Political Science is the study of political behavior and the groups and institutions through which power is exercised. Marietta's versatile faculty offer courses in such wide-ranging fields as American politics, public policy, comparative and international politics, and political theory.
Throughout the program, students examine the purposes and problems of politics and evaluate many of the controversial issues of political life. They also assess different viewpoints about the world community, analyzing political issues and relating them to ethical decisions.
All Political Science majors complete internships, a study abroad program, or a Washington Semester program. These opportunities help students apply what is learned in their formal studies and prepare for law school, graduate studies in public policy, or careers in business, government, or education.
Marietta College offers many co-curricular activities in areas related to Political Science. Campus organizations include College Democrats and Republicans, Model UN, and Moot Court. In addition, many of our students participate in state and local political campaigns and volunteer in community projects. Marietta's chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society, recognizes students for outstanding achievement in political science. Marietta College offers many co-curricular activities in areas related to Political Science.
Faculty Publications
Dr. Schaefer's book, The Formation of the BRICS and its Implication for the United States: Emerging Together, co-authored with Dr. John Poffenbarger, was published by Palgrave MacMillan in their "Pivot" series, which is devoted to important recent political developments. The book is available on Amazon.com. Dr. Schaefer and his co-author first presented their analysis of the BRICS as a series of papers given at Political Science conferences. To help finish the book last year, he received research assistance from five Political Science students: Josh Counselman (14), CJ Englert (14), Michael Fahy, Kurt Fire and Sean Kuhn.
According to the publisher's summary on the Amazon webpage, Dr. Schaefer and his co-author argue that "while still considered a world political and economic superpower, the United States is becoming increasingly well-matched by five emerging economies known as the BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Together, these countries would have the clout to limit the United States' ability to engage in its preferred foreign policies, thereby reducing US power abroad. In anticipation of this potential alliance, they analyze the foreign policies of individual BRICS members for common goals and approaches as well as bilateral problems that may exist between member states. With particular attention paid to the BRICS' Africa strategy and founding of the New Development Bank, the book explores joint actions of the BRICS body and suggests policy recommendations the US might adopt in response."
Congratulations to Dr. Schaefer for this very significant scholarly accomplishment!
Dr. Tager had an article titled "Apologies to Indigenous Peoples in Comparative Perspective" published in The International Indigenous Policy Journal.