The Political Science major educates students to become thoughtful and engaged actors and students of politics by developing an understanding of the nature of political behavior and governmental structures. Students are exposed to major sub-fields of the discipline, including international relations, comparative politics, American government, and political philosophy. Students are taught basic techniques of research and investigation and also required to read and analyze classic texts within the history of the discipline. Program majors will have an understanding of how institutions and individuals interact, a comparative basis for understanding the nature of good government, and a deeper understanding of the key concepts of freedom, justice, power, and community, which are foundational to politics. The political science major is an excellent preparation for careers in law. Students interested in attending law school after graduation receive specialized guidance through the department.