Political Science at U of M
Political Science prepares students for active citizenship, for careers in public affairs, and for advanced study in the social sciences and professions by training them to become good observers of political behavior in their own country and around the world. It is an exciting field because of its complexity, its diversity and, above all, its relevance to the modern world. Political scientists attempt to describe and explain the wide range of political systems using a variety of powerful analytical techniques.
Political science cannot be studied in isolation from other disciplines. Many different and constantly changing influences - historical, geographical, economic, sociological, psychological, philosophical and cultural - determine the form and continually affect the functioning of political systems.
An education in political science exposes students to the issues over which people struggle and disagree not only in the United States, but also in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Students learn about the latest research findings on public opinion, executives and bureaucracies, parties and elections, the legislative and judicial systems, international organizations, and other aspects of the governmental process. Students acquire better understanding of the way public affairs are conducted and a more practical knowledge of how citizens, elected representatives, judges, and administrators approach the decisions they are called upon to make.