POLITICAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
532 Old Mill
94 University Place
Burlington, VT 05405-0114
Phone: (802) 656-3050
Fax: (802) 656-0758
Email: Political.Science@uvm.edu
| Assistant Professor Alec Ewald winner of 2008 Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Award.
The Kroepsch-Maurice is awarded to faculty for excellent classroom instruction. Areas considered for selection include: Excellence in instruction (including learning experiences outside the traditional classroom; Capacity to animate students and engage them in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding; Innovation in teaching methods and/or curriculum development; Demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity; Ability to motivate and challenge students; and Evidence of excellent advising. |
Currently, the Department offers a major and minor with the B.A. program of the College of Arts and Sciences. The courses are divided into four sub-fields, American Politics; Comparative Politics (the study of politics in other regions of the world like Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia); International Relations; and Political Theory. Each of these sub-fields has a core course which is required for more advanced courses. Majors are required to take all four core courses and at least one advanced course in three different sub-fields. The core (introductory) courses have a mix of sizes. Some are large sections of 108, while others are capped at around 41. Normally, there is also a TAP section of 20 provided in each sub-field during the fall semester in which the instructors also act as the students' advisors for the first year of study. All 200 level (advanced) courses are taught as seminars, which have a maximum of 17 students. In many of these, students complete a substantial research project.
In addition to our regular courses, qualified students may undertake independent study under the supervision of a faculty member. Our very best students are invited to participate in our Honors Program. The Department also sponsors a variety of internships in which students work with public officials, such as the state's attorney's office, the public defender, the mayor's office, or a U.S. Senator. Many political science students study abroad during their junior year. The Department also offers pre-law advising as well as courses in law and politics.
All in all, Political Science provides an ideal Liberal Arts major, suitable for careers in business, campaign management, the Federal Government, interest groups, journalism, law, international affairs, teaching and many others (American Political Science Association web site).
Last modified May 01 2008 09:48 AM