Political Science Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The Department of Political Science aims to provide an education, both general and major, which maximizes students’ capacity to analyze and interpret political events and governmental processes and to understand the significance of these political phenomena in the world and in their lives.

To help them develop such capabilities we use methods ranging from statistically analyzing quantifiable data to comparing institutions or systems historically to reflecting on influential texts. We strive to instill in students a desire and ability to shape events in communities states, the church, and the world.

While we do not see the department major as strictly a general liberal arts discipline, a pre-professional program, or a degree in citizenship training, the department aims to turn liberal arts students who are politically interested and concerned into politically literate graduates, competent to engage in the affairs of society, to seek graduate education in political science, or to pursue training in other professions.

As department faculty we may also seek to enhance our knowledge and skills within our respective disciplines. We are committed to continual contribution to the academic fields with which we are involved, recognizing that such contribution brings betterment in our roles as researchers, writers, teachers, and citizens. This department attempts to follow the admonition of the Doctrine and Covenants to teach one another “things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nation, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms” (88:79).