The major in political science acquaints students with political aspects of society and encourages them to develop a critical and imaginative perspective on public issues. The program in political science provides the foundation for a liberal education, including the intellectual skills of critical analysis, writing, and discussion. It also emphasizes the importance of continuing involvement in political activity and public affairs. These educational experiences prepare our students for a variety of careers in fields including public service, business, teaching, research, journalism, public relations, and administration.

A political science major should complete a broad liberal arts program that includes study in related social sciences and provides familiarity with computer applications, statistics, and mathematics as basic tools describing and explaining political phenomena.

All members of the faculty advise students. Students may request a particular advisor; otherwise one will be assigned. In addition to their academic background in political science, several faculty have nonacademic career experiences in national and international government, business, and party politics. Students will find this useful as they plan their own careers.

The department participates in a number of interdisciplinary curricula and activities and encourages students to take advantage of these. In most instances, the requirements for these programs or secondary majors also fulfill college or political science department requirements, making it possible to finish both the major and a secondary major within the required 120 hours for graduation. More extensive information on these programs and secondary majors is available from the faculty listed here as contact people, from other members of the political science department, or elsewhere in this catalog.

Students interested in the multidisciplinary study of the relations among countries, or in the study of world regions, may wish to pursue a secondary major in international studies. Advisors: Aruna Michie, 222 Waters Hall, or Kisangani Emizet, 226 Waters Hall.

The women's studies program focuses on the roles of women in society, the major institutions that shape those roles, images of women in a variety of creative media, and the status of women both across time and around the world. For more information contact Jackie Spears, 3 Leasure Hall, or Linda Richter, 243 Waters.

This program focuses on the variety of ethnic groups in the United States. Students learn to live and work in a multiethnic society. Contact Juanita McGowan, director, 3C Leasure Hall.

The Galichia Center for Aging coordinates programs and courses on social, cultural, economic, political, and other aspects of aging and the elderly. Interested students may pursue a secondary major in gerontology. For information see Professor James Franke, 241 Waters Hall.

Students may gain practical experience and academic credit by participating in internships in city, county, state, national, or international governments and organizations or through K-State's Community Service program. Contact advisor Linda Richter, 243 Waters Hall, or Carol Peak, director, Community Service Program, 8D Edwards Hall.

Opportunities exist for summer, one semester, or a full year of study abroad in many countries. These are coordinated through the Study Abroad Office on campus. Credits earned may be transferred back to K-State in consultation with appropriate departmental faculty. Many programs are exchanges where tuition costs are the same as studying at K-State. Contact advisor Aruna Michie, 222 Waters Hall, or Barry Michie, director, Study Abroad Office, 304 Fairchild Hall.