Politics

Program Overview

Fairfield University's Politics program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of political science concepts and prepares them for careers in politics, government, law, business, and other fields. Through foundational courses, electives, and professional development opportunities, students develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills essential for success in a variety of professional settings. The program emphasizes research, writing, and practical experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the modern political landscape.

Program Outline

Politics Program at Fairfield University

Degree Overview

The Politics program at Fairfield University provides students with a stimulating and cutting-edge curriculum that engages them with critical economic, security, environmental, social policy debates; campaigns and elections; Congress and the presidency; democracy; authoritarianism; terrorism; humanitarian action; border politics; gender; class; race; and many other issues. The program prepares students to make a difference through leadership and civic engagement in a wide array of professions and teaches them the necessary skills to find solutions to the important challenges facing governments, international organizations, and communities at home and around the world. Through the study of politics, students gain skill sets and critical thinking abilities that prepare them for a wide array of careers in advocacy, business, consulting, government, international organizations, law, media, non-profits, and teaching, as well as graduate and professional degree programs in many fields. The politics curriculum covers the discipline with foundational and elective courses in American politics, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory. Students organize their electives thematically under topics such as globalization and inequality, law and justice, and power and political action to support their interests and career goals. Majors complete their politics degree with a culminating seminar in which they work closely with a faculty member.

Key Objectives:

• To develop students' understanding of fundamental political science concepts, terms, and theoretical frameworks.
• To equip students with the ability to apply these concepts and frameworks to real-world political issues and challenges.
• To cultivate students' critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills.
• To foster students' interest in and engagement with political and civic life.
• To prepare students for a variety of careers in politics, government, law, business, and other fields.

Outline

Foundational Courses (Required for Major and Minor)

• Introduction to American Politics
• Introduction to Comparative Politics
• Introduction to Political Ideas That Shape the World
• Introduction to International Relations

Electives

• American Politics (e.g., Congress, the Presidency, Political Parties, Elections, Public Policy, Political Communication)
• Comparative Politics (e.g., Democratization, Authoritarianism, Political Economy, Social Movements, Regional Studies)
• International Relations (e.g., Global Security, Diplomacy, International Law, Foreign Policy, Development)
• Political Theory (e.g., Justice, Equality, Power, Authority, Citizenship)

Professional Development Courses

• Internships in government, politics, or policy organizations
• Research projects with faculty members
• Study abroad programs
• Campaign work
• Leadership development programs

Culminating Seminar:

• A capstone course in which students engage in a deep dive into a particular political topic or issue, culminating in a research paper and presentation.
• Students work closely with a faculty member on their research and writing.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary depending on the specific course, but may include:

• Examinations (midterms, finals, quizzes)
• Papers (short essays, research papers, policy briefs)
• Presentations (individual, group)
• Participation in class discussions and activities
• Completion of assignments and projects
• Performance in internships or research projects
The program also emphasizes the development of research and writing skills through assignments such as research papers, policy briefs, and presentations. Students also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and study abroad programs.

Teaching

The politics faculty at Fairfield University is committed to providing students with a rigorous and engaging education. The program offers a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Traditional lectures
• Small-group discussions
• Simulations and role-playing exercises
• Guest lectures by experts in the field
• Case studies
• Debates
• Collaborative projects
The program also offers a number of resources to support students' learning, including:
• A writing center
• A library
• Computer labs
• A career services office
The politics program at Fairfield University is dedicated to preparing students for a variety of careers in politics, government, law, business, and other fields. The program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to succeed in a variety of professional settings.

Careers

The politics program at Fairfield University prepares students for a variety of careers in politics, government, law, business, and other fields. Some common career paths for politics majors include:

• Government:
Policy analyst, legislative aide, campaign manager, lobbyist, diplomat, foreign service officer
• Law:
Lawyer, judge, prosecutor, legal researcher, law professor
• Business:
Public relations specialist, market research analyst, management consultant, investment banker
• International relations:
International relations specialist, foreign policy analyst, international development professional, humanitarian aid worker
• Non-profits:
Policy advocate, program manager, fundraiser, community organizer
• Media:
Political journalist, commentator, editor, producer
• Education:
Political science professor, high school teacher The program also prepares students for graduate and professional degree programs in many fields, such as:
• Law (JD, LLM)
• Public policy (MPP, MPA)
• International relations (MA, MIA)
• Political science (PhD)
The politics program at Fairfield University is committed to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need to succeed in a variety of careers.

Other

• Students have the opportunity to engage in research with faculty members, participate in internships, and study abroad.
• The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their interests and career goals.
• The program has a strong alumni network, which provides students with opportunities for mentorship and networking.
The politics program at Fairfield University is an excellent choice for students who are interested in pursuing a career in politics, government, law, business, or any other field that requires strong analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Notes

• Specific course offerings may vary from semester to semester.
• Students are encouraged to consult with their faculty advisor to plan their coursework.