Political Science

General Information
Political Science deals with the perennial questions, Who Governs? and To What Ends? Political scientists study the formal and informal political processes that shape public policy. It combines both humanistic and scientific perspectives in order to understand the political behavior of individuals, groups, and nations. Political Science provides a basis for informed participation in community politics, electoral politics, and advocacy as well as a solid foundation for a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors, domestically and internationally.

The Political Science program at York College mandates a common core of required courses that introduces students to the major sub-fields of political science. Its faculty offers a wide variety of courses to enable students to develop their own individual interests within the context of a comprehensive program. Our goal is to provide for both intellectual breadth and depth without sacrificing flexibility. The department sponsors a number of student organizations and activities including a chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honor society for political science, an undergraduate journal, Past and Present, and delegations to the Model UN, the European Union Simulations as well as special interest clubs.

Objectives
The goal of the York College Political Science Program is to prepare students for a variety of career opportunities and to be effective citizens committed to life-long learning. It intends to provide a firm foundation to the major fields of political science for those who pursue graduate study. It also prepares students for entry into both the private and public sectors after graduation. Opportunities are provided for individual growth and practical experience through internships and independent studies.

Career Opportunities
A major in Political Science prepares students for a wide variety of career opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Students majoring in Political Science acquire writing, speaking, and analytical skills, including modern research methods that aid in problem solving, decision-making, planning and management. And, it offers a solid preparation for almost any business career in an age of globalization. It is an excellent major for students who intend to go to law school or who want to pursue teaching careers. Political Science majors can be found in all areas, including advocacy, government at all levels, teaching, business, management, finance, law, policy studies, publishing, urban affairs, city management and planning, the media, communications, public relations, law enforcement, writing, foreign service and journalism, to name just a few. Some career tracks require continued education in either political science or public administration.

Special Opportunities
Internships in various government agencies at the state, local, and federal level as well as with political parties and interest groups, and in law offices.

Glatfelter Trust Award - This is a grant of up to $1,000, awarded to one or two students annually, usually seniors, who have shown high proficiency in either American history courses or American Political Science courses. Recipients work with a faculty member on a year-long research and writing project.
Study Abroad Program - The department encourages students to take advantage of opportunities to study abroad, either through York College or other institutions.
Kenneth S. Hatch Award - Academic Merit
James L. Morrison Award - For achievement in American history courses
Pi Sigma Alpha - National Honor Society in Political Science
The Sardari and Saroj Khanna Award - For outstanding achievement in international studies

Special Facilities
The York College library houses an excellent collection of materials for the study of history. In addition, the College provides access to the Internet, an efficient inter-library loan service, and other facilities for commuter based research and analysis. The department has an Oral History room, a display room for student projects and a GIS lab. "Smart" classrooms are used for special instruction in many courses.

Courses Offered

American Government: Institutions
American Government: Process and Policy
Introduction to Public Administration
State and Local Government
Introduction to Law
Comparative Politics
International Relations
American Foreign Policy
Decision Making in the Public Sector
Politics of Public Policy
Introduction to Public Finance
Ancient Political Theory
Modern Political Theory
American Political Thought
American Constitutional Thought
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Parties, Campaigns, and Elections
The Congress
The Presidency
Scope and Methods
Government & Politics of Africa
Government & Politics of East Asia
Government & Politics of Latin America
Government & Politics of the Middle East
Government & Politics of Russia and C.I.S.
Government & Politics of South Asia
International Law
International Organizations
Government/Public Administration Internship (up to 6 credits)
Independent Study
Senior Seminar
Special Topics in Political Science

Faculty Highlights
This is a joint department, combining disciplines of Political Science, History, and Geography. As a result, the expertise of all the department's faculty are available to students majoring in political science.

Javier Aguayo, Ph.D., University of Florida (Assistant Professor). Areas of expertise: Governments and Politics of Latin America; International Relations, Mass Movements

John Altman, Ph.D., University of Tennessee (Associate Professor). Areas of expertise: American Government, The Congress, The Presidency, Research Methods, Public Policy

Philip Avillo, Ph.D., University of Arizona (Professor). Areas of expertise: Civil War and Reconstruction, United States and Vietnam, Diplomatic History

Paul Doutrich, Ph.D., University of Kentucky (Professor). Areas of expertise: Colonial American History, Revolutionary Era, Jacksonian America

Mary Graham, Ph.D., Indiana University (Professor). Areas of expertise: Geography, Urban Geography, Canada

Woojin Kang, Ph.D candidate, Florida State University; M.S. Florida State University, 2002; M.A. Korea University, 1997; B.A. Korea University, 1994. Areas of Expertise: East Asia, Comparative Politics, Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

Padraic Kennedy, Ph.D., Washington University (Assistant Professor). Areas of expertise: British History, Irish History, Modern European History

Saroj Khanna, M.A., Panjab University (Assistant Professor). Areas of expertise: History & Politics of the Middle East, History and Politics of South Asia

Ilana Krug, Ph.D. University of Toronto, 2006; M.A. University of Toronto, 2000; M.A. Rutgers University, 2000; B.A. Brandeis University, 1996. Areas of Expertise: Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Europe, and History of England

Mel Kulbicki, Ph.D., Penn State University (Professor). Areas of expertise: Political Philosophy, American Politics, Campaigns and Elections, American Political Thought

Peter Levy, Ph.D., Columbia University (Professor and Department Chair). Areas of expertise: Twentieth-Century United States, Civil Rights, American Economic History, Environmental History

Kay McAdams, Ph.D., University of Indiana (Assistant Professor). Areas of expertise: Modern European History, Nazi Germany, Women and War

Kwasi Sarfo, Ph.D., SUNY Albany; J.D. Widener University (Professor). Areas of expertise: African Government & Politics, International Development, International Law

Robert Terry, Ph.D., American University (Professor Emeritus). Areas of expertise: Latin American History & Politics

Dick Van Tassell, D.A., Idaho State University (Assistant Professor). Areas of expertise: Public Administration, Public Finance, Constitutional Thought, American Politics

Alumni Record
The diversity of careers open to YCP Political Science majors is visible from the following list:

David Zellers, '05, Graduate Student

Krista Daniels, '04, Diplomatic Assistant

Jessica Pellegrini, '03, Business Processing Rep.

Charles Schillinger, '03, Journalist

Nathaniel Taggart, '03, Zoning Officer

Misty Crone, '02, Administrative Assistant

Carmen Ferro, '02, Congressioinal Staff

Matt Hewlett, '02, Law School

Jay Ostendorf, '02, Law Student

Matthew Rihl, '02, Police Officer

Meghan Sadlack, '02, Loan Analyst

Marc Bacharach, '01, Ph.D. Program

John Houghkirk, '01, Site Protection Officer

Oscar Quiroz, '01, Analyst, Loupas Foundation, Washington DC

Larry Schirling, '01, Teacher

Barbara Buchanan, '00, Project Manager

Amy Marchiano, '00, Free Lance Writer

Brandon Sherman, '00, Attorney

Robert Bemis, '99, Key Operator, CSR, Target Copy Inc.

Jeremy Clouser, '99, Middletown Area School District

Katherine Doucette, '99, Legal Assistant

Jeffrey Eaby, '99, Senate Budget Committee Staffer

Susan Marsh, '99, Management Support Specialist, Social Security Administration

Keiko Mitsunaga, '99, Career Consultant

Andrew Paxton, '99, Attorney

Bradley Smith, '99, Executive Director, Main Street York, York, PA

Todd Abrisch, '98, Medical Reserve Care Administration-Medical Reserve Coordinator, Hanover, PA

Angela Daugherty, '98, Teacher

Ron Englebert, '98, Congressional Staffer, Washington, DC

Adrienne McNeil, '98, YCP Director of Community Outreach/ Multicultural Affairs

Andrea Keenan, '96, Senior Financial Analyst-Country Risk, AM Best Company, NJ

Ivan Lutwin, '96, Account Executive, Barcoding, Inc., Baltimore, MD

Robert Lynch, '96, Intelligence Officer

Thomas Weaver, '96, CountyCommissioner

Lynn Rinehart, '95, Redevelopment Coordinator

Catherine Franklin, '94, Public Relations, New York

Michael Barr, '93, Ph.D., Professor, London School of Economics

Maureen Feldman, '93, Attorney

Seth Feldman, '93, Attorney, Regional Director of Development, Weizman Institute of Science

Timothy Yuncker, '93, Attorney

Tania Stanley, '92, Intelligence Officer

Andrew Stern, '92, Assistant Township Manager

Darren Crozier, '90, Computer Systems Analyst

William Hoover, '90, Attorney, PA National Insurance Claims Staff Counsel

Christina O'Brien, '90, Development Officer, Woodrow Wilson Institution, Washington, D.C.

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	Political Science General Information Political Science deals with the perennial questions, Who Governs? and To What Ends? Political scientists study the formal and informal political processes that shape public policy. It combines both humanistic and scientific perspectives in order to understand the political behavior of individuals, groups, and nations. Political Science provides a basis for informed participation in community politics, electoral politics, and advocacy as well as a solid foundation for a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors, domestically and internationally. The Political Science program at York College mandates a common core of required courses that introduces students to the major sub-fields of political science. Its faculty offers a wide variety of courses to enable students to develop their own individual interests within the context of a comprehensive program. Our goal is to provide for both intellectual breadth and depth without sacrificing flexibility. The department sponsors a number of student organizations and activities including a chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honor society for political science, an undergraduate journal, Past and Present, and delegations to the Model UN, the European Union Simulations as well as special interest clubs. Objectives The goal of the York College Political Science Program is to prepare students for a variety of career opportunities and to be effective citizens committed to life-long learning. It intends to provide a firm foundation to the major fields of political science for those who pursue graduate study. It also prepares students for entry into both the private and public sectors after graduation. Opportunities are provided for individual growth and practical experience through internships and independent studies. Career Opportunities A major in Political Science prepares students for a wide variety of career opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Students majoring in Political Science acquire writing, speaking, and analytical skills, including modern research methods that aid in problem solving, decision-making, planning and management. And, it offers a solid preparation for almost any business career in an age of globalization. It is an excellent major for students who intend to go to law school or who want to pursue teaching careers. Political Science majors can be found in all areas, including advocacy, government at all levels, teaching, business, management, finance, law, policy studies, publishing, urban affairs, city management and planning, the media, communications, public relations, law enforcement, writing, foreign service and journalism, to name just a few. Some career tracks require continued education in either political science or public administration. Special Opportunities Internships in various government agencies at the state, local, and federal level as well as with political parties and interest groups, and in law offices. Glatfelter Trust Award - This is a grant of up to $1,000, awarded to one or two students annually, usually seniors, who have shown high proficiency in either American history courses or American Political Science courses. Recipients work with a faculty member on a year-long research and writing project. Study Abroad Program - The department encourages students to take advantage of opportunities to study abroad, either through York College or other institutions. Kenneth S. Hatch Award - Academic Merit James L. Morrison Award - For achievement in American history courses Pi Sigma Alpha - National Honor Society in Political Science The Sardari and Saroj Khanna Award - For outstanding achievement in international studies Special Facilities The York College library houses an excellent collection of materials for the study of history. In addition, the College provides access to the Internet, an efficient inter-library loan service, and other facilities for commuter based research and analysis. The department has an Oral History room, a display room for student projects and a GIS lab. "Smart" classrooms are used for special instruction in many courses. Courses Offered American Government: Institutions American Government: Process and Policy Introduction to Public Administration State and Local Government Introduction to Law Comparative Politics International Relations American Foreign Policy Decision Making in the Public Sector Politics of Public Policy Introduction to Public Finance Ancient Political Theory Modern Political Theory American Political Thought American Constitutional Thought Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Parties, Campaigns, and Elections The Congress The Presidency Scope and Methods Government & Politics of Africa Government & Politics of East Asia Government & Politics of Latin America Government & Politics of the Middle East Government & Politics of Russia and C.I.S. Government & Politics of South Asia International Law International Organizations Government/Public Administration Internship (up to 6 credits) Independent Study Senior Seminar Special Topics in Political Science Faculty Highlights This is a joint department, combining disciplines of Political Science, History, and Geography. As a result, the expertise of all the department's faculty are available to students majoring in political science. Javier Aguayo, Ph.D., University of Florida (Assistant Professor). Areas of expertise: Governments and Politics of Latin America; International Relations, Mass Movements John Altman, Ph.D., University of Tennessee (Associate Professor). Areas of expertise: American Government, The Congress, The Presidency, Research Methods, Public Policy Philip Avillo, Ph.D., University of Arizona (Professor). Areas of expertise: Civil War and Reconstruction, United States and Vietnam, Diplomatic History Paul Doutrich, Ph.D., University of Kentucky (Professor). Areas of expertise: Colonial American History, Revolutionary Era, Jacksonian America Mary Graham, Ph.D., Indiana University (Professor). Areas of expertise: Geography, Urban Geography, Canada Woojin Kang, Ph.D candidate, Florida State University; M.S. Florida State University, 2002; M.A. Korea University, 1997; B.A. Korea University, 1994. Areas of Expertise: East Asia, Comparative Politics, Quantitative and Qualitative Methods Padraic Kennedy, Ph.D., Washington University (Assistant Professor). Areas of expertise: British History, Irish History, Modern European History Saroj Khanna, M.A., Panjab University (Assistant Professor). Areas of expertise: History & Politics of the Middle East, History and Politics of South Asia Ilana Krug, Ph.D. University of Toronto, 2006; M.A. University of Toronto, 2000; M.A. Rutgers University, 2000; B.A. Brandeis University, 1996. Areas of Expertise: Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Europe, and History of England Mel Kulbicki, Ph.D., Penn State University (Professor). Areas of expertise: Political Philosophy, American Politics, Campaigns and Elections, American Political Thought Peter Levy, Ph.D., Columbia University (Professor and Department Chair). Areas of expertise: Twentieth-Century United States, Civil Rights, American Economic History, Environmental History Kay McAdams, Ph.D., University of Indiana (Assistant Professor). Areas of expertise: Modern European History, Nazi Germany, Women and War Kwasi Sarfo, Ph.D., SUNY Albany; J.D. Widener University (Professor). Areas of expertise: African Government & Politics, International Development, International Law Robert Terry, Ph.D., American University (Professor Emeritus). Areas of expertise: Latin American History & Politics Dick Van Tassell, D.A., Idaho State University (Assistant Professor). Areas of expertise: Public Administration, Public Finance, Constitutional Thought, American Politics Alumni Record The diversity of careers open to YCP Political Science majors is visible from the following list: David Zellers, '05, Graduate Student Krista Daniels, '04, Diplomatic Assistant Jessica Pellegrini, '03, Business Processing Rep. Charles Schillinger, '03, Journalist Nathaniel Taggart, '03, Zoning Officer Misty Crone, '02, Administrative Assistant Carmen Ferro, '02, Congressioinal Staff Matt Hewlett, '02, Law School Jay Ostendorf, '02, Law Student Matthew Rihl, '02, Police Officer Meghan Sadlack, '02, Loan Analyst Marc Bacharach, '01, Ph.D. Program John Houghkirk, '01, Site Protection Officer Oscar Quiroz, '01, Analyst, Loupas Foundation, Washington DC Larry Schirling, '01, Teacher Barbara Buchanan, '00, Project Manager Amy Marchiano, '00, Free Lance Writer Brandon Sherman, '00, Attorney Robert Bemis, '99, Key Operator, CSR, Target Copy Inc. Jeremy Clouser, '99, Middletown Area School District Katherine Doucette, '99, Legal Assistant Jeffrey Eaby, '99, Senate Budget Committee Staffer Susan Marsh, '99, Management Support Specialist, Social Security Administration Keiko Mitsunaga, '99, Career Consultant Andrew Paxton, '99, Attorney Bradley Smith, '99, Executive Director, Main Street York, York, PA Todd Abrisch, '98, Medical Reserve Care Administration-Medical Reserve Coordinator, Hanover, PA Angela Daugherty, '98, Teacher Ron Englebert, '98, Congressional Staffer, Washington, DC Adrienne McNeil, '98, YCP Director of Community Outreach/ Multicultural Affairs Andrea Keenan, '96, Senior Financial Analyst-Country Risk, AM Best Company, NJ Ivan Lutwin, '96, Account Executive, Barcoding, Inc., Baltimore, MD Robert Lynch, '96, Intelligence Officer Thomas Weaver, '96, CountyCommissioner Lynn Rinehart, '95, Redevelopment Coordinator Catherine Franklin, '94, Public Relations, New York Michael Barr, '93, Ph.D., Professor, London School of Economics Maureen Feldman, '93, Attorney Seth Feldman, '93, Attorney, Regional Director of Development, Weizman Institute of Science Timothy Yuncker, '93, Attorney Tania Stanley, '92, Intelligence Officer Andrew Stern, '92, Assistant Township Manager Darren Crozier, '90, Computer Systems Analyst William Hoover, '90, Attorney, PA National Insurance Claims Staff Counsel Christina O'Brien, '90, Development Officer, Woodrow Wilson Institution, Washington, D.C.	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Academics

Political Science