SJC Offers New Political Science Major On Both Campuses

PATCHOGUE, NY OCTOBER 3, 2012 St. Josephs College (SJC) is pleased to announce that it now offers a major in political science on both its Long Island and Brooklyn campuses. Approved this summer by the New York State Department of Higher Education, the new bachelors degree in political science replaces the former designation of a major in social sciences.

The 36-credit major in political science emphasizes skills in public affairs, research and writing, and aims to give students a broad understanding of topics in national and international politics and governance. Recent courses have focused on topics such as the U.S. Supreme Court; Constitutional law; war, resistance and revolution; the American presidency; politics of human rights; public ethics; international relations and the intersection of money, media, and politics.

"The new major is a terrific addition to the Department of Social Sciences and for the College, said Stephen Rockwell, Ph.D., associate professor of political science on SJCs Long Island Campus. "It clarifies our offerings at a time when more and more students are interested in careers in law and public service.

The political science major offers students many additional opportunities for hands-on learning with possibilities for optional service learning projects and internships. Reflecting the College's emphasis on service learning, interdisciplinary courses allow students to travel to Nicaragua as part of SJC's Nicaragua Project, or work with an immigrant advocacy organization on Long Island. A new focus on internships gives students the chance to observe the operation of politics in campaigns and public offices across the New York City and Long Island region. Upholding the Colleges standards for academic rigor, the major concludes with a year-long focus on research methods and the writing of a senior thesis in political science.