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The Department of Political Science endeavors to provide high-quality undergraduate and graduate level education that stresses knowledge of politics, government and public policies while promoting responsible and active citizenship.
The department promotes diverse learning experiences that address multiple learning styles while enabling students to apply the skills of comparison, explanation, prediction and critical analysis to a wide variety of political issues and situations. The department also emphasizes a focus on social science research methods and techniques, the liberal arts approach, both written and verbal communication, faculty mentoring of student research, and practical education opportunities through experiential learning as it prepares students for future careers and their ultimate role as responsible citizens in a diverse world.
The general B.A. in Political Science features wide coverage of politics, government and public policy — from the introductory American Government and International Relations courses on through a mix of upper division courses on intriguing subjects such as the American Presidency, Latin American Politics, International Political Economy, Civil Liberties, Environmental Politics and Policy and African American Political Thought.
We also now have a new Option in Civic and Nonprofit Leadership for Political Science Majors, with students able to select between two separate Tracks: U.S. Leadership and Advocacy and Global Leadership and Advocacy. The new option broadens opportunities available to Eastern Illinois University students while reflecting our society's need to prepare current and future generations of students for leadership, not only in government but also in nonprofit and advocacy-oriented organizations.
Students who are interested in the international arena often decide to work toward the B.A. in Political Science with the International Studies Option. While focusing on courses in comparative politics and international relations, majors in this option also complete related coursework in Economics, History and foreign languages. This breadth of study ensures that students are equipped to understanding the complexity of the global setting of politics and governance.
Dr. Anderson (Ph.D. Missouri) teaches courses in American government, political theory and African American politics. Professor Anderson focuses his research on American and African American Political Thought, seeking to understand the tensions between individual liberty, collective good and American political values.
Dr. Mueller (B.A. Susquehanna University, M.A., Ph.D. Rochester) serves as the department's Graduate Coordinator. She received the 2008 Faculty Laureate for undergraduate general education teaching, the 2009 Teaching Excellence Award in the College of Sciences, and several Achievement and Contribution Awards.
Dr. Ashley (Ph.D. Northern Arizona) teaches American government, state and local politics and public administration. His research interests center primarily on tribal sovereignty and environmental policy.
"Before I came to Eastern Illinois University, I set several goals for myself and my future. I have been a part of many organizations and events pertaining to my major, which has enabled me to build connections and develop skills that will aid me in my future endeavors. I appreciate the faculty and mentors that I have met during the duration of my undergraduate years. They have all motivated and contributed to my growth in my academic courses, as a student, and a leader. One of my favorite courses was “Criminal Law”. It was so intriguing to learn about different cases and examine how the legal system has developed throughout the years. I also enjoyed “Moot Court I”, because the moot court competition(s) provided me with the opportunity to strengthen both my legal research and public speaking skills. My experience has been one that I will always remember and value. "
Constance Young ('22)
Jerimiah will be attending law school at the University of Miami. Jerimiah's accomplishments at EIU include being a Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate. He was a member of EIU’s Forensics Team and a member of the EIU chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate historically African American fraternal body focused on promoting leadership through brotherhood. He majored in political science with a minor in pre-law.
Jerimiah Boyd-Johnson ('22)Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
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