Dear prospective student,
Upon examining this degree, you may notice that it is both similar to and different from the Political Science degree plans of other universities. This degree was developed to be a Political Science degree for the 21st century. Therefore, this degree is designed in a fashion that retains many of the traditional competencies and concepts that are present in other universities' degree plans, but it also has some unique characteristics that make it distinctive, modern, and adaptive.
The uniqueness of the degree is not simply based on a desire to make something new or different, rather it is based on stakeholder and scholarly feedback about what it means to study politics in the 21st century. An additional aspect of Concordia’s mission to “develop Christian leaders” did much to inform the foundations of the degree. While many of those who were consulted (especially those in academia) thought a more traditional and consistent approach was appropriate, others thought otherwise. Many non-academic stakeholders and some academic scholars thought that the traditional approach was developed for another time and students from the past. Contending that we live in an age where facts, data, and complex concepts can be revealed at the touch of a button, they challenged us to expand beyond the traditional constraints of focusing on just processes and research. A few examples of what makes Concordia’s political science program unique are:
- A commitment to developing the student both in and out of the classroom. The degree plan centers around a four competency approach that focuses on political processes, research & writing, critical thinking & social empathy, and leadership & political craft.
- A commitment to learning though experience. Students are provided with many opportunities to get involved in hands-on and group experiences where they can learn though service, competitions, travel, and political activities.
- Less emphasis on political processes and more emphasis on student development. Students today can access more information on their phones than they could have accessed in a large library 20 years ago. With this in mind, the political science program focus’ on teaching students how to find and manage information, not just memorize and recall it.
- Rigorous curriculum. The political science degree at Concordia University Texas is not for everyone. Its rigorous curriculum requires students to complete a number of activities outside the classroom, read and analyze considerable amounts of text, data, and information, and successfully propose, research and defend a thesis.
- A commitment to relevance and utility. Students will be taught concepts that are fundamental to the discipline with an assurance that the information has value, relevance, and can apply to real world issues.
- A commitment to developing Christian leaders. In pursuit of Concordia University Texas’ mission to “Develop Christian Leaders,” this program seeks to help students navigate a secular world while retaining their Christian ideals and world-view.
These are just a few of the exciting things that the degree in political science will have to offer students. Through God’s grace and blessings, we will succeed. It will be an exciting journey.
Brent A. Burgess, Ph.D.
Program Director of Political Science