Objectives:

This minor is designed to provide students with an understanding of the institutions and processes involved in the formulation of demands made on the American political system and the responsiveness of the authorities in the system to these demands.

Competencies, Knowledge, or Skills to be Achieved:

Through the study of topics such as the formulation and expression of public opinion, the effectiveness with which political parties create and maintain broad-based governing coalitions, the structures and operations of basic governing institutions, and the nature of the policy process, students should develop a solid grasp of the linkages between public opinion, groups, parties, institutions, and public policy. Since democratic theory assumes the existence of this linkage, students completing the minor should have a solid understanding of the practice of American democracy. Since a number of courses in the minor require the quantitative analysis of data, students will also deepen their knowledge of the methods of the social sciences. The requirement that papers and reports be submitted should enhance mastery of the English language.

This minor is not approved for students majoring in political science.