Political Science Major

Why Study Political Science?

When you study political science, you develop an understanding of the activities and ideas that shape the future. You learn about the background of present events and how decisions are made that affect the well-being of people and societies. You explore the nature and uses of power and the breadth and probable outcomes of citizen and government actions.

An ancient Chinese proverb warns about the risks of living “in interesting times.” We face new and old problems. Some that even put our survival at risk. As political scientists, we consider the value of new and old ways of meeting these challenges. And we prepare to confront these problems with insight, hope and passion.

When you graduate with a Political Science degree from Heidelberg, you may choose a career in law or public service. But no matter which career you choose, we believe you will be well prepared to live your life as an informed and effective citizen, an active participant in your community. You will have carefully thought about the political and social choices that we face. You will have considered informed opinion and research-based knowledge. You will be ready to act as a responsible citizen of the 21st century.

The Political Science Major at Heidelberg

Political Science at Heidelberg is an interdisciplinary program in which you are encouraged to use the knowledge and skills of history, philosophy, psychology, anthropology, sociology and mathematics to explore public life in local communities, nation-states and world forums. We emphasize a “hands-on” approach to learning: internships, visits with public officials, simulated legislative sessions and guided research. We are a long-standing member institution of the Washington Semester program and encourage our students to consider an experiential semester in Washington as well as study abroad opportunities. Our students regularly present their own research at local and national conferences. As interns, our students have worked as election campaign staffers, assistants to prosecutors and defense attorneys and environmental and human rights activists. Our classes regularly participate in simulations, such as Model United Nations, Model African Union and Model European Union.

Our successful alumnae and alumni

Many of our former students hold important positions in government and society. They administer government programs, serve as officers in the armed forces, advise elected officials, represent the political interests of major industries, hold judicial positions and teach at the secondary and college levels. They are judges, lawyers, public administrators, teachers, mayors, journalists, lobbyists, policy analysts, election consultants and informed citizens.

Requirements of the major

A major in Political Science requires 30 semester hours of course work. Students can choose from a set of courses that emphasize common themes of political life and common skills of political analysis whether studying American or international political realities. We offer courses in North American, Latin American, Asian and African politics. We teach both qualitative (historical) and quantitative (using statistical analysis and game theory) research techniques. We attend national simulations of regional and international organizations, and we explore issues of war and peace and human rights in two junior-level seminars.

Engaged faculty

Political Science faculty members believe in the importance and value of active citizenship. Our faculty is engaged in the political life of their own communities:
Dr. John Bing has served for more than 20 years as president of Tiffin's Park and Recreation Board and has been recognized by the Ohio Park and Recreation Association as Citizen of the Year. He spent three years in East Africa in the 1960s and has visited China five times in the last 20 years, as well as Malaysia and Japan.
Professor Rita Barga, also the Heidelberg Pre-Law advisor, is a former Tiffin City prosecutor, practiced law in Tiffin for more than 10 years and is involved in civic activities. She has led student summer seminars at Oxford in England.
Professor Tom Newcomb brings more than 15 years of experience in the CIA to his courses on international security studies.
Dr. Marc O'Reilly's published writings on U.S. foreign policy are highly regarded. He regularly leads student groups for summer study in Europe as well as conducts seminars that involve travel and study in his native Canada.
Dr. Kathryn Bradie has traveled to China and is an expert on political philosophy.

Our adjunct professors include James Fruth, a prominent local attorney and Heidelberg graduate who is active in community organizations and local politics, and Martin Koop, a local attorney specializing in criminal justice issues.

Department of Political Science, Anthropology and Criminal Justice

The Department of Political Science, Anthropology and Criminal Justice offers majors in Political Science, Anthropology and Criminal Justice. Minors are offered in Legal Studies, Political Science, Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology. The department also administers Heidelberg's Pre-Law Program. The combination of these programs into one department encourages cooperation in the development of innovative interdisciplinary and other special programs for students.

Political Science mission statement

We embrace the Heidelberg mission statement: to encourage and support a life of purpose with distinction. We are a community of learning, where faculty and students work together to strengthen our individual abilities and deepen our knowledge of the world. We believe that together we can share in the creation of a better future.

Learning objectives for Political Science majors
  • Develop problem solving skills, i.e., rational thought and methods of discovery and use of evidence.
  • Develop knowledge and understanding of the processes of governance.
  • Write effectively and speak with force and skill.
  • Develop the ability to work effectively as members of groups and with peoples of different cultures, perspectives and values.
  • Consider carefully and responsibly the goals and possibilities of community.
  • Honor the value of careful and honest research.
  • Consider – in the widest possible context – the future well-being of our world and its peoples.