Mission Statement
of the
Political Science Department
The mission of the Department of Political Science is to promote scholarship, leadership and responsible citizenship among students at Elizabethtown College. The Department provides a solid liberal arts curriculum that exposes students to the principal subfields of the discipline and develops transferable skills of liberal learning. Through service-learning, internship programs and a robust co-curriculum, the Department offers students experience in politics, government and the law. The Department encourages interdisciplinary study in the arts, sciences and professions, and global awareness through participation in study abroad programs. Actively involved in research, teaching and applied scholarship, the political science faculty serves as mentors to students seeking academic challenge and civic involvement.
Vision Statement of the Political Science Department
The Department of Political Science at Elizabethtown College aims at being recognized as a leader among political science programs at institutions of comparable size and character. Pursuant to this goal, the Department is committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship and mentoring. By offering a distinctive program that includes opportunities for independent research, experiential learning and off-campus study, the Department promotes scholarship in the political science discipline, civic participation and leadership.
Relationship to the College's Mission and Vision
The mission and vision of the Department of Political Science advance the mission and vision of Elizabethtown College. Like the College, the Department is committed to furthering the ideals of scholarship and leadership among students. Through its emphasis on responsible citizenship through experiential learning in politics, government and the law, the Department "educate(s) for service" and facilitates the integration of the liberal arts and professions. Our involvement in international education and promotion of study abroad programs further the College's commitment to global awareness. Departmental programs and initiatives, such as the Capital Semester Internship Program, the professional journal Religion and Politics and an intercollegiate mock trial team, contribute to the excellence and distinction of the College.
Statement of Learning Outcomes for Graduates of the Elizabethtown College Department of Political Science
1. Knowledge : A graduate of the Elizabethtown College political science program should know :
a. The major theories, concepts and methods of political analysis - empirical, normative and policy-oriented
b. Important aspects of history, politics, culture and society that will enable her/him to function effectively as a citizen and a professional
2. Values : A graduate of the Elizabethtown College political science program should value :
a. Scholarship - students should strive to develop fully their intellectual potential
b. Leadership - students should develop their potential to lead others in business, community organizations and government
c. Citizenship - students should be informed and involved in matters of public concern locally, nationally and globally
3. Skills : A graduate of the Elizabethtown College political science program should be able to :
a. Exercise critical judgment, analyze and synthesize relevant information and construct reasoned argument
b. Communicate effectively and fluently in speech and in writing
c. Apply concepts, theories and methods used in the study of politics to political ideas, institutions and practices
d. Conduct independent, original research, demonstrating the ability to gather, organize and present evidence, data and information from a variety of primary and secondary sources
e. Work effectively with others in developing, advancing and implementing solutions to problems
