What is Political Science? | College Majors | College Degrees | Study Hall

Summary

This 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

• 😀 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.
• 🏛 The script introduces Erica Brozovsky and the 'Fast Guides' series, focusing on political science as a field of study.
• 📚 Political science, or 'poli sci', is a social science that studies governance, political activities, and laws, integrating knowledge from various disciplines.
• 🌐 It covers a wide range of topics including public policy, globalization, terrorism, the environment, civil rights, and international affairs.
• 🎓 A political science degree equips students with knowledge of current affairs and critical thinking skills to analyze different viewpoints.
• 🔑 The study of political science helps in understanding how to be an effective citizen and engage with communities and nations.
• 📈 The popularity of political science majors has been increasing, reflecting a growing interest in civic engagement and current events.
• 📊 Political science coursework often includes statistics to help students interpret data, which is crucial for analyzing political phenomena.
• 🌟 Opportunities for internships and study abroad programs are recommended to provide practical experience and an international perspective.
• 🔑 Good analytical and communication skills are beneficial for political science students, as is a natural drive to delve into topics deeply.
• 💼 A political science degree opens up various career paths, including policy analysis, legislative assistance, diplomacy, and law, among others.
• 🌟 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 sci’s 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

00:00

🌟 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.

05:04

📚 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.

10:06

🚀 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.

Keywords

💡Political Science

Political Science, often affectionately referred to as 'poli sci', is the study of politics and governments. It is a social science that examines the relationships between people and societies, combining insights from history, psychology, philosophy, and more to analyze systems of governance and political activities. In the video, it is the central theme, focusing on what students will study in a Political Science degree and how it equips them with knowledge to understand and participate in various political systems and activities.

💡Governance

Governance refers to the processes of interaction and decision-making among the members of societies, typically involving the authorities in a country or organization. In the context of the video, governance is a key concept because Political Science explores different systems of governance, how they function, and how they impact societies. The script mentions analyzing political activities and laws within governance systems as part of the Political Science curriculum.

💡Social Sciences

Social Sciences are academic disciplines concerned with society and the relationships among individuals within a society. The video emphasizes that Political Science is a part of the social sciences, indicating that it borrows methodologies and perspectives from various fields to study political phenomena. It is used in the script to highlight the interdisciplinary nature of Political Science.

💡Public Policy

Public Policy refers to the decisions made by governments that affect the lives of the public. In the video, public policy is one of the issues related to Political Science courses, which aim to understand how policies are created and their impact on citizens. It is mentioned as a subject of study within the broader field of Political Science.

💡Globalization

Globalization is the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, which has significant implications for politics, economics, and culture. The script discusses how Political Science courses tackle issues related to globalization, indicating how it affects international relations and the global political landscape.

💡Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement describes the various ways individuals participate in the life of a community or a society, particularly in public affairs and governance. The video suggests that Political Science teaches students how to be effective citizens, highlighting the importance of civic engagement in understanding and shaping political processes.

💡Internships

Internships are practical work experiences, often for academic credit, that provide students with an opportunity to apply their learning in a professional setting. The script recommends internships for Political Science students to expand their learning beyond the classroom and gain real-world experience, which can be beneficial for their future careers.

💡Study Abroad

Study Abroad programs allow students to study in a different country for a period of time, offering a global perspective on education. In the video, study abroad is presented as an option for Political Science majors to gain international experience, which is valuable for understanding global politics and policies.

💡Policy Analysts

Policy Analysts are professionals who examine and evaluate public policies, identify potential issues, and propose solutions. The video mentions policy analysts as one of the career paths for Political Science majors, emphasizing the analytical and data skills required for this role.

💡Legislative Assistants

Legislative Assistants support legislators by drafting laws, conducting research, and monitoring legislation. The script identifies legislative assistants as another career option for Political Science graduates, illustrating how their skills in policy analysis and communication can be applied in a political context.

💡Diplomats

Diplomats are representatives of a country who negotiate and mediate international relationships, often living overseas. The video describes diplomats as a career path for those interested in global politics, showing how Political Science education can prepare individuals for roles that involve international affairs and negotiations.

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 that’s helped  

us do amazing things like create intricate  cultural elements like languages and music  

and accomplish big tasks like putting people on  the moon -- but it’s also had its challenges. 

Like somewhere along the way we had to decide  who was going to go out and hunt and who was  

going to figure out how to invent the wheel. And then we had to decide where different  

shops were located and how we’d divide  up natural resources and how to settle  

feuds over land and how it should be used and  collect taxes and...the list goes on and on. 

Yet somehow we’ve created all sorts  of different systems to solve these  

problems and, well, make our world work. But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy or that  

there aren’t still a lot of questions to answer. Like, just how do we go about creating these  

systems? What types of systems are there?  Which ones work best? How do we know? And  

what happens when a group of people with  one system of government clash with a  

group of people under another system? Hi, I’m Erica Brozovsky, and welcome to  

Fast Guides, a Study Hall series presented in  partnership with Arizona State University and  

Crash Course. In this episode, let’s talk about  what you’ll study in a Political Science degree.

If you’re thinking about majoring in  political science, you’re in good company.  

As of 2022, Political science majors have been  getting more and more popular in recent years.

Political science -- which we often affectionately  call “poli sci” -- is the study of politics or  

governments. It’s part of the social sciences,  which means it focuses on the relationships  

between people and societies, and brings together  topics from history, psychology, philosophy,  

and more to study systems of governance  and analyze political activities and laws. 

So we study how current events are playing out  on the world stage and all of the different  

factors that might have led us to this point. Like why borders between different countries  

are the way they are, such as the long  history behind the different enclaves  

and divisions of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Or how the relationships between different  

governments have made cobalt mines in  the Democratic Republic of the Congo  

super important to making computers. Overall, 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. We explore how citizens like us interact with  

their governments and how all levels of government  create policies to serve those citizens. 

So poli sci majors often graduate with  knowledge of current affairs and the ability  

to think critically and independently  while analyzing different viewpoints. 

Really what political science teaches us is  how to be effective citizens of different  

governments and how we can take action and  be part of our communities and nations. 

In fact, as we get older and we’re  exposed to new ideas and viewpoints,  

many people often find that they’re more  interested in politics and current events  

and being civically engaged, which sparks many  to choose political science as their major. 

After all, there's a lot  going on in the world today.  

Like recent data from the Global Peace Index  shows that civil unrest doubled from 2010 to 2020. 

And what we think was the largest  protest in recorded world history  

just happened in India in 2020 with more than  250 million people participating. So studying  

political science can help us make sense of  what's going on and how we can make a difference.

To get started, you’ll most likely  begin your studies with introductory  

courses that give a general overview of  the subject, terminology, and methods. 

You’ll study things like poli sci’s greatest  thinkers throughout history and learn how to  

analyze contemporary issues and discuss questions  like, “What are power structures and how do they  

form?” and “Which types of governance are best?” From there, you’ll move to more specific courses  

on topics like political theory and ideologies,  international relations, and legal studies. 

So things like justice, power,  and democracy and what those mean,  

how different nations interact with each other  now and throughout history, and how the law works. 

Some programs also require or encourage  students to enroll in a statistics course  

to help you understand how to interpret data. And toward the end of your undergraduate years,  

you may even complete an independent study or  a research project which allows you to explore  

topics you find interesting in greater  depth under the guidance of a professor. 

And from the very beginning, political  science courses give us knowledge and  

skills that can be applied to real-world  problems, so it’s often recommended that  

students also do internships to expand  their learning beyond the classroom. 

These internships may be with local political  organizations or in government offices,  

and they provide excellent experience that  can help you land a job after graduation. 

Another option for rounding out your studies  is to participate in a study abroad program  

which lets you spend time studying in another  country. So for political science majors,  

study abroad can be a great way to  gain a more international perspective. 

In general, majoring in political science  gives students a variety of courses and  

opportunities to study politics and policies  at the local, national, and global levels.

So if you like keeping up with current events,  

you get excited when a presidential debate  airs, you have your own political aspirations,  

or you just want to make the world a better place,  then political science might be the major for you. 

Political science also pairs nicely as a co-major  or minor with things like Global Studies,  

Philosophy, Justice Studies, and History.  These are all topics that also show up in  

political science and can help you gain  deeper knowledge in a specific area. 

Though some schools or professors  say the best double majors are two  

wildly different fields as this gives you  experience that really stands out from the crowd.  

So always remember that your studies are your own  and talk with your professors and advisors about  

what works for you and your school schedule. Ultimately, anyone can study it, but to do  

well as a political science student, it helps to  have good analytical and communication skills. 

A lot of studying political science  involves presenting and arguing different  

ideas using evidence and reasoning, and it  helps if you have a natural drive to drill  

down to the fine points of a topic or claim. People who are good at organization and planning  

perform well because those skills help with  sorting out ideas, completing large projects,  

and making decisions. But interest is the  most important qualification for any major,  

so don’t worry if you’re still  working on some of these skills.

The important thing for any major is not to  get discouraged and to prepare for obstacles  

that are within our power to control. Like, one of the biggest pitfalls students  

encounter with any major happens when they  approach their studies by just going through the  

motions, taking the courses, and not engaging  on a deeper level or seeking opportunities  

to gain experience outside of the classroom. But this isn’t the experience lots of poli sci  

students have because these students are  often active in different extracurriculars.  

So look for opportunities to join student  organizations or get involved with campus  

leadership, or seek out summer internships  or jobs that support what you’re learning. 

Or some political science majors  volunteer to help with local,  

state, and national election campaigns, or serve  as interns or pages for government officials. 

Time is precious, and it can be hard to  balance school and extracurriculars and  

other life demands like families. But if you’re  able to, getting experience outside the classroom  

helps you connect your learning to the real  world and test out different career options. 

And if at some point during your studies, you  decide political science isn’t right for you,  

keep in mind that many of the  courses you will have taken can  

count toward a degree in a related field. Like you might be able to slip seamlessly  

into lots of other social science majors  like American Studies, Ethnic Studies,  

Journalism, Economics, Sociology,  Criminology, Urban Studies, and more.

And studying political science doesn’t  mean you have to go into politics,  

though it’s great preparation if that’s  something you see in your future. 

The skills developed through political  science courses like writing,  

communication, or analytical and data skills  are applicable to a wide range of career paths. 

Like, policy analysts might work in  governments, think tanks, consulting firms,  

and more examining current public policies,  identifying problems, and then possibly creating  

and evaluating appropriate solutions. They look closely at the impact current  

and proposed laws have on specific groups or  individuals and are responsible for writing  

up reports that summarize research findings. And talking about salaries is hard because so  

much can change year to year or depending on what  location you’re in. But as of 2021, on average,  

policy analysts earn over $60,000 per year. Or if you want to work in politics -- even if  

you don’t want to be a politician -- legislative  assistants support legislators by drafting  

different laws, conducting research, offering  advice, and monitoring pending legislation. 

They may offer general assistance or  help with particular areas of expertise  

such as education or environmental policy. The  average Legislative Assistant earns somewhere  

between $40 and $50,000 per year as of 2022. Or if global politics are more your thing,  

diplomats negotiate and mediate our  relationships with other governments. 

They often live overseas in the country  they’re mediating with and oversee peace deals,  

trade and economics, human rights, and  environmental issues. Depending on where  

you are and what you’re doing, diplomat  salaries are super variable, but as of 2022  

US diplomats with bachelor’s degrees  usually start out around $55,000 per year. 

A political science degree is a great stepping  stone on the path to becoming a Lawyer too.  

Lawyers are responsible for advising and  representing their clients in court, before  

government agencies, and in private legal matters. Though we often think of lawyers in the courtroom,  

it’s worth noting that most of their work is done  outside the courthouse: researching, advising,  

filing motions, and preparing legal documents. Becoming a lawyer will take more school,  

but as one of the higher paying career paths  for poli sci majors, lawyers start out with an  

average of $74,000 per year as of early 2022. And there are so many other career paths out  

there. Like journalists make use of political  science skills to investigate stories and  

communicate them in thorough, engaging ways. Or becoming a Public Relations Specialist is  

a great career for anyone who loves the  communications side of political science. 

And lobbyists use their deep understanding  of how the government works to advocate on  

behalf of an individual or organization with  the goal of influencing political decisions.

So as you’re deciding what major will help you  be successful in college and life, remember the  

strong critical thinking and communication skills  you develop as a political science major could  

lead to jobs in business, education, marketing,  intelligence, regulatory affairs, and more. 

Not only that, but it will boost your  understanding of current affairs and the world  

around you -- because these systems that help our  world function didn’t just get created overnight  

and there are still so many problems to solve. If you’re motivated or feel called to influence  

political and public issues in today’s  world or you long to develop knowledge and  

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  

navigate your major decision. And check  out our other videos to look into more  

majors to find the one that’s right for you! This series is part of the Study Hall program,  

a partnership between Arizona  State University and Crash Course. 

If you liked this video, or found it  helpful, give it a like and comment and  

let us know how you chose your degree, or  how you’re struggling to choose a degree,  

or what you wish you’d known  before you started your degree.