Political Science

Department of History and Political Science 

Professor: 

  • Samuel London, Ph.D. (Chair)

Associate Professor: 

  • Marcya Burden, J.D. 

Assistant Professor: 

  • Preston Foster, M.P.A. 
  • Savonna Greer, M.A. 
  • Gabriel Nava, M.A.

Introduction 

The Department of History and Political Science comprises areas of study in history, pre- law, political science, and international relations. Courses are designed to address the questions of the past, present, and future. 

Purpose 

It is the purpose of the Department of History and Political Science to educate students in the disciplines of history, pre-law, political science, and international relations. The Department’s programs are designed to prepare students for graduate and professional schools, as well as the workforce. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Prospective majors must have an overall minimum GPA of 2.00. 

Exit Examinations 

Candidates for the B.A. degree must pass a departmental exit examination in their senior year with a minimum grade of 70% or take one of the national standardized tests (e.g., the GRE, LSAT).

Double Majors 

Students are not allowed to double major within the Department. This prevents “double-dipping,” which academic policy does not allow.

Career Opportunities 

The list of careers available to students that major in the fields of history, international relations, political science, and pre-law is almost endless. However, a brief list of job opportunities associated with these academic fields of study are: advertising executive, analyst, archivist, broadcaster, consultant, lawyer, teacher, editor, foreign service officer, foundation staffer, information specialist, intelligence agent, journalist, lobbyist, public relations staffer, researcher, diplomat, politician, librarian, and paralegal. 

Degrees

Courses

PS 120: Introduction to Political Science

Credits 3
An examination of the standard essentials of political science in which are considered certain contemporary political doctrines, systems of government, political organization and behavior, and a look at various worldwide governmental policies.

PS 200: Comparative Governments

Credits 3
A study of selected nation-states in relation to their location on the globe as well as their capacity to provide their peoples with the economic, social, and political goods and services associated with human dignity.

PS 211: American Government

Credits 3
A course of study concerning the organization of the United States government in regard to various branches at federal and state levels.

PS 253: OU Law and Politics Blog

Credits 1
In this course students will use the legal reasoning, public policy, and writing skills learned as effective means of communication with Oakwood University and beyond. Students will strengthen their writing skills and learn in the ins and outs of how to be an active writer in a blog.

PS 300: State and Local Government

Credits 3
Code
W
The study of the structure of state and local governments, including the historical development of local and regional governments in America.

PS 351: Public Policy

Credits 3
An examination of the economic, political, social, and institutional factors which influence the policy making process in the United States. Case studies will be reviewed in the areas of economics, health, welfare, civil rights, defense, criminal justice, education, and environmental issues.

PS 354: Public Administration

Credits 3

This course is a review of scope, processes, and application of the managerial tools used to measure, implement, and iterate public policy prescriptions. The course will emphasize the employment of technical work, in the context of the Heifetz Model, as a means of accomplishing or achieving incrementally public policy goals. The role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and not for profit organizations in advancing public policy objectives. 3 credits.

PS 355: Social Justice Advocacy

Credits 3
This course employs the adaptive leadership framework developed by Ronald Heifetz, in the context of a biblical foundation and principles, to prepare political, legal, and social leaders to affect change in a dynamic environment and, also, to assess the effectiveness of their interventions.

PS 398: Internship/Externship

Credits 3
This course will expose students to professional careers in the areas of history, law, and public policy. It gives students the opportunity to use knowledge and tools gained in the classroom in a professional setting.

PS 400: Church and State

Credits 3
This course focuses on the political features of issues surrounding the 1st Amendment clauses regarding religious freedom, freedom from religion, the Seventh-day Adventist prophetic narrative, the Protestant Reformation regarding freedom of conscience, and the role of religion and morals in public life.

PS 440: International Relations

Credits 3
Code
W
A study of critical factors affecting the conduct of international relations. Emphasis is placed on nation-states, global and regional international organizations, multinational corporations, individuals in the international arena, and the forces they bring to bear on the international political system.

PS 450: American Diplomacy

Credits 3
Code
W
A study of the key characteristics of U.S. foreign relations, what shapes them, the relationship between our nation’s domestic setting–ideology, core values, politics, geography, social structure, and economy–and its foreign relations.

PS 481: Political Philosophies

Credits 3

Political Philosophies is a review of the fundamental philosophies that undergird major political ideologies and, also, an acquaintance with the thought leaders who formed or advanced those ideologies. The course will emphasize the connection between the philosophies and the cultural and political environments that provides fertile ground for the philosophy to take root and given points in time and in different places. 3 credits.

PS 495: Capstone Senior Seminar

Credits 3
The Capstone Senior Seminar is the culmination of learning in the core curriculum. Subsequently, it requires substantial reading and informed participation. The course is designed to enhance critical thinking, review salient points of learning in the discipline, as well as prepare students to make the transition into graduate/professional schools and the work force. Furthermore, students will obtain information designed to improve their skills in the areas of professionalism, networking, relationships, finances, and leadership.