Program Purpose

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The political science major is designed to fulfill the admonition of the Doctrine and Covenants (88:79–80) to teach one another "things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms that ye may be prepared in all things." Politics extends far beyond the immediate concerns of politicians or pollsters; it is essential to the human condition. Since we are all shaped by the institutions we inhabit, political science helps us to understand not only our world, but ourselves. It involves fundamental choices concerning our life in communities whether locally, nationally, or globally. Without politics there could be only chaos and conflict. With politics there is the chance for order and thus the opportunity to seek prosperity and fulfillment. Often conflictual, but just as often cooperative, politics reflects our basic needs and interests, our highest aspirations, and the often harsh requirements of power.

Political science involves this full range of inquiry, including questions of "who gets what," questions of the best or most just political order, and questions of the nature, uses, and abuses of power. Political science students will be exposed to a broad range of perspectives or great ideas about politics to better understand questions such as "Why is campaign finance reform so difficult?" "Why did the Soviet Union fall?" "Were the Athenians justified in condemning Socrates to death?" and "Do democracies fight fewer wars?" Students will learn a variety of methods ranging from statistical analysis of quantifiable data to historical comparison of institutions to reflection on influential texts. Before graduating, students will not only better define their own values and ideas about politics but also develop their own significant research project as political scientists. Students will be prepared "in all things" to influence their communities for the better.

Curricular Structure

Major Academic Plan (MAP)

Undergraduate Catalog

Learning Outcomes

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We have distilled the following expected learning outcomes from our mission statement and organized them under the "Aims of a BYU Education." Successful graduates of the political science major will:

1. Understand Political Science and Its Subfields

Demonstrate advanced understanding of the discipline of political science, including familiarity with each of the four major subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political philosophy. 

2. Employ Rigorous Research Methods

Use rigorous methods of research design and analysis to answer political questions, including multiple research methodologies

3. Write and Speak with Originality and Clarity

Write and speak with originality and clarity, providing reasons and evidence to support claims using proper citation of source material.

4. Think Critically and Analytically about Politics

Think critically and analytically about government, political processes, and political theories, including the components of a good society.

5. Collaborate Effectively

Collaborate effectively with others, including participation in political processes and engagement on issues of political importance. 

Evidence of Learning

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Direct Measures

Student learning on each of the five outcomes is directly measured with the Direct Assessment of Student Learning  (DASL) each year.  This is a comprehensive evaluation of student performance by their course instructors for all departmental classes.  It incorporates incorporates exams, assignments, course papers and other written work, collaborative projects and oral presentations.

Indirect Measures

Each year, the university conducts extensive surveys of graduating seniors and of alumni.  These surveys cover a broad range of topics.  Some specific questions on these surveys correspond to the five department learning outcomes indicated above.  Where applicable, results from the National Survey of Student Engagement are also included

General Indicators

A variety of indicators that are not tied to specific learning outcomes are reviewed each year.  These include the student and alumni surveys, the National Survey of Student Engagement, student participation in academic research conferences, publications, admission to graduate and professional programs, and employment outcomes.

Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement

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The Department Chair and the Department Executive Committee review the annual assessment results and make recommendations to department faculty, as needed.