MAJOR - GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
Department Mission: In the tradition of excellence in liberal education, the Department of Government & Political Philosophy aims to help students to become more thoughtful human beings and more enlightened citizens. This objective is pursued primarily through the careful reading and analysis of the great books of political philosophers, as well as through the study of important writings and documents of the American tradition. Through studying political philosophy our students gain a general understanding of the important questions, issues, and facts of political life as well as of the actual ordering of communities of the past and present. In response to the question of what political arrangements best promote human flourishing, the Department draws on the rich tradition of natural law embodied in the wisdom of classical thought, the Christian tradition as represented by thinkers such as St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, and the prudent statesmanship of the American Founders.
The Government and Political Philosophy faculty are committed to modeling and encouraging the further development of honesty, integrity, and virtue in our students. Our hope is to provide an atmosphere of learning and study that will, in keeping with the highest values of a Catholic and Benedictine education, enable young men and women to engage in the world so as to become responsible citizens and to promote the common good.
Departmental Goals: The general goal of the Department is to make a substantial contribution to the liberal education of its students. In particular, our students should expect to become familiar with the major figures of political philosophy and the structure and operation of the American polity. Students should also expect to be challenged to improve their ability to communicate clearly and powerfully in speech and writing. The Department believes that such skills are essential preparation for future professional success. Ultimately, the Government & Political Philosophy Department hopes to inspire students to form a life-long commitment to thoughtful learning.
B. A. in Government & Political Philosophy (Traditional Students):
To be eligible for acceptance into the degree program, the student must have completed PO 201, and must have earned a grade of a "C" or better.
In addition to the other Core Curriculum requirements, the following are specific core requirements: EC 201 Introductory Economics I
Major requirements:
- PO 211 - Introduction to Political Philosophy
- PO 361 - American Political Thought I
- Either PO 309 - American Constitutional Law I or PO 310 - American Constitutional Law II
Concentrations: Students majoring in Government and Political Philosophy select a concentration of 15 credit hours in either American Government or Political Philosophy. Every student must maintain a "B" average in his or her chosen concentration.
Concentration in American Government:
Any five of the following courses:
- PO 309 - American Constitutional Law I
- PO 310 - American Constitutional Law II
- PO 331 - The American Congress
- PO 332 - The American Presidency
- PO 341 - American Foreign Policy
- PO 301 - American Political Parties
- PO 302 - American Public Policy
Concentration in Political Philosophy:
Any five of the following courses:
- PO 401 - Classical Political Philosophy
- PO 402 - Medieval Political Philosophy
- PO 403 - Early Modern Political Philosophy
- PO 404 - Late Modern Political Philosophy
- PO 361 - American Political Thought I
- PO 362 - American Political Thought II
- PO 371 - Catholic Political Thought
Government and Political Philosophy Electives:
Three (3) courses chosen from the alternate concentration area, or from among the following:
- PO 415 - Democracy in America
- PO 321 - Contemporary Political Thought
- PO 422 - Contemporary Political Issues
- PO 430 - Seminar in Political Philosophy
- PO 432 - Seminar in American Politics
- PO 303 - Readings in Political Economy
- PO 423 - Politics and Literature
- PO 490 - Senior Thesis
Other Courses
NOTE: Although an internship (PO 451-456) is not required for the major, it is strongly recommended.
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Minor in Government & Political Philosophy
- PO 211 - Introduction to Political Philosophy
- PO 309 - Constitutional Law I or PO 310 - Constitutional Law II
- Three upper-level electives
It is the student’s responsibility to see that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Faculty:
Dr. Travis Cook - Chair & Assistant Professor of Government and Political Philosophy
B.A., University of Maine
M.A., Boston College
Ph.D., Loyola University, Chicago
Dr. Laurence Reardon - Assistant Professor of Government and Political Philosophy
B.S., University College, Dublin
M.T. S., John Paul II Pontifical Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family
M.A., Catholic University of America
Ph.D., Catholic University of America
Dr. Eugene Thuot - Professor of Government and Political Philosophy; Chair, Social Sciences Division; Director, The Honors Institute
B.A., Assumption College
B.Th., University of Ottawa
M.A., University of Chicago
Ph.D., University of Chicago
Joseph Wysocki - Assistant Professor of Government and Political Philosophy
B.A., Belmont Abbey College
M.A., Baylor University |
