Political Science 466

POSC 466
Travel Study in Political Science

1. Catalog Entry

POSC 466
Travel Study in Political Science

Credit hours (3-6)
Prerequisite: Junior Standing

Involves domestic and/or international travel.  Students will participate in the investigation of political topics in relevant locations.  The course’s goal is to allow students to better understand and relate to political issues by exploring them 'on location.' This course may be taken again for credit with different topics or areas of study.  

Notes: A maximum of 6 credit hours of travel study may be applied towards the Political Science major.  A maximum of 3 credit hours of travel study may be applied towards the Political Science minor.

2. Detailed Description of Course

Content for the course would be developed by the faculty member who leads it.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course would require student travel.  In addition, it would include assignments (essays, quizzes, journals, etc.) developed by the faculty member leading the course to enhance student understanding of the material.  This course may be tied to an existing POSC course or be self-standing depending on the topic.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

    1) Increase students’ understanding of a topic in political science within its actual location;
    2) Increase students’ understanding of the United States and the world;
    3) Increase students’ written communication skills; and
    4) Increase students’ critical thinking skills.

Students who take this course will be able to:
    1) Explain how the travel study experience has increased their understanding of the topic covered by the course;
    2) Construct coherent, thoughtful essays concerning the topic covered by the travel study;
    3) Explain how the travel study experience has affected their understanding of the US or the world;
    4) Analyze and evaluate concepts covered during the travel study.

5. Assessment Measures

May include journals, essays, quizzes or tests.

6. Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

June 20, 2015