CatLink

Sign into the Catawba College community portal:

Login to CatLink

Future Students

Apply online or check the status of your Admissions application:

Admission Portal

Search

nav-about2.jpg

Ranked as one of the best regional colleges in the South, we offer 70+ fields of study, career preparation and remarkable support.

About Catawba College

History

Quick Facts

Campus Information

News

Events

Campus Offices

FAQs

sacscoc-stamp.png

RELATED LINKS
Brochures
Ranking & Recognitions
Institutional Effectiveness
Economic Impact
President
Board
Mission
Directions

navimg-ath.jpg

Our 23 NCAA Division II athletic teams compete on facilities that rival larger colleges, with more playing time & personal attention.

Athletics
Join the Team
The Student-Athlete
Facilities
Esports
Intramurals
Athletics Website

RELATED LINKS:
Tickets
Schedule
Chiefs Club
Shop Catawba Gear


REMAIN AT CATAWBA
Catawba.edu/RemainAtCatawba  |  Take the Pledge  |  Ask a Question
campus wide alert

POLITICS.

B.A. Degree in Politics
Minor in Politics
Secondary Teacher Licensure

Home > Academics > Majors, Minors & Programs > Undergraduate > Politics
ad-scholarship.png
Read More

 

Politics / Political Science Degree - Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Study politics to be empowered to affect and deal with complexity, diversity, and change in society.

In Catawba College’s Politics bachelor’s degree program, undergraduates achieve a comprehensive, broad-based overview of the study of political science, including courses in American politics, comparative politics, and research in the social sciences.

Politics majors also focus on developing key skills that are critical in today’s professional world of work, including excellent communication skills honed through writing assignments, oral presentations, and visual information presentations; critical thinking skills developed through reading assignments and classroom discussions; analytical problem-solving skills; and a deeper appreciation of the importance and values of governance and citizenship. In addition, incoming freshmen students majoring in Politics may be eligible for a Politics scholarship upon acceptance to Catawba College.

The merits of earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from Catawba College are affirmed by U.S. News which ranks Catawba as #4 among the Best Regional Colleges in the South  and by The Princeton Review which perennially includes Catawba among the nation’s top institutions in its annual Best Colleges guidebook. In small classes, taught by knowledgeable and inspiring faculty who carefully advise their students, Politics majors focus on their interests as well as on their future career and professional goals. Students who pursue Catawba College’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics may focus on one of two concentrations:

 

Minor in Politics

At Catawba, students may opt to minor in Politics. By doing so, they develop the knowledge, abilities, and values central in the study of political science and in liberal education.  This development helps assure that these students will embrace intellectual curiosity and growth; practice citizenship, service, and civility; have respect for the intrinsic value of all human beings; and engage in academic reflection during their collegiate career.


Secondary Teacher Licensure

Students who complete requirements for B.A. degree in Politics can pursue a Secondary (grades 9-12) Teacher Licensure that will allow them to teach Social Studies. These students must satisfy the requirements for undergraduate teacher licensure (including the Secondary Education Minor and student teaching) outlined under the heading for the Department of Teacher Education.  Students pursuing Comprehensive Social Studies licensure should consult with the Department of Teacher Education for additional required coursework.


Politics Program Highlights

The Politics Bachelor of Arts degree program at Catawba College offers the choice of two concentrations: Pre-Law and Public Administration. This broad-based approach to the study of politics is valued by potential employers because it provides students with a comprehensive understanding of political systems; communication skills; critical thinking skills; analytical problem-solving skills; decision-making skills; and research skills. Under the guidance of the department’s engaged and inspiring faculty, Catawba’s Politics majors accept responsibility for the development of their own educational careers.

Students at NASA Academy for internships
Internships in Politics.

In the recent past, Catawba Politics majors have pursued a variety of internships including opportunities at local law firms to social service agencies, and at local, state and federal government offices.

Catawba Students Studying Abroad
Study Politics Abroad.

Study Abroad opportunities for Politics majors are often associated with course-specific offerings and also through the College Honors Program.

Catawba College Student presenting research.
Undergraduate Research in Politics.

Politics majors are able to conduct and present their own political research that are often born of projects completed for specific classes with Politics Department faculty. This research may be presented at the annual campus Interdisciplinary Creativity and Research Symposium, at the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Research Symposium, or at other professional and honors conferences.

Related Bachelor Degree Programs

Outcomes

block-student12.jpg

JOBS IN POLITICS.

Politics majors from Catawba College are making their mark in the following positions:

    • Political Campaign Staff
    • Lobbyist
    • Public Relations Specialist
    • Urban/Regional Planner
    • Teacher/Professor
    • Pollster/Survey Researcher
    • Attorney/Lawyer
block-student13.jpg

GRADUATE SCHOOLS.

Catawba College Politics alumni have gone on to earn degrees at the following schools:

    • Florida State University School of Law
    • University of Georgia Master of Public Administration Program
    • Catholic University Columbus School of Law
    • UNC-Chapel Hill Ph.D. Program in Political Science
    • Drake University School of Law
    • Duquesne University School of Law
    • University of Tulsa School of Law

co-renspie.jpg

"Aside from a beautiful campus set in a great small town like Salisbury, what drew me to Catawba was the opportunity to develop a close working relationship with all of my professors. I feel they were able to build upon my strengths and challenged me to excel, both in and out of the classroom.

"My dream is to someday work in politics at the state or local level where I feel I can have the most positive impact on those constituents. The knowledge I gained and the support I received from the very involved faculty at Catawba gave me confidence that my dream is well within my sights."

Kimberly Renspie '12 
Political Science Major (American Politics)

co-students6.jpg

PARTICIPATE.

The Catawba Political Science Association (CPSA) serves as an academic and professional focal point for students majoring, minoring, and/or interested in Politics and Political Science as disciplines or areas for related careers. Members meet regularly for scholastic and social activities. Delegations regularly attend such professional meetings as the American Political Science Association, the Southern Political Science Association, and the North Carolina Political Science Association. Membership is open to all Political Science Majors and Minors.

Politics Faculty

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, chair and professor of Politics at Catawba College

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer, chair and professor of Politics, is a recognized expert on North Carolina politics, having written two recent book chapters on the state and the 2016 elections, as well as being interviewed by numerous international, national and regional media outlets.  Dr. Bitzer’s expertise covers U.S. government institutions, campaigns and elections, Southern politics, the law, and many other areas of American Politics.  He serves as Catawba’s Pre-Law advisor.

Dr. Norris Feeney, an assistant professor of Politics at Catawba College

Dr. Norris Feeney

Dr. Norris Feeney, an assistant professor of Politics, has expertise in both Comparative and International Politics. The questions he likes to explore touch on the deeper questions of the nature of man and why we interact with one another the way we do. He works closely with Catawba’s Ethics Bowl team each year as they compete at the state level against teams from other private institutions in the North Carolina Independent College and University’s (NCICU) Ethics Bowl.

Curriculum

Required Courses for B.A. in Politics
Required Courses for B.A. in Politics

POLS 1101: Introduction to American Politics

3

POLS 1105: Introduction to Comparative Politics

3

SOC 2301: Social Science Research

4

Select one of the following two:

3

  • POLS 2200: State & Local Politics

  • POLS 2210: International Relations

  

Select one of the following (Political Theory):

3

  • POLS 2300: Ancient Political Theory

  • POLS 2310: Modern Political Theory

  

Select one of the following (Institutions):

3

  • POLS 3300: Legislative Politics

  • POLS 3310: Executive Politics

  • POLS 3320: Bureaucratic Politics

  • POLS 3330: Judicial Process

  

Select one of the following (Behavior):

3

  • POLS 3110: Political Parties & Interest Groups

  • POLS 3115: U.S. Campaigns & Elections

  • POLS 3150: Southern Politics

  

Select one of the following (Policy):

3

  • POLS 3500: Politics & Policy

  • POLS 3510: U.S. Constitutional Law: Powers & Federalism

  • POLS 3520: U.S. Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties & Rights

  • POLS 3530: International Law

  • POLS 3540: Political Economy

  • POLS 3550: U.S. Foreign Policy

  

POLS Electives (at or above 2000 level)

12
 

Total:

37

 

Pre-Law Concentration 

Hours

Read More about Pre-Law @ Catawba

 

ACCT 1901: Principles of Accounting I

3

ECON 1902: Principles of Microeconomics

3

ENGL 3201: English Grammar

3

HIST 1114: The Contemporary World

3

HIST 1202: Survey of American History II

3

PHIL 1166: Critical Thinking                
OR

PHIL 1155: Introduction to Logic

3

PHIL 2170: Ethics

3

SOC 1501: Social Problems

3

 

Total:

24

 

Public Administration Concentration

Hours

ACCT 1901: Principles of Accounting I

3

ECON 1901: Principles of Macroeconomics

3

HIST 1202: Survey of American History II

3

MTG 2501: Principles of Management

3

PHIL 2170: Ethics

3

PHIL 1166: Critical Thinking               
OR 
PHIL 1155: Introduction to Logic

3

SOC 1501: Social Problems

3
 

Total:

21


The department has found that the student is well-served to enroll in specific elective courses not listed above. The student should contact the department chair for a list of these suggested electives.

Required Courses for Minor
Required Courses for Minor

POLS 1101: Introduction to American Politics

3

POLS 2200: State and Local Politics

3

POLS 2300: Ancient Political Theory

3

Any three Politics courses at 2000 or 3000 level

9

 

Total:

18
Requirements for Teacher Licensure
Requirements for Teacher Licensure

Students seeking secondary (grades 9-12) teacher licensure in Comprehensive Social Studies must satisfy the requirements for the B.A. degree in Politics and the requirements for undergraduate teacher licensure (including the Secondary Education Minor and student teaching) outlined under the heading for the Department of Teacher Education in the Catawba College catalog. Students must include in their program: 

  • HIST 1492
  • HIST 1776
  • HIST 2400
  • ECON 1901
  • EDUC 2105
  • POLS 1101
  • SOC 1101 or 1501

Students seeking to apply for teacher licensure in more than one subject area should consult with the Department of Teacher Education as to current requirements for this process.

Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions

1100 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE (3 hours)
An introduction to the political theories, political institutions, political behavior, and operations and policies of the national government of the United States.

1101 INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN POLITICS (3 hours)
An introduction to the theories, institutions, political behavior, and operations of the national government of the United States. (Typically offered every semester.)

1105 INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3 hours)
An introduction to comparative political methodology and a study of cross-national political processes, functions, and institutions of modern and developing political systems. (Typically offered every fall semester.)

2110 ELEMENTARY TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (NON-WESTERN) (3 hours)
Topics selected by the department focusing on specialized interests within the discipline and with an emphasis on non-Western themes.

2111 ELEMENTARY TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (1-3 hours) Topics selected by the department focusing on specialized interests within the discipline and interests of department majors and non-majors with little or no background in political science.

2200 STATE AND LOCAL POLITICS (3 hours)
An overview of the theories, institutions, political behavior, and operations of state and local government in the United States, with a focus on national-state-local relations and public policies at the state and local level. Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Typically offered in spring semesters.)

2210 INTERNATIONAL POLITICS (3 hours)
An examination of international and transnational politics and the basic elements of the international political system, to include the concepts of war, peace, power, alliances, and diplomacy.

2300 ANCIENT POLITICAL THEORY (3 hours)
A critical analysis of the basic political writings of selected modern authors important to the development of western civilization, e.g., Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine and St. Thomas. (Same as PHIL 2060 and HIST 2301) (Typically offered fall semester of odd-numbered years.)

2310 MODERN POLITICAL THEORY (3 hours)
A critical analysis of the basic political writings of selected modern authors important to the development of western civilization and political thought, e.g., Machiavelli, Bodin, Hobbes, Harrington, Locke and Rousseau. (Same as HIST 2310 and PHIL 2400). 

3101 ADVANCED TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (3 hours)
Topics selected by the department focusing on specialized interests within the discipline and interests of department majors.

3110 POLITICAL PARTIES AND INTEREST GROUPS (3 hours)
An analysis of the roles played by political parties and interst groups, with a focus on the organization, electoral activities, and influence on public policies. Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Offered in spring semester of even-numbered years)

3115 U.S. CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS (3 hours)
An analysis of campaigns and elections within the American political system, including a study of modern day campaign organizations and strategies at the national, state, and local levels, electoral behavior by the voters, and the role and impact of the media on campaigns and elections. Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Typically offered fall semester of even-numbered years)

3150 SOUTHERN POLITICS (3 hours)A comparative study of the politics of the modern South since World War 11, with a focus on the evolution from a one-party dominated region to a competitive two-party region and the effects on the national political environment, the impact of the modern civil rights movement on Southern politics, and analyses of Southern political identification and behavior in electoral politics. Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Typically offered fall semesters of odd-numbered years.)

3300 LEGISLATIVE POLITICS (3 hours)
An analysis of the U.S. Congress, with a focus on legislative organization and powers, the law making process, relations with other branches of government, the electoral process as it relates to the legislature, and the legislature's influence on public policy. Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Typically offered fall semester of even-numbered years.)

 3310 PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS (3 hours)
An analysis of the role of the Presidency, with a focus on executive organization and powers, relations with other branches of government, the electoral process as it relates to the presidency, and the executive branch’s influence on public policy. Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Typically offered spring semester of odd-numbered years.)

3320 BUREAUCRATIC POLITICS (3 hours)
A study of public administration and the bureaucracy in the American governing system, with a focus on the bureaucratic powers and responsibilities, interactions between the political branches and the bureaucracy, staffing and funding the bureaucracy, and government operations and management. Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Offered in spring semester of even-numbered years)

3330 JUDICIAL PROCESSES (3 hours)
An analysis of the structure and functions of federal and state courts as they relate to the operation of the American political system with an emphasis on the role of judges, juries, police and other actors in the adjudication process. Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Typically offered in fall semester of odd-numbered yearrs.)

3500 POLITICS & PUBLIC POLICY (3 hours)
An examination of the public policy process in the United States, with a focus on the development, enactment, and implementation of public policy through governmental institutions. Topics will include substantive policy areas (e.g., education, social welfare, environmental, and other policy topcis). Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Offered in spring semester of odd-numbered years)

3510 U.S. CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: POWERS & FEDERALISM (3 hours)
A study of constitutional law as developed by the U.S. Supreme Court and its political impact on national and state governments and U.S. citizens, with a focus on questions of federalism, separation of governmental powers, economic regulation, and civil and political rights. Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Typically offered in fall semester of odd-numbered years.)

3520 U.S. CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: CIVIL LIBERTIES & RIGHTS (3 hours)
A study of the constitutional law as developed by the U.S. Supreme Court, with an emphasis on the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment and a focus on freedoms of speech, religion, the media, and civil rights. Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Typically offered in fall semester of even-numbered years.)

3525 AMERICAN CIVIL WRONGS AND RIGHTS (3 hours)
A study of the eras of slavery, emancipation and the Reconstruction era, segregation, and the Jim Crow era, and the 20th Century civil rights movement in the United States, with a focus on the political, legal, and social dimensions. Same as POLS 3525.

3530 INTERNATIONAL LAW (3 hours)
A study of sources, schools of thought, major cases and applications of public international law, focusing on the laws of war, diplomacy, the sea, space, and nationality. Prerequisite: POLS 2210.

3540 POLITICAL ECONOMY (3 hours)
An analysis of the relationships between politics and economics, exploring how political institutions, the political environment, and economic systems influence each other. Topics include the development of U.S. capitalism, the U.S. federal fiscal and monetary policy processes, and the development of globalization. Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Offered in alternate years)

3550 U.S. FOREIGN POLICY (3 hours)
A critical analysis of American global security interests and contemporary decision making by elements of the government responsible for foreign policy. Prerequisite: POLS 1101. (Typically offered in spring semester of even-numbered years)

4201 PRACTICUM IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (3-12 hours)
A supervised application of theory to practice in a functional area related to Political Science.

4301 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-4 hours)
Self-directed study following a contractual plan initiated by the student and accepted by the staff.

icon-apply.png
Apply.

icon-visit.png
Visit.

icon-info.png
Request Info.