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Special Programs and Opportunities

Our programs allow students to engage in different facets of political science outside the classroom.

Experiential learning: Internships

Every political science major completes three credits of experiential learning. In addition to the Washington Honors Semester, a number of local options are available in consultation with your academic advisor and help from the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career. These include, but are not limited to:

• State senators and representatives
• Professional law corporations

Experiential learning: Courses

Students have the opportunity to fulfill their Experiential Learning requirement by taking one of the following courses:

• Loading... – Model United Nations (POL 350) - This course gives the student an appreciation and understanding of the United Nations. Through study and simulation, the student will recognize the reasons for the UN, its various functions, partners, and procedures. The role of the United Nations in conflict resolution will be emphasized in class discussion. The course culminates with students participating in the American Model United Nations conference in Chicago in November.
  
  
• Loading... – Model Arab League is a multi-regional model competition in which students from across the United States learn about and compete as representatives from the 22-member states of the Arab League. Student participants are encouraged to use the experience to hone their skills in public speaking and diplomacy, in addition to the primary goal of learning about the politics and history of the Arab world. The course includes participation in the Model Arab League conference at Grand Valley State University.
  
  
• Loading... – Campaign management studies the methods and techniques of managing a campaign for public office. Topics include organization, advertising, press relations, fund raising, advancing, volunteers, budget, issues development, scheduling and strategies. Up to half of the total class and preparation time may involve field work. Students choose between a Democratic Party or a Republican Party lab when doing field work. Individual campaign plans are prepared at the end of the course.

Student-Faculty Research

Collaborative research between students and faculty is an important part of your political science education and indicates our strong focus on establishing one-on-one relationships with our majors. Student-faculty collaborative research is available during each semester and the summer. Student research is celebrated at our annual Research Symposium held at the end of each fall semester.

Many students work on such projects as:

• Renze Hoeksema Research Fund – an annual collaborative project with a student and a faculty member for international projects
• Papers to be presented at the annual American Political Science Association conference and other events
• Research for professors writing a grant proposal or a book
• Tasks relating to the administration of the department

If you are interested in conducting research through the political science department, please consult with your advisor.

Washington Honors Semester

Washington Honors Semester combines the intimacy of the Hope classroom with exhilaration of one of the most globally engaged cities in the world. Learn more about internships and life in Washington, D.C.

Pre-Law PROGRAM

±á´Ç±è±ð’s Pre-Law Program provides students with the substantive study of legal reasoning and jurisprudence. Students interested in studying law will listen to speakers and lawyers, talk with advisors and prepare for law school.

The Pre-Law Society is a student-led group that is very active in preparing students for careers in law. It is open to all students with an interest — casual or serious — in law or in pursuing a legal career.

Pi Sigma Alpha

Eta Kappa is ±á´Ç±è±ð’s chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honors society. 

Departmental Awards

Each year, awards are presented to students who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, possess qualities of character and show promise of a useful career in public service. View political science awards.