College of Liberal Arts Political Science

Department of Political Science

Located in Langdale Hall, Second Floor

Political Science • International Affairs

The Department of Political Science offers a wide range of courses in American government and politics, comparative government and politics, as well as international politics and political theory. The curriculum is designed to provide: (1) academic training in the theoretical, empirical and philosophical aspects of the discipline; (2) an environment in which students can develop basic skills in analysis, critical thinking, writing and research; (3) the background and competence needed to pursue advanced degrees in political science, law or related disciplines; and (4) a broad liberal education in politics, law and government for all students.

Majors

A political science major at Mercer University consists of a total of 33 semester hours or 11 courses.

Minor

A minor in political science requires a total of 18 hours.

International Affairs Concentration

The concentration is an interdisciplinary program that consists of two core classes, plus 36 hours selected from designated political science, history, foreign languages and economics courses.

Faculty-led Study Abroad

The faculty of the Department of Political Science organizes regular study abroad tours that offer students an opportunity to systematically explore other cultures while studying and learning about the conditions, processes and institutions of the nations visited.

Several tours have already been offered to a variety of destinations including Western Europe, Costa Rica, Morocco and Moldova. Future trips are being planned to Greece and the United Arab Emirates.

Special Activities and Programs

The Department of Political Science sponsors an annual lecture series that offers an interdisciplinary perspective of some of the most pressing issues of our time.
Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honor society, has sponsored debates and essay contests (two scheduled this year), designed to get political science majors and other Mercer students to think about the relevance and importance of contemporary political issues.
Department faculty serve as advisors to several student groups, such as the Young Republicans, the Young Democrats, Amnesty International and the Mercer International Affairs Organization (MIAO). These organizations hold debates, discussions, lectures and workshops on a wide variety of topics of interest to the Mercer and Macon communities.Over the last two years, MIAO has sponsored two interfaith forums and a global hunger dinner raising awareness about the state of poverty and deprivation in the world.

Service-learning Opportunities

Mercer political science students are engaged in the community through their political science coursework in many ways:

As volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House or the Macon Victims of Domestic Assistance line, students have had lasting impacts on the quality of life in the community.
As pollsters for WMAZ-TV and as program planners for the Center for Racial Understanding, students have gained political insight from the inside of the political process.
Students have also participated in service projects at the state level as well as internationally. In the spring of 2007, political science students will have the opportunity to travel to Moldova and work with orphans in a two-day service project. Our students have the opportunity to serve and learn in Macon, the state, the nation, and the world!
"Women, Law and Politics" includes opportunities to consult with domestic abuse survivors regarding legal aid, shadowing female politicians and community leaders, and working with political organizations, such as the League of Women Voters.