What is Political Science? | College Majors | College Degrees | Study Hall
Summary
TLDRThis video script from the 'Fast Guides' series introduces viewers to the Political Science major, exploring its interdisciplinary nature and relevance to real-world issues. It discusses the major's focus on governance, policy, and political activities, highlighting the skills gained in critical thinking and analysis. The script also outlines potential career paths, such as policy analysts, legislative assistants, diplomats, and lawyers, emphasizing the adaptability of political science skills across various fields.
Takeaways
- đ Humans have historically formed groups to accomplish complex tasks and create cultural elements, but this has also led to challenges in resource management and conflict resolution.
- đ The script introduces Erica Brozovsky and the 'Fast Guides' series, focusing on political science as a field of study.
- đ Political science, or 'poli sci', is a social science that studies governance, political activities, and laws, integrating knowledge from various disciplines.
- đ It covers a wide range of topics including public policy, globalization, terrorism, the environment, civil rights, and international affairs.
- đ A political science degree equips students with knowledge of current affairs and critical thinking skills to analyze different viewpoints.
- đ The study of political science helps in understanding how to be an effective citizen and engage with communities and nations.
- đ The popularity of political science majors has been increasing, reflecting a growing interest in civic engagement and current events.
- đ Political science coursework often includes statistics to help students interpret data, which is crucial for analyzing political phenomena.
- đ Opportunities for internships and study abroad programs are recommended to provide practical experience and an international perspective.
- đ Good analytical and communication skills are beneficial for political science students, as is a natural drive to delve into topics deeply.
- đŒ A political science degree opens up various career paths, including policy analysis, legislative assistance, diplomacy, and law, among others.
- đ The skills developed in political science are transferable and can be applied to a wide range of fields beyond politics.
Q & A
What is the main focus of a Political Science degree?
-A Political Science degree focuses on the study of politics and governments, including systems of governance, political activities, and laws, as part of the social sciences.
Why have political science majors been gaining popularity?
-Political science majors have been gaining popularity due to the increasing interest in current events, politics, and the desire to be civically engaged, as well as the broad applicability of the skills developed in this field.
What are some of the issues that political science courses tackle?
-Political science courses tackle issues related to public policy, globalization, terrorism, the environment, civil rights, political development, international affairs, foreign policy, resource allocation, and theories of ideal government.
How does the study of political science help students become effective citizens?
-The study of political science teaches students how to interact with their governments, understand policies, and take action to be part of their communities and nations, thus preparing them to be effective citizens.
What are some of the introductory courses one might take in a Political Science degree program?
-Introductory courses in a Political Science degree program typically provide a general overview of the subject, terminology, and methods, including the study of poli sciâs greatest thinkers and contemporary issue analysis.
Why might a student be encouraged to take a statistics course alongside their political science studies?
-A statistics course is encouraged to help students understand how to interpret data, which is crucial for analyzing political activities, policies, and laws.
What opportunities are available for students to apply their political science knowledge to real-world problems?
-Opportunities such as internships with local political organizations or government offices, study abroad programs, and involvement in extracurricular activities like student organizations or election campaigns are available for students to apply their knowledge.
What are some of the career paths that a political science degree can lead to?
-A political science degree can lead to careers such as policy analysts, legislative assistants, diplomats, lawyers, journalists, public relations specialists, and lobbyists.
How can political science skills be applied to careers outside of politics?
-Skills developed through political science, such as writing, communication, analytical, and data skills, are applicable to a wide range of career paths including business, education, marketing, intelligence, and regulatory affairs.
What are some of the attributes that can help a student excel in political science?
-Attributes that can help a student excel in political science include good analytical and communication skills, natural drive to understand fine points of topics, and organizational and planning abilities.
How does the script suggest students should approach their studies to avoid common pitfalls?
-The script suggests that students should engage on a deeper level, seek opportunities to gain experience outside of the classroom, and avoid just going through the motions of taking courses without active participation.
Outlines
đ Introduction to Political Science
The script begins with a historical perspective on human societies and the complexities that arose from living in groups, leading to the development of various systems to manage resources and disputes. It introduces Erica Brozovsky and the 'Fast Guides' series, focusing on the study of Political Science. This field, often called 'poli sci,' is part of the social sciences and encompasses the study of politics, governments, and governance systems. The video aims to explore what students will study in a Political Science degree, highlighting its growing popularity and its interdisciplinary nature, drawing from history, psychology, philosophy, and more. It emphasizes the relevance of political science in understanding current events, global issues, and the importance of civic engagement.
đ The Political Science Curriculum and Career Prospects
This paragraph delves into the specifics of a Political Science degree, discussing the curriculum's structure and the variety of topics covered, such as public policy, globalization, and international affairs. It outlines the skills students gain, including critical thinking, current affairs knowledge, and the ability to analyze different viewpoints. The script also touches on the importance of internships and study abroad programs in enhancing real-world understanding. Furthermore, it explores various career paths open to Political Science graduates, such as policy analysts, legislative assistants, diplomats, and lawyers, providing insights into the roles and average salaries for these professions. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the versatility of a Political Science degree and its applicability to a wide range of careers beyond politics.
đ Choosing Political Science as a Major
The final paragraph of the script addresses the decision-making process for choosing a major, specifically focusing on Political Science. It provides advice on selecting a co-major or minor to complement Political Science studies and encourages students to discuss their options with professors and advisors. The paragraph highlights the importance of analytical and communication skills for success in the field and suggests that a genuine interest in politics and current events is the most crucial qualification. It also offers reassurance for students who may not have all the necessary skills yet, emphasizing the importance of engagement and seeking opportunities beyond the classroom. The script wraps up by encouraging viewers to explore other videos in the series to help them find the right major for their interests and goals.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄPolitical Science
đĄGovernance
đĄSocial Sciences
đĄPublic Policy
đĄGlobalization
đĄCivic Engagement
đĄInternships
đĄStudy Abroad
đĄPolicy Analysts
đĄLegislative Assistants
đĄDiplomats
Highlights
Human societies have developed complex systems to address challenges such as resource distribution and conflict resolution.
Political Science, or 'poli sci', is an increasingly popular major focusing on the study of politics and governments.
Political Science is part of the social sciences, integrating various disciplines to study governance and political activities.
The field explores current events, historical contexts, and the factors influencing global politics.
Political Science courses cover a range of topics including public policy, globalization, and international affairs.
Graduates of Political Science are equipped with knowledge of current affairs and critical thinking skills.
The major prepares students to be effective citizens and active participants in their communities and nations.
Introductory courses provide a broad overview of political science, its terminology, and methodologies.
Advanced courses delve into specific areas such as political theory, international relations, and legal studies.
Some programs incorporate statistics to enhance students' ability to interpret and analyze data.
Undergraduates may complete independent studies or research projects under faculty guidance.
Internships and study abroad programs offer practical experience and an international perspective.
Political Science can be paired with other fields such as Global Studies, Philosophy, and History for a deeper understanding.
Students should possess strong analytical and communication skills to excel in Political Science.
Engagement in extracurricular activities and internships can provide valuable real-world experience.
Political Science courses can be transferable to other social science majors if needed.
Career paths for Political Science majors include policy analysis, legislative assistance, diplomacy, and law.
Developed skills are applicable to various fields beyond politics, such as business, education, and marketing.
The major fosters a deep understanding of current affairs and the world's functioning systems.
Transcripts
At some point years and years ago, we humans began living together in groups. And thatâs helped Â
us do amazing things like create intricate cultural elements like languages and music Â
and accomplish big tasks like putting people on the moon -- but itâs also had its challenges.Â
Like somewhere along the way we had to decide who was going to go out and hunt and who was Â
going to figure out how to invent the wheel. And then we had to decide where different Â
shops were located and how weâd divide up natural resources and how to settle Â
feuds over land and how it should be used and collect taxes and...the list goes on and on.Â
Yet somehow weâve created all sorts of different systems to solve these Â
problems and, well, make our world work. But that doesnât mean itâs been easy or that Â
there arenât still a lot of questions to answer. Like, just how do we go about creating these Â
systems? What types of systems are there? Which ones work best? How do we know? And Â
what happens when a group of people with one system of government clash with a Â
group of people under another system? Hi, Iâm Erica Brozovsky, and welcome to Â
Fast Guides, a Study Hall series presented in partnership with Arizona State University and Â
Crash Course. In this episode, letâs talk about what youâll study in a Political Science degree.
If youâre thinking about majoring in political science, youâre in good company. Â
As of 2022, Political science majors have been getting more and more popular in recent years.
Political science -- which we often affectionately call âpoli sciâ -- is the study of politics or Â
governments. Itâs part of the social sciences, which means it focuses on the relationships Â
between people and societies, and brings together topics from history, psychology, philosophy, Â
and more to study systems of governance and analyze political activities and laws.Â
So we study how current events are playing out on the world stage and all of the different Â
factors that might have led us to this point. Like why borders between different countries Â
are the way they are, such as the long history behind the different enclaves Â
and divisions of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Or how the relationships between different Â
governments have made cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Â
super important to making computers. Overall, political science courses tackle Â
issues related to public policy, globalization, terrorism, the environment, civil rights, Â
political development, international affairs, foreign policy, resource Â
allocation, and theories of ideal government. We explore how citizens like us interact with Â
their governments and how all levels of government create policies to serve those citizens.Â
So poli sci majors often graduate with knowledge of current affairs and the ability Â
to think critically and independently while analyzing different viewpoints.Â
Really what political science teaches us is how to be effective citizens of different Â
governments and how we can take action and be part of our communities and nations.Â
In fact, as we get older and weâre exposed to new ideas and viewpoints, Â
many people often find that theyâre more interested in politics and current events Â
and being civically engaged, which sparks many to choose political science as their major.Â
After all, there's a lot going on in the world today. Â
Like recent data from the Global Peace Index shows that civil unrest doubled from 2010 to 2020.Â
And what we think was the largest protest in recorded world history Â
just happened in India in 2020 with more than 250 million people participating. So studying Â
political science can help us make sense of what's going on and how we can make a difference.
To get started, youâll most likely begin your studies with introductory Â
courses that give a general overview of the subject, terminology, and methods.Â
Youâll study things like poli sciâs greatest thinkers throughout history and learn how to Â
analyze contemporary issues and discuss questions like, âWhat are power structures and how do they Â
form?â and âWhich types of governance are best?â From there, youâll move to more specific courses Â
on topics like political theory and ideologies, international relations, and legal studies.Â
So things like justice, power, and democracy and what those mean, Â
how different nations interact with each other now and throughout history, and how the law works.Â
Some programs also require or encourage students to enroll in a statistics course Â
to help you understand how to interpret data. And toward the end of your undergraduate years, Â
you may even complete an independent study or a research project which allows you to explore Â
topics you find interesting in greater depth under the guidance of a professor.Â
And from the very beginning, political science courses give us knowledge and Â
skills that can be applied to real-world problems, so itâs often recommended that Â
students also do internships to expand their learning beyond the classroom.Â
These internships may be with local political organizations or in government offices, Â
and they provide excellent experience that can help you land a job after graduation.Â
Another option for rounding out your studies is to participate in a study abroad program Â
which lets you spend time studying in another country. So for political science majors, Â
study abroad can be a great way to gain a more international perspective.Â
In general, majoring in political science gives students a variety of courses and Â
opportunities to study politics and policies at the local, national, and global levels.
So if you like keeping up with current events, Â
you get excited when a presidential debate airs, you have your own political aspirations, Â
or you just want to make the world a better place, then political science might be the major for you.Â
Political science also pairs nicely as a co-major or minor with things like Global Studies, Â
Philosophy, Justice Studies, and History. These are all topics that also show up in Â
political science and can help you gain deeper knowledge in a specific area.Â
Though some schools or professors say the best double majors are two Â
wildly different fields as this gives you experience that really stands out from the crowd. Â
So always remember that your studies are your own and talk with your professors and advisors about Â
what works for you and your school schedule. Ultimately, anyone can study it, but to do Â
well as a political science student, it helps to have good analytical and communication skills.Â
A lot of studying political science involves presenting and arguing different Â
ideas using evidence and reasoning, and it helps if you have a natural drive to drill Â
down to the fine points of a topic or claim. People who are good at organization and planning Â
perform well because those skills help with sorting out ideas, completing large projects, Â
and making decisions. But interest is the most important qualification for any major, Â
so donât worry if youâre still working on some of these skills.
The important thing for any major is not to get discouraged and to prepare for obstacles Â
that are within our power to control. Like, one of the biggest pitfalls students Â
encounter with any major happens when they approach their studies by just going through the Â
motions, taking the courses, and not engaging on a deeper level or seeking opportunities Â
to gain experience outside of the classroom. But this isnât the experience lots of poli sci Â
students have because these students are often active in different extracurriculars. Â
So look for opportunities to join student organizations or get involved with campus Â
leadership, or seek out summer internships or jobs that support what youâre learning.Â
Or some political science majors volunteer to help with local, Â
state, and national election campaigns, or serve as interns or pages for government officials.Â
Time is precious, and it can be hard to balance school and extracurriculars and Â
other life demands like families. But if youâre able to, getting experience outside the classroom Â
helps you connect your learning to the real world and test out different career options.Â
And if at some point during your studies, you decide political science isnât right for you, Â
keep in mind that many of the courses you will have taken can Â
count toward a degree in a related field. Like you might be able to slip seamlessly Â
into lots of other social science majors like American Studies, Ethnic Studies, Â
Journalism, Economics, Sociology, Criminology, Urban Studies, and more.
And studying political science doesnât mean you have to go into politics, Â
though itâs great preparation if thatâs something you see in your future.Â
The skills developed through political science courses like writing, Â
communication, or analytical and data skills are applicable to a wide range of career paths.Â
Like, policy analysts might work in governments, think tanks, consulting firms, Â
and more examining current public policies, identifying problems, and then possibly creating Â
and evaluating appropriate solutions. They look closely at the impact current Â
and proposed laws have on specific groups or individuals and are responsible for writing Â
up reports that summarize research findings. And talking about salaries is hard because so Â
much can change year to year or depending on what location youâre in. But as of 2021, on average, Â
policy analysts earn over $60,000 per year. Or if you want to work in politics -- even if Â
you donât want to be a politician -- legislative assistants support legislators by drafting Â
different laws, conducting research, offering advice, and monitoring pending legislation.Â
They may offer general assistance or help with particular areas of expertise Â
such as education or environmental policy. The average Legislative Assistant earns somewhere Â
between $40 and $50,000 per year as of 2022. Or if global politics are more your thing, Â
diplomats negotiate and mediate our relationships with other governments.Â
They often live overseas in the country theyâre mediating with and oversee peace deals, Â
trade and economics, human rights, and environmental issues. Depending on where Â
you are and what youâre doing, diplomat salaries are super variable, but as of 2022 Â
US diplomats with bachelorâs degrees usually start out around $55,000 per year.Â
A political science degree is a great stepping stone on the path to becoming a Lawyer too. Â
Lawyers are responsible for advising and representing their clients in court, before Â
government agencies, and in private legal matters. Though we often think of lawyers in the courtroom, Â
itâs worth noting that most of their work is done outside the courthouse: researching, advising, Â
filing motions, and preparing legal documents. Becoming a lawyer will take more school, Â
but as one of the higher paying career paths for poli sci majors, lawyers start out with an Â
average of $74,000 per year as of early 2022. And there are so many other career paths out Â
there. Like journalists make use of political science skills to investigate stories and Â
communicate them in thorough, engaging ways. Or becoming a Public Relations Specialist is Â
a great career for anyone who loves the communications side of political science.Â
And lobbyists use their deep understanding of how the government works to advocate on Â
behalf of an individual or organization with the goal of influencing political decisions.
So as youâre deciding what major will help you be successful in college and life, remember the Â
strong critical thinking and communication skills you develop as a political science major could Â
lead to jobs in business, education, marketing, intelligence, regulatory affairs, and more.Â
Not only that, but it will boost your understanding of current affairs and the world Â
around you -- because these systems that help our world function didnât just get created overnight Â
and there are still so many problems to solve. If youâre motivated or feel called to influence Â
political and public issues in todayâs world or you long to develop knowledge and Â
skills that apply to real-world problems, then political science might be the major for you.
Thanks for watching. I hope this video answered your questions about political science as you Â
navigate your major decision. And check out our other videos to look into more Â
majors to find the one thatâs right for you! This series is part of the Study Hall program, Â
a partnership between Arizona State University and Crash Course.Â
If you liked this video, or found it helpful, give it a like and comment and Â
let us know how you chose your degree, or how youâre struggling to choose a degree, Â
or what you wish youâd known before you started your degree.
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