2.00 average in the two elective courses chosen from other departments (and a passing grade in each).

Political Science Minor
 

Required:
PO 111Introduction To American Politics3
PO 307Political Science Research Methods3
Choose one American politics and public policy course selected from: 3
PO 201
The Presidency
PO 202
Congress
PO 203
The U.S. Supreme Court and the American Judiciary
PO 204
Political Parties, Voters and Elections
PO 326
Politics and Public Policy
Choose one international/comparative course selected from:3
PO 102
Government and Politics Around the World
PO 103
Introduction to International Relations
PO 112
Globalization and Human Survival
PO 312
Politics of International Economic Relations
PO 313
International Law and Organization
PO 314
Contemporary Political Ideologies
Two other political science courses6
Total Hours18

Academic Requirements

Students minoring in political science must achieve at least a final grade of C or above (C- does not count) in all required and elective courses. 

The following is the typical sequence of courses required for the major*:

Freshman
FallHoursWinterHoursSpringHours
Writing Competency4PO 103 (or Political Science Elective)13PO 102 or 1003
CO 1013 Domain3
PO 100 or 1113 Domain3
Portal3 Math Competency3
  Elective3
 13 3 15
Sophomore
FallHoursWinterHoursSpringHours
PO 111 (or another 101 - 103 course)3PO 103 (or Political Science Elective)13Political Science Elective13
PO 307 or CJ 3023 Political Science Elective13
Domain3 Elective3
Domain3 Domain3
Elective3 Domain3
 15 3 15
Junior
FallHoursWinterHoursSpringHours
Political Science Elective13Political Science Elective13Domain3
Political Science Elective13 Domain3
Domain3 Elective3
Elective3 PO 441 (or Elective)3
Elective3  
 15 3 12
Senior
FallHoursWinterHoursSpringHours
Elective3Political Science Elective13Elective3
Elective3 Elective3
Elective3 Elective3
Elective3 ME 4501
Elective1 PO 441 (or Elective)3
 13 3 13
Total Hours: 123

Note: Elective courses could be used for a second major, a minor, a course of interest, internship or study abroad experience.

Note: See the Curriculum section for more information on Portal, Competency, Domain, and Capstone courses.

1

Two of the Political Science electives may be replaced with courses from HI, CJ, SW, EC, PS, or SO.

*Disclaimer

The course offerings, requirements, and policies of Mount Mercy University are under continual examination and revision. This Catalog presents the offerings, requirements, and policies in effect at the time of publication and in no way guarantees that the offerings, requirements, and policies will not change.

This plan of study represents a typical sequence of courses required for this major. It may not be applicable to every student. Students should contact a department faculty member to be sure of appropriate course sequence.

Courses

PO 100 Power & Justice: 3 semester hours

This course pursues the answer to a general political question such as “What is equality?” or “What is justice?”. The class discusses that question and reads works of other political thinkers-—ancient and modern—-related to that topic. More concretely, the course considers the ways in which that issue influenced the Framers of the American government, and compares that to how other countries have handled that issue differently with the specific institutions they have created. For example, the course may look at how the United States Congress attempts to provide for equal representation differently than the German Bundestag or the Chinese National People's Congress. Finally, the course examines how countries interact with each other militarily and economically to address potential cooperation and conflict among countries. Through this ongoing dialogue, students are introduced to the four major subfields of political science: political philosophy, American politics, comparative politics, and international relations.

PO 101 Introduction To Political Philosophy: 3 semester hours

This course is an examination of main ideas, methods, and perspectives of some of the major Western political theorists from Plato to the modern period. Drawing upon study of the original texts, the course aims to convey an understanding of political philosophy as a tradition of inquiry into fundamental questions of human nature, the origins of ethical codes, the role and limitations of government, and social justice. The course also encourages assessment of the relevance of the theories studied for understanding and evaluating politics today.

PO 102 Government and Politics Around the World: 3 semester hours

This course aims to illustrate the diversity of political life, institutional alternatives, and differences in political processes and policy outcomes in the context of foreign countries representing different cultures and regions of the world and different stages of development. The course introduces basic methods and concepts of comparative study and examines similarities and differences in such areas as political parties, elections, executive and legislative institutions, as well as economic, social, and welfare policies.

PO 103 Introduction to International Relations: 3 semester hours

An introduction to the basic principles underlying the interaction between nation states, such as war, trade, alliances, balance of power, and international law. Students will become familiar with major theories of international politics and will evaluate these theories in the context of major events in international politics, including the collapse of the Soviet Union, the global financial crisis, terrorism, environmental degradation, and the rise of new international structures such as the European Union.

PO 111 Introduction To American Politics: 3 semester hours

A broad survey of American politics, including political behavior of the American electorate, the theory and practice of constitutional government, the structure and functioning of American political institutions, and contemporary issues.

PO 112 Globalization and Human Survival: 3 semester hours

This course is an introductory examination of some problems that confront all people today and will require global attention and cooperation for their amelioration. Some problem areas considered include war, peace and security, ecology and resources, and poverty and development. The course also highlights the interconnectedness of the emerging global problems, considers various proposals, which have been made for addressing them, and treats the complications arising from differences of culture and values.

PO 201 The Presidency: 3 semester hours

This course is an examination of the office, powers, and roles of the American presidency, the relationships of the presidency with other elements of the American political system and issues and problems raised by the presidency's performance today. Recommended: PO 111.

PO 202 Congress: 3 semester hours

An examination of the powers, activities, and functions of the American Congress, the relationships of Congress with constituents and other elements of the American political system leading up to an analysis of issues and problems raised by Congress' performance today. The course highlights the tension that exists between Congress as a representative assembly and as a national policy-making institution. Recommended: PO 111.

PO 203 The U.S. Supreme Court and the American Judiciary: 3 semester hours

This course is an introductory course to the structure and characteristics of the U.S. legal system at both state and federal level, with special consideration given to the interaction between law and politics. The course will cover topics such as the evolution of the judiciary and its effects on the other branches of government, the institutional structure of the Supreme Court and of the state and federal courts, models of judicial decision-making, as well as the role of judges, lawyers, and litigants in the judicial process. Recommended: PO 111.

PO 204 Political Parties, Voters and Elections: 3 semester hours

The core elements of any democratic political life are political parties and election; this course examines both. Topics to be discussed include the causes and evolution of the U.S. two-party system, voting for President and Congress, how voters decide, voter turnout, and the electoral foundations of divided government. Recommended PO 111.

PO 205 History of American Political Thought: 3 semester hours

An examination of writings by selected political theorists throughout American history. Two goals of the course are identification of the distinctive features, themes, and preoccupations of American political theory and assessment of the relevance of the theories studied for understanding and evaluating American politics today. Recommended: PO 101 and PO 111.

PO 265 Politics and Film: the Art of the Message: 3 semester hours

This is not a popcorn and movies class; it is a course to introduce students to a range of political films and to develop their skills in understanding and analyzing their political significance and influence. Film has a broad and persuasive appeal to a significant cross-section of the public. Whether through intentional documentary, dramatic renderings of historical events or timely issues, fictional drama dealing with big issues, or though satire, the cinema has been a powerful medium in influencing public views on the events, people, and places that make up our complex political world. The purpose of this class is to introduce the student to the portrayal of that complex political world through film, its effect on the thinking and attitudes of the public, and ultimately its role in shaping public policy and decision-making.

PO 270 Environmental Politics: 3 semester hours

This course examines relationships between political forces and environmental change, doing so at the national and international level. We analyze underlying issues central to addressing environmental concerns, such as the tragedy of the commons problems, capitalism, and multilateral diplomacy. And we consider a variety of environmental issues, such as climate change, waste management, and water scarcity. For some parts of the course, students will negotiate in simulations in which they take on the roles of actors with conflicting interests (e.g. countries, international interest groups, and NGOs), and try to formulate tenable solutions to specific problems.

PO 301 Constitutional Law I: Structure of Government: 3 semester hours

Learn the principles, doctrines and controversies regarding the basic structure and division of powers in American government as defined through the text of the Constitution and its interpretation by the Supreme Court. Specifically, we inquire about the exercise of judicial review, the scope of congressional powers, the nature of executive prerogatives, as well as the tug of war that characterizes the balance of power among these the three branches of government and the balance of authority between the national and state governments. The Constitution is primarily a legal document, but the historical and political context of constitutional interpretation is inseparable from the legal analysis, so the course will explore each of these areas in detail. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or consent of instructor; PO 111 or PO 203 recommended but not required.

PO 302 Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Liberties: 3 semester hours

This course introduces students to the constitutional principles that govern the relationship between individuals and the state. It explores the concept of national citizenship and examines the limits on governmental action imposed by the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment, as well as by the First Amendment. The student will be expected to learn about freedom of speech and press, freedom of assembly, guarantee of the free exercise of religion, privacy, discrimination, and capital punishment. The primary goal of the course is to discuss our rights, therefore, emphasis is on the Constitution and the United States Supreme Court cases, which delineate the legal doctrines relevant to defining the Constitution’s guarantees of liberty. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or consent of instructor; PO 111 or PO 203 recommended but not required.

PO 307 Political Science Research Methods: 3 semester hours

Students will learn the basic qualitative and quantitative research methods used in the social sciences. The course will begin with an introduction to the foundations of scientific research, hypothesis construction and testing, along with the strengths and weakness of different methodological approaches. Students will use a statistical analysis program (SPSS) to create and manipulate data sets. This computer assisted data analysis will permit students to understand and report basic descriptive statistics, a variety of difference of means tests, bivariate correlations, and basic multiple regression analysis. Students will also learn to read and understand literature from academic journals in the social sciences, including (but not limited to) political science, political/social psychology and political sociology. This course has no prerequisite courses. Familiarity with algebra is a plus, but not a requirement. Prerequisites: PO 111, PO 102 or PO 103 or consent of the instructor).

PO 311 American Foreign Policy: 3 semester hours

This course provides analysis and evaluation of American foreign policy since 1945, the institutions and processes involved in its making and the historical and cultural factors affecting it. Prerequisite: PO 111 or PO 103.

PO 312 Politics of International Economic Relations: 3 semester hours

Analysis of reciprocal relations between global politics and economics, examining such topics as North/South conflict, the emergence of multinational non-state actors, problems of global resource allocation, the institutional framework of international development, and the growing interconnectedness of a global economy. Prerequisite: PO 103 or an introductory course in economics.

PO 313 International Law and Organization: 3 semester hours

This course provides analysis of the history, role, and future of international law and organizations in the social, economic, and political development of the world community. Prerequisite: PO 103 or permission of instructor.

PO 314 Contemporary Political Ideologies: 3 semester hours

This course provides a comparative study of conservative, liberal, socialist, religious, fascist, and other ideologies prominent in contemporary national and world politics. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.

PO 326 Politics and Public Policy: 3 semester hours

An analysis of the different policy-making processes incorporated in the American political system and the different kinds of political actors, patterns of conflict, and outcomes found in each. The course also treats policy-making, current policies, and policy debate found in several major areas of public policy, such as business regulation, civil rights, and economic, defense, welfare, and health policies. Prerequisite: PO 111 or equivalent.

PO 335 State and Local Government: 3 semester hours

The course deals with the theories, principles, and practices of the state and local governments in the United States with an emphasis on Iowa. The topics include scope and functions of the state local government, capacity, federalism, institutions, participation, public administration, and budgetary matters. Prerequisite: PO 111.

PO 353 Politics and Economic Policy in the United States: 3 semester hours

The course is designed to develop an understanding of the politics of economic policy making and the institutional infra-structure of policy implementation in the United States. The course aims at exploring the complexities of fiscal, monetary, regulatory, and distributive policies in the United States. Prerequisite: PO 111 or consent of instructor.

PO 359 Advanced Studies in Law and Politics: 3 semester hours

Seminar-style course designed to employ various academic perspectives and methodologies to the study of legal issues, shedding light on both the understanding of law as well as debates central to other disciplines. The course is designed to offer a great deal of flexibility to adapt its content to current and contentious issues relevant to law, society, and politics. The scope of legal concerns ranges from the local (states and communities), to the national, and to the global (regions and international bodies). The course topics change from semester to semester and may be repeated with change of content (maximum 9 credit hours). The course does not require prior knowledge of the specific areas or topics covered and is open to all majors. Prerequisites: PO 111, PO 102, PO 103 required, or consent of the instructor.

PO 368 Welfare States: Advanced International and Area Studies: 3 semester hours

Seminar-style course designed to offer an interdisciplinary, internationally focused study of timely and relevant issues not generally covered in existing courses. Major topics in comparative and international politics will be analyzed in the context of selected nations within distinct geographical areas of the world in order to gain understanding of the institutions and dynamics of the area. Areas to be studied include: Western and Eastern Europe, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. The course topics change from semester to semester and may be repeated with change of content (maximum 9 credit hours). The course does not require prior knowledge of the specific areas or topics covered and is opened to all majors.

PO 399 Special Topics in Political Science: 3 semester hours

This course is an examination of a specific area of political science. Course content will vary according to student interest. This course, with different content, may be repeated.

PO 406 Major Political Problems: 3 semester hours

This course provides an examination of a general problem or issue in politics today. Course content and subtitle will vary. The course may be repeated with consent of the instructor.

PO 425 Public Service Internship: 3 semester hours

A supervised introduction to public service though placement in a public agency. It develops an understanding of agency functions and of employees in the public sector. Prerequisite: It is open to non-majors upon completion of PO 111.

PO 441 Seminar In Political Research: 3 semester hours

This course is a seminar having variable content and emphasizing oral and written presentation of independent study and research done by participants. Required for political science majors. Prerequisites: sophomore standing and PO 307.

PO 445 Independent Study: 3 semester hours

Directed readings and research in political science. Topics to the determined by the student and instructor.

What are the next steps?

Mount Mercy offers competitive tuition and generous scholarships.

We also encourage all students to apply for federal, state, and other kinds of financial assistance.

Learn more about:

We make it easy by accepting applications year-round! No deadline, no fee, no pressure.

  1. Create your application
  2. Apply under standard admissions criteria or go "test optional"
  3. Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Mail to:

* Mount Mercy University Admissions
  1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
  Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402

* If you are applying for an accelerated program, please mail to "Accelerated Programs"

For more detailed instructions on how to apply, see our Admissions page.

Careers in political science

All the preparation pays off.

More than one in 20 jobs involve government work. Upon graduating, political science majors will have the expertise to excel in these positions. Political science will help you succeed in the court system, the FBI, or CIA. Work for your country while living aboard, forging a career in the U.S. Foreign Service.

Maximize business profits by learning more about U.S., foreign, and international regulations. Be prepared to flourish with knowledge of how large bureaucracies work and be ready to navigate them.Gain the skills to help others understand the world better through jobs in journalism or news media.

Change the world by becoming an expert in party politics or grass-roots campaigns.

Some career paths, such as lawyer, will require an advanced degree in addition to a BA in political science, while others do not require further studies.