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Social Sciences
Political Science
Political science emphasizes making connections between
the theory and practice of politics. Concerns range from
perennial philosophical issues regarding justice, equality
and freedom to practical political matters such as conflict
resolution, collective decision making, and public policy.
Opportunities are provided to consider how theoretical
understandings of politics can inform political action
and how participation in politics offers the basis for
understanding it.
Since the ancient Greeks, knowledge of the affairs of state
has always been deemed essential for all educated citizens.
A knowledge of political science is central to any occupation
or profession that needs an understanding of human behavior
and the relations between people and governments or the
analysis and communication of information about public
problems. A background in political science is virtually indispensable
to people in politics and government, whether
at the state, local or national level. A political science undergraduate
degree is common for the following types of
professionals: lawyers, journalists, policy analysts, planners,
Sociology
Sociology may be defined as the study of societies, communi- they take one shape instead of another; how some change
ties, organizations and groups. It examines the structure more rapidly than others; how they are related to each other,
and process of society and of the social groups that compose and how people justify and explain their organizations
it. The focus is often on how people coordinate their activi- and activities. Thus, the field provides an understanding of
ties to reach individual and collective goals in a wide range of the crucial problems facing our rapidly changing society.
settings including work, educational, religious, familial and
political settings. Sociology provides intellectual and research skills, as well as
a body of concepts and information useful to those entering
Sociological analysis explores social situations from the stand- numerous professions, including architecture, engineering,
point of the roles, meanings and norms that make behavior design, government, planning, social work, law and medipredictable
and organized. It investigates how such patterns cine. Students completing a minor in sociology are required
of interdependent activity arise and what sustains them; why to take five three-hour courses offered in the discipline.
Public Administration
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Copyright & Disclaimer Information: Copyright © 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007. CollegeSource®, Inc. and Career Guidance Foundation. CollegeSource® digital catalogs are derivative works owned and copyrighted by CollegeSource®, Inc. and Career Guidance Foundation. Catalog content is owned and copyrighted by the appropriate school. While CollegeSource®, Inc. and Career Guidance Foundation provides information as a service to the public, copyright is retained on all digital catalogs.
scientists, business managers, politicians or medical people.
Such professionals are in constant need for information
on and understanding of the political, legal, governmental
and public implications of their fields.
At IIT, most political science students emphasize American
government, urban affairs, or public administration, A number
of faculty also teach courses involving political and social
issues relating to science and technology and to the workplace.
Students seeking a major in political science are required to
complete 33 credits in political science. With department
approval, up to 18 hours of coursework in related fields may
be applied toward this requirement. Majors are also required
to complete an approved course in statistics and a course
in research methods. Students seeking a minor in political
science are required to complete 15 credits in political science.
Additional courses may be required to prepare students for
professional training and for entrance in their chosen professional
field, such as law or medicine.
Public administration emphasizes public management, policy undergraduate students. A joint degree program leading to a
analysis and financial management of governmental organiza- combined B.S./M.P.A. degree program is offered for students
tions. Public administration courses are generally offered only interested in government careers.
at the graduate level, but are generally open to qualified
IIT Undergraduate Bulletin 1999-2001