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

Study Hall
15 Apr 202210:25
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe video script delves into the realm of Political Science, exploring its nature, significance, and potential career paths. It unveils how this multifaceted field examines the intricate systems that govern our societies, from local to global levels. By studying political theories, ideologies, and international relations, students develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills applicable to diverse careers like policy analysis, law, diplomacy, and journalism. The script highlights the growing relevance of Political Science as civil unrest surges worldwide, underscoring its role in fostering civic engagement and understanding contemporary issues. Whether aspiring to influence public policy or navigate the complexities of governance, this major equips individuals to become informed, active citizens.

Takeaways
  • 👥 Political science is the study of politics, governments, and the systems that govern human societies.
  • 🌍 It explores topics like public policy, globalization, civil rights, political development, international affairs, and theories of governance.
  • 🎓 As a political science major, you'll take courses on political theory, ideologies, international relations, legal studies, and research methods.
  • 📊 Developing analytical, communication, and data interpretation skills is crucial for success in political science.
  • 🌱 Internships, study abroad programs, and independent research projects provide valuable hands-on experience.
  • 🗳️ The major prepares students for careers in policy analysis, legislation, diplomacy, law, journalism, public relations, and more.
  • 💼 Skills learned in political science, such as critical thinking and communication, are applicable to various career paths.
  • 🤝 Political science encourages civic engagement and understanding of current events and global issues.
  • 🧩 It can be combined with other majors like global studies, philosophy, history, and justice studies for a broader perspective.
  • 🌟 Interest, analytical abilities, and a drive to explore complex topics are key qualities for success in political science.
Q & A

  • What is the primary focus of a Political Science degree?

    -A Political Science degree focuses on the study of politics or governments. It explores systems of governance, analyzes political activities and laws, and examines how citizens interact with their governments.

  • What are some of the core topics covered in Political Science courses?

    -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.

  • Why has the popularity of Political Science majors increased in recent years?

    -As people become more interested in politics and current events, and seek to be more civically engaged, the popularity of Political Science majors has increased, as this degree equips students with knowledge and skills to understand and participate in the political processes.

  • What are some skills that are essential for success as a Political Science student?

    -Good analytical and communication skills are essential for Political Science students, as they need to present and argue different ideas using evidence and reasoning. Organization and planning skills are also beneficial for sorting out ideas, completing projects, and making decisions.

  • What types of career paths are available to Political Science graduates?

    -Political Science graduates can pursue careers such as policy analysts, legislative assistants, diplomats, lawyers, journalists, public relations specialists, lobbyists, and more. The degree provides transferable skills applicable to various fields, including business, education, marketing, intelligence, and regulatory affairs.

  • How can students enhance their learning experience in a Political Science program?

    -Students are encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and extracurricular activities related to politics and government to gain practical experience and a more global perspective beyond the classroom.

  • What are some common challenges faced by Political Science students?

    -One of the biggest pitfalls for Political Science students is approaching their studies by just going through the motions and not engaging deeply or seeking opportunities for hands-on experience outside the classroom. Time management can also be a challenge when balancing coursework, extracurriculars, and other commitments.

  • Can a Political Science degree be combined with other majors or minors?

    -Yes, Political Science pairs well as a co-major or minor with fields like Global Studies, Philosophy, Justice Studies, and History, as these topics intersect with political science. Some schools or professors may also recommend combining Political Science with a contrasting field to broaden the student's perspectives and skills.

  • What are the benefits of studying Political Science?

    -Studying Political Science equips students with knowledge of current affairs, the ability to think critically and independently, and the skills to analyze different viewpoints. It also teaches them how to be effective citizens and take action within their communities and nations.

  • What advice is given for choosing a major?

    -The most important qualification for any major is interest. Students should not get discouraged and should prepare for obstacles within their control. Seeking opportunities to gain experience outside the classroom is also encouraged to connect learning with the real world and explore career options.

Outlines
00:00
🌍 The Study of Politics and Governance

This paragraph introduces the concept of political science, also known as 'poli sci.' It explains that political science is the study of politics, governments, and governance systems. It focuses on the relationships between people, societies, and various aspects such as history, psychology, philosophy, and more. The paragraph highlights the importance of understanding current events, borders, international relations, public policy, globalization, terrorism, civil rights, and theories of ideal government. It emphasizes that political science teaches us how to be effective citizens and participate in our communities and nations.

05:04
⭐ Studying Political Science

This paragraph delves into the details of studying political science as a major. It discusses the typical coursework, including introductory courses that provide an overview of the subject, terminology, and methods. It mentions studying political theory, ideologies, international relations, and legal studies. The paragraph also highlights the importance of developing analytical and communication skills, as well as the opportunities for independent study, research projects, internships, and study abroad programs. It encourages students to engage actively in extracurricular activities, student organizations, and leadership roles to gain practical experience. The paragraph acknowledges the challenges of balancing academics and other life demands but emphasizes the value of connecting learning to the real world.

10:06
🎓 Career Paths and Potential with a Political Science Degree

This paragraph explores the various career paths and opportunities available to political science majors after graduation. It highlights careers such as policy analysts, legislative assistants, diplomats, lawyers, journalists, public relations specialists, and lobbyists. The paragraph provides insights into the roles, responsibilities, and average salaries for some of these professions. It emphasizes the transferable skills developed through a political science degree, including critical thinking, communication, analytical abilities, and data analysis. The paragraph encourages students to consider political science as a major if they are motivated to influence political and public issues, develop knowledge applicable to real-world problems, or have a passion for understanding and shaping the world around them.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Political Science
Political Science is the study of politics, governments, and political activities and laws. It is a social science that examines the relationships between people, societies, and systems of governance. In the video, Political Science is described as the focus of the major being discussed, which explores topics like public policy, globalization, terrorism, the environment, civil rights, political development, international affairs, foreign policy, resource allocation, and theories of ideal government.
💡Governance
Governance refers to the systems, structures, and processes by which decisions are made and authority is exercised within a group, organization, or society. The video discusses how humans have created various systems of governance over time to address challenges like resource allocation, conflict resolution, and decision-making. Political Science examines different forms of governance and their implications for citizens and societies.
💡Public Policy
Public policy refers to the laws, regulations, decisions, and actions taken by governments to address issues of public concern or interest. The video mentions that Political Science courses tackle issues related to public policy, studying how policies are created and implemented, and how they impact different groups or individuals. Understanding public policy is a crucial aspect of studying governance and political systems.
💡Globalization
Globalization is the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence between different countries, economies, and cultures across the world. The video highlights that Political Science explores the effects of globalization, such as how relationships between different governments have made certain resources or industries globally significant, like the cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for computer manufacturing.
💡International Relations
International relations refers to the study of the interactions, policies, and relationships between different nations, governments, and international organizations. The video states that Political Science majors may take specific courses on international relations, examining how different nations interact with each other, both in the present and throughout history.
💡Civic Engagement
Civic engagement refers to the active participation of citizens in the processes and affairs of their communities and governments. The video suggests that studying Political Science can spark interest in civic engagement and teach people how to be effective citizens, take action, and be part of their communities and nations. Developing an understanding of political systems and processes can empower individuals to engage with and influence their governments.
💡Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and evaluate information, ideas, and arguments objectively and logically, considering multiple perspectives. The video states that Political Science majors often graduate with the ability to think critically and independently while analyzing different viewpoints. Critical thinking is an essential skill fostered in Political Science courses, enabling students to navigate complex political issues and decision-making processes.
💡Analytical Skills
Analytical skills refer to the ability to break down complex information or problems into their component parts, identify patterns and relationships, and draw logical conclusions or solutions. The video mentions that analytical skills are valuable for Political Science students, as much of the study involves presenting and arguing different ideas using evidence and reasoning, and drilling down to the fine points of a topic or claim.
💡Communication Skills
Communication skills encompass the ability to convey information, ideas, and messages effectively through various means, such as writing, speaking, and presentation. The video highlights that good communication skills are important for Political Science students, as they need to present and argue different ideas using evidence and reasoning. Effective communication is crucial for engaging with political discourse and influencing decision-making processes.
💡Career Paths
Career paths refer to the various professional opportunities and trajectories available to individuals with a particular educational background or skillset. The video discusses several potential career paths for Political Science majors, including policy analysts, legislative assistants, diplomats, lawyers, journalists, public relations specialists, and lobbyists. These careers leverage the knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills developed through the study of Political Science.
Highlights

At some point years and years ago, we humans began living together in groups, which helped us accomplish big tasks like putting people on the moon but also had its challenges like deciding on governance systems, resource allocation, and conflict resolution.

Political science is the study of politics or governments, part of the social sciences, focusing on relationships between people and societies, governance systems, political activities, and laws.

Political science courses tackle issues related to public policy, globalization, terrorism, environment, civil rights, political development, international affairs, foreign policy, resource allocation, and theories of ideal government.

Political science majors often graduate with knowledge of current affairs, critical thinking abilities, and the ability to analyze different viewpoints.

Recent data shows that civil unrest doubled from 2010 to 2020, and the largest protest in recorded world history happened in India in 2020 with more than 250 million people participating.

Political science courses begin with introductory overviews, then move to specific topics like political theory, international relations, and legal studies, and may include statistics and independent research projects.

Internships with political organizations or government offices, and study abroad programs provide excellent real-world experience for political science majors.

To do well as a political science student, it helps to have good analytical, communication, organization, and planning skills, as well as a natural drive to delve into topics or claims in depth.

Engaging in extracurriculars, student organizations, campus leadership, internships, or volunteering for campaigns can help political science students connect learning to the real world and explore career options.

Political science courses can count toward degrees in related fields like American Studies, Ethnic Studies, Journalism, Economics, Sociology, Criminology, and Urban Studies, if a student decides to change majors.

Potential careers for political science majors include policy analyst, legislative assistant, diplomat, lawyer, journalist, public relations specialist, and lobbyist, among others.

Policy analysts examine current public policies, identify problems, create and evaluate solutions, and write research reports, earning over $60,000 per year on average in 2021.

Legislative assistants support legislators by drafting laws, conducting research, offering advice, and monitoring pending legislation, earning between $40,000 and $50,000 per year on average in 2022.

Diplomats negotiate and mediate relationships with other governments, overseeing peace deals, trade, economics, human rights, and environmental issues, with U.S. diplomats with bachelor's degrees starting around $55,000 per year in 2022.

Lawyers advise and represent clients in court, government agencies, and private legal matters, with an average starting salary of $74,000 per year in early 2022, making a political science degree a great stepping stone for this career path.

Transcripts

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