Department of Political Science

Learn. Engage. Lead.

The Department has introduced a new prefix for International Affairs courses. Most political science courses with an international focus (e.g., International Politics, Comparative Politics, Government and Politics of Western Europe) will now use the IA prefix instead of PS. This change should have minimal impact on students. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact your Advisor or the Department Chair at scott.lasley@wku.edu. We will address any issues that arise, though it may take time to ensure everything runs smoothly in DegreeWorks.

Department of Political Science at Western Kentucky University

The Department of Political Science participates in the Dixie and Peter Mahurin Honors College. Department honors courses allow students of exceptional academic abilities to investiage phenomena and concepts in a more in-depth manner and to discuss contemporary political issues in small group settings. Honors courses encourage the development of critical thinking skills and analytical writing. Students also have an opportunity to assist faculty with research, present papers at regional and national conferences and/or engage in self-designed research projects. Majors in Mahurin Honors College can complete their honors thesis in consultation with an advisor. For further information on honors courses and opportunities, contact Professor Scott Lasley, Department Chair for the Department of Political Science.

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Political Science Students

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

International Affairs, Bachelor of Arts

International Affairs, Bachelor of Arts (702)

Undergraduate
AB
Arts & Letters
Political Science

The International Affairs major is designed to prepare students for success in a global society. It integrates the information, techniques and skills of several disciplines including political science, economics, history, geography, religion, and modern languages to study and understand the complexity of the international environment. Students graduating in international affairs pursue careers in international and public affairs, international business, diplomacy, public service, journalism and international humanitarian work.

Program Requirements (42 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php .

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Core Courses
IA 250	International Politics	3
IA 260	Introduction to Comparative Politics	3
IA 357	U S Foreign Policy	3
IA 497	Senior Seminar in International Affairs ¹	3
HIST 102	World History II	3
ECON 202	Principles of Economics (Micro)	3
or ECON 203	Principles of Economics (Macro)
GEOG 110	World Regional Geography	3
Additional Courses
Select 12 additional hours from the following:		12
Any IA prefix
PS 301	Using Statistics in Political Science
PS 302	Research Design in Political Science
Electives
Select 9 hours from the following, with no more than 6 hours from one academic discipline:		9
AFAM 343	Communities of Struggle
AFAM 350	Peoples and Cultures of Africa
ANTH 120	Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 340	Peoples and Cultures of Latin America
ANTH 342	Peoples and Cultures of the Caribbean
ANTH 350	Peoples and Cultures of Africa
ANTH 360	Applied Anthropology – Understanding and Addressing Contemporary Human Problems
ARBC 202	Intermediate Arabic II
ARBC 306	Experiencing Arabic Abroad
ARBC 324	Arabic Civilization II
ARBC 437	Advanced Media Arabic
ARBC 438	Topics in Arabic Media
CHIN 202	Intermediate Chinese II
CHIN 306	Experiencing Chinese Abroad
CHIN 333	Chinese Culture and Civilization
CHNF 202	Intensive Intermediate Chinese II
CHNF 420	Media Chinese
CHNF 430	Chinese Culture
COMM 365	Intercultural Communication
ECON 380	International Economics
ECON 385	Economic Development
ECON 496	International Monetary Economics
FIN 433	Financial Markets and Institutions
FIN 436	International Financial Management
FLK 310	Community Traditions & Global Corporate Culture
FLK 340	Peoples and Cultures of Latin America
FLK 342	Peoples and Cultures of the Caribbean
FLK 350	Peoples and Cultures of Africa
FREN 202	Intermediate French II
FREN 306	Experiencing French Abroad
FREN 323	French Civilization and Culture
FREN 427	Francophone Culture
GERM 202	Intermediate German II
GERM 306	Experiencing German Abroad
GERM 335	Contemporary Culture and Civilization
GEOG 330	Introduction to Cultural Geography
GEOG 350	Sustainable Economic Development
GEOG 364	Geography of Europe
GEOG 385	Climate, Resources, & Society
GEOG 425	Political Geography
GEOG 455	Global Climate Change
GEOG 465	Geography of East Asia
HIST 200	Latin American Society: Past and Present
HIST 300	Contemporary Chinese Society and Culture
HIST 324	Modern Britain Since 1688
HIST 331	History of Africa Since 1500
HIST 333	History of Genocide
HIST 335	Twentieth Century Europe
HIST 365	Modern Latin America, 1800-Present
HIST 370	Modern South Asia: from Empires to Nations
HIST 380	Human Rights in History
HIST 423	A Global History of the First World War
HIST 461	Modern East Asia
HIST 426	Hitler and Nazi Germany
HIST 449	Korea and Vietnam
HIST 462	History of the Middle East
HIST 464	Latin America and the United States
HIST 465	The Mexican Republic
HIST 466	The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Local and Global Influences
HIST 471	Modern China
HIST 472	Modern Japan
HIST 494	U S Military History
MGT 303	International Business
MGT 316	International Management
MKT 324	International Marketing
PLS 375	Comparative Legal Systems
RELS 302	Buddhism
RELS 303	Hinduism
RELS 304	Judaism
RELS 305	Christianity
RELS 306	Islam
RELS 309	Global Christianity
RELS 319	Religions of Asia
RELS 322	Pilgrimage, Islam and Modernity
RELS 335	Islam, Sexuality, and Gender
SOCL 240	Global Social Problems
SOCL 355	Sociology of Gender
SOCL 363	Population, Society, and Development
SOCL 376	Sociology of Globalization
SPAN 202	Intermediate Spanish II
SPAN 306	Experiencing Spanish Abroad
SPAN 372	Latin American Civilization and Culture
SPAN 373	Spanish Civilization and Culture
Total Hours		42

¹: Students are advised to take all core courses before enrolling in IA 497.

Additional baccalaureate degree requirements for students pursuing a major in International Affairs:

A second major or minor is required.

Students pursuing a degree in international affairs are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad program or an international internship experience.

Finish in Four Plan

First Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
IA 250 or IA 260	3	IA 250 or IA 260	3
ENG 100	3	COMM 145	3
HIST 102	3	MATH 109 (or higher)	3
GEOG 110	3	World Language 101	3
Colonnade: Arts & Humanities	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
	15		15
Second Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
Approved PS Elective for IA	3	Approved PS Elective for IA	3
ECON 202 or ECON 203	3	Approved Non-PS Elective for IA	3
ENG 200 (or other approved Literary Studies course)	3	Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences ¹	3
World Language 102	3	World Language 201	3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
Approved PS Elective for IA	3	IA 357	3
Approved Non-PS Elective for IA	3	Approved PS Elective for IA	3
ENG 300	3	Approved Non-PS Elective for IA²	3
World Language 202	3	Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences³	3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
IA 497	3	Colonnade: Connections (Systems)	3
Approved Non-PS Elective for IA	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
	15		15
Total Hours 120

Legal Studies, Bachelor of Arts

Legal Studies (6001)

Undergraduate
AB
Arts & Letters
History

The Legal Studies program consists of 18 hours of core courses in Political Science, History, and Professional Legal Studies (including a capstone experience), and 18 hours of electives from many disciplines across Western Kentucky University. A second major, minor, or certificate is required.

The program provides students an interdisciplinary perspective while fostering greater understanding of the law as it relates to history, the sciences, and ethics in the United States and around the world. While the program appeals to pre-law students, it also serves as a background for a wide variety of careers, including public administration, academics, government, diplomatic corps, homeland security, non-governmental organizations, and law enforcement.

Legal Studies allows students from many disciplines to focus their studies using their individual disciplinary interests as a launching point for exploring how the study of law cuts across disciplinary lines. It offers courses in a wide range of subjects, including American legal history, political process, constitutional law, philosophy and ethics, sociology and criminal justice, business, journalism and broadcasting, economics and property law, English, and environmental law and regulations.

The Legal Studies program does not prepare students to work as paralegals and is not approved by the ABA to do so.

Program Requirements (36 hours)

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Program Core Courses
PS 220	Judicial Process	3
PLS 250	Legal Research and Writing I	3
PS 326	Constitutional Law	3
HIST 445	American Legal History to 1865	3
HIST 446	American Legal History Since 1865	3
LS 495	Senior Seminar in Legal Studies	3
Required Ethics course (choose one)		3
SMC 301	Mass Communication Law and Ethics
PLS 200	Legal Ethics
PHIL 350	Ethical Theory
PS 338	Government and Ethics
Required International/Comparative Elective course (choose one):		3
PS 355	International Organization and Law
PLS 375	Comparative Legal Systems
HIST 380	Human Rights in History
CRIM 430	Comparative Systems of Juvenile Justice
CRIM 448	International Justice and Crime
GEOG 487	Environmental Management and Law
Required Business Elective (choose one):		3
MGT 200	Legal Environment of Business
PLS 283	Property Law
MGT 301	Business Law
ECON 390	Economics, Law, and Public Choice
PLS 392	Corporate Law
ECON 434	The Economics of Poverty and Discrimination
Required Law and Justice Elective (choose one):		3
PLS 324	Women and the Law
PS 328	Criminal Justice Procedures
CRIM 330	Criminology
CRIM 361	Race, Class, and Crime
CRIM 432	Sociology of Criminal Law
CRIM 446	Gender, Crime, and Justice
PSY 470	Psychology and Law
Unrestricted Electives (6 hours needed from at least two disciplines.		6
SMC 301	Mass Communication Law and Ethics
CRIM 330	Criminology
CRIM 332	Juvenile Delinquency
CRIM 361	Race, Class, and Crime
CRIM 430	Comparative Systems of Juvenile Justice
CRIM 432	Sociology of Criminal Law
CRIM 446	Gender, Crime, and Justice
CRIM 448	International Justice and Crime
ECON 390	Economics, Law, and Public Choice
ECON 434	The Economics of Poverty and Discrimination
ENG 301	Argument and Analysis in Written Discourse
ENG 412	Theories of Rhetoric and Persuasive Writing
GEOG 487	Environmental Management and Law
HIST 380	Human Rights in History
HIST 430	History of the Civil Rights Movement in America
LS 498	Internship in Legal Studies
MGT 200	Legal Environment of Business
MGT 301	Business Law
MGT 400	Employment Law
PHIL 215	Symbolic Logic
PHIL 323	Social Ethics
PHIL 350	Ethical Theory
PHIL 427	Philosophy of Law
PLS 200	Legal Ethics
PLS 283	Property Law
PLS 324	Women and the Law
PLS 375	Comparative Legal Systems
PLS 392	Corporate Law
PLS 499	Internship in Paralegal Studies
PSY 470	Psychology and Law
PS 311	Public Policy
PS 327	Civil Liberties
PS 328	Criminal Justice Procedures
PS 338	Government and Ethics
PS 355	International Organization and Law
Total Hours		36

First Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
ENG 100	3	HIST 101 or HIST 102	3
Colonnade: Quantitative Reasoning	3	COMM 145	3
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with Lab	3	PS 220	3
Colonnade: Social and Behavioral Studies	3	World Language (if needed) or General Elective	3
Colonnade: Arts & Humanities	3	Colonnade: Literary Studies	3
	15		15
Second Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
HIST 445	3	HIST 446	3
PLS 250	3	Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences	3	Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3
World Language II (if needed) or General Elective	3	Connections - Systems or Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course (PS 220 Recommended)	3
Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3	Connections - Local to Global	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
PS 326	3	Required Legal Studies Elective	3
Connections - Social and Cultural	3	ENG 300 or COMM 200	3
Required Legal Studies Elective	3	Required Legal Studies Elective	3
Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3	Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3
Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3	Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
Required Legal Studies Elective	3	LS 495	3
Unrestricted Legal Studies Elective	3	Unrestricted Legal Studies Elective	3
Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3	Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3
Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3	Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3
Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3	Second Major, Minor, or General Elective Course	3
	15		15
Total Hours 120

Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts

Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts (745)

Undergraduate
AB
Arts & Letters
Political Science

Philosophy, thought Socrates, begins with the recognition that an unexamined life is not worth living. Accordingly, those who study philosophy question how to understand ourselves and our relationships to other persons, to society, to nature, to the universe, and, for some, to God.

Philosophy develops our ability to challenge the obvious, trains us to analyze and synthesize ideas, and shows us both how to defend and how to criticize normative claims about actions, policies, and ways of life. By carefully examining and discussing both traditional and contemporary works, it cultivates habits of honest reflection, careful reasoning, and clear thinking.

Philosophy majors can choose one of two tracks (both require 31 credit hours):

the philosophy track, for a deeper study of foundational questions, everyday and eternal, that we must face in order to live well and succeed in our careers, or
the philosophy, politics, and policy track, for a deeper study of philosophy as it applies to decision-making in politics and social policy.

Concentration(s)

General (No concentration)
Philosophy, Politics, and Policy (PHLP)

Program Requirements (31 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php .

The major in philosophy requires a minimum of 31 semester hours and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. At least 18 hours must be in courses numbered 300 or above. A minor or second major is required.

Philosophy majors can choose one of two tracks (both require 31 credit hours):

the philosophy track, for a deeper study of foundational questions, everyday and eternal, that we must face in order to live well and succeed in our careers, or
the philosophy, politics, and policy track, for a deeper study of philosophy as it applies to decision-making in politics and social policy.

Philosophy Track (31 hours)

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Logic, Epistemology, and Metaphysics
Select two of the following:		6
PHIL 214	Logic, Argument, and Practical Reasoning
PHIL 215	Symbolic Logic
PHIL 315	Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 330	Philosophy of Science
PHIL 332	Philosophy of Mind: Minds and Machines
PHIL 334	Philosophy of Language
PHIL 404	Metaphysics and Epistemology
PHIL 415	Advanced Logic
History of Philosophy
Select two of the following:		6
PHIL 331	Analytic Philosophy
PHIL 341	Plato and Aristotle
PHIL 342	Skeptics, Stoics, and Epicureans
PHIL 343	Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 344	Early Modern Moral Philosophy
PHIL 345	Descartes and Hume
PHIL 346	Kant and Idealism
PHIL 347	Leibniz and Locke
PHIL 348	20th Century Philosophy
PHIL 406	Existentialism
PHIL 440	Readings in Ancient or Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 450	Readings in Modern or Contemporary Philosophy
PS 330	Introduction to Political Theory
Ethics and Values
Select two of the following:		6
PHIL 202	Racial Justice
PHIL 207	Philosophy and Popular Culture
PHIL 208	Philosophy of Public Space; Reason, Action & Violence
PHIL 211	Why Are Bad People Bad?
PHIL 212	Philosophy and Gender Theory
PHIL 305	Aesthetics
PHIL 322	Biomedical Ethics
PHIL 323	Social Ethics
PHIL 324	War and Peace
PHIL 333	Marx and Critical Theory
PHIL 344	Early Modern Moral Philosophy
PHIL 350	Ethical Theory
PHIL 406	Existentialism
PHIL 426	Philosophy and Old Age
PHIL 427	Philosophy of Law
Senior Seminar
PHIL 496	Senior Seminar	1
Electives
Select four of the following:		12
Any philosophy (PHIL) course that is not already counting towards one of the above categories.
RELS 242	The Meaning of Life; Atheism to Zen
RELS 317	Confucianism
RELS 318	Daoism
Total Hours		31

Philosophy, Politics, and Policy Track (31 hours)

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Logic, Epistemology, and Metaphysics
Select two of the following:		6
PHIL 214	Logic, Argument, and Practical Reasoning
PHIL 215	Symbolic Logic
PHIL 315	Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 330	Philosophy of Science
PHIL 332	Philosophy of Mind: Minds and Machines
PHIL 334	Philosophy of Language
PHIL 404	Metaphysics and Epistemology
PHIL 415	Advanced Logic
History of Philosophy
Select two of the following:		6
PHIL 331	Analytic Philosophy
PHIL 341	Plato and Aristotle
PHIL 342	Skeptics, Stoics, and Epicureans
PHIL 343	Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 344	Early Modern Moral Philosophy
PHIL 345	Descartes and Hume
PHIL 346	Kant and Idealism
PHIL 347	Leibniz and Locke
PHIL 348	20th Century Philosophy
PHIL 406	Existentialism
PHIL 440	Readings in Ancient or Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 450	Readings in Modern or Contemporary Philosophy
PS 330	Introduction to Political Theory
Ethics and Values
Select two of the following:		6
PHIL 202	Racial Justice
PHIL 207	Philosophy and Popular Culture
PHIL 208	Philosophy of Public Space; Reason, Action & Violence
PHIL 211	Why Are Bad People Bad?
PHIL 212	Philosophy and Gender Theory
PHIL 305	Aesthetics
PHIL 322	Biomedical Ethics
PHIL 323	Social Ethics
PHIL 324	War and Peace
PHIL 333	Marx and Critical Theory
PHIL 344	Early Modern Moral Philosophy
PHIL 350	Ethical Theory
PHIL 406	Existentialism
PHIL 426	Philosophy and Old Age
PHIL 427	Philosophy of Law
Senior Seminar
PHIL 496	Senior Seminar	1
Electives
Select at least two philosophy (PHIL) courses and at least two political science (PS) courses from the following:		12
Any philosophy course that is not already counting towards one of the above categories
PS 201	Concepts of Political Science
PS 311	Public Policy
PS 316	The Legislative Process
PS 326	Constitutional Law
PS 327	Civil Liberties
PS 328	Criminal Justice Procedures
PS 330	Introduction to Political Theory
PS 338	Government and Ethics
PS 340	Principles of Public Administration
Any graduate political science (PS) course
Total Hours		31

Honors in the Philosophy Major

An honors option is available for ambitious and high-achieving students seeking additional opportunities for intensive philosophical investigation. This may be pursued through honors-enriched versions of any philosophy course, and by writing a formal honors thesis in addition to the 31-hour program requirement. More details about an honors degree in philosophy can be obtained by contacting the department chair or any philosophy faculty member.

Finish in Four Plan

First Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
COMM 145 or ENG 100	3	ENG 100 or COMM 145	3
HIST 101 or HIST 102	3	MATH 109 (or higher)	3
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences	3	Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab	3-4
Philosophy: Logic, Epistemology, and Metaphysics Course	3	Philosophy: Logic, Epistemology, and Metaphysics Course	3
PHIL 101, PHIL 102, or PHIL 103	3	Colonnade: Social & Behavioral Science	3
	15		15-16
Second Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
RELS 200 or ENG 200	3	ENG 300	3
Philosophy: Ethics and Values Course	3	Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)	3
Philosophy: History of Philosophy Course	3	Philosophy: History of Philosophy Course	3
2nd Major/Minor Course	3	Philosophy: Ethics and Values Course	3
2nd Major/Minor Course	3	2nd Major/Minor Course	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
Philosophy: Elective Course	3	Philosophy: Elective Course	3
Colonnade: Connections (Systems)	3	2nd Major/Minor Course	3
General Elective	3	Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)	3
2nd Major/Minor Course	3	General Elective	3
2nd Major/Minor Course	3	PHIL 496	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
Philosophy: Elective Course	3	2nd Major/Minor Course	3
2nd Major/Minor Course	3	General Elective	3
2nd Major/Minor Course	3	General Elective	3
General Elective	3	General Elective	3
General Elective	3	General Elective	3
	15		15
Total Hours 120-121

Political Science, Bachelor of Arts

Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (686)

Undergraduate
AB
Arts & Letters
Political Science

A program of study in Political Science furthers student awareness and understanding of political concepts and processes, assists the student in developing critical and analytical abilities, and creates a knowledgeable citizen. Completion of a curriculum in political science provides an individual with a broad background preparatory to a number of careers. Among these are government service, politics, business, teaching, research in political science, and entry into law and other graduate schools. Students may major or minor in political science.

Program Requirements (36 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php .

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
PS 110	American National Government	3
IA 250	International Politics	3
PS 275	Introduction to Citizenship	3
PS 499	Senior Seminar in Government ¹	3
PS 301	Using Statistics in Political Science	3
or PS 302	Research Design in Political Science
Select one course from each of the following categories.
Comparative Politics/Area Studies Category		3
IA 260	Introduction to Comparative Politics
IA 350	Political Terrorism
PS 359	Politics of North Korea
IA 360	Government and Politics of Britain and Canada
IA 361	Government and Politics of Western Europe
IA 362	Latin American Government and Politics
IA 363	Politics of Developing Nations
PS 364	Chinese Politics
IA 365	Government and Politics of the Middle East
PS 366	Government and Politics in East Asia
IA 367	Government and Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe
IA 368	African Government and Politics
IA 369	Central European Politics
Institutions Category		3
PS 220	Judicial Process
PS 304	State Government
PS 310	The American Presidency
PS 316	The Legislative Process
PS 355	International Organization and Law
PS 412	Kentucky Government and Politics
Policy & Behavior Category		3
PS 311	Public Policy
PS 340	Principles of Public Administration
PS 370	American Political Parties and Interest Groups
PS 371	Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior
PS 373	Minority Politics
PS 374	Women and Politics
PS 375	Fundamentals of Political Campaign Management
PS 435	American Political Thought
12 hours of Political Science (PS) or International Affairs (IA) electives		12
At least 18 hours must be 300 or higher.
Total Hours		36

¹: Students are advised to take all core courses before enrolling in PS 499.

A minor or second major is required.

At least 18 credit hours in the major must be at the 300-level or higher. No more than 6 hours total can come from PS 403, PS 405, PS 407, and PS 498. PS 324 and PS 325 can both be repeated once. Three hours of credit from PS 324 and PS 325 can be used for the major, and three hours from each can be used as general electives.

Finish in Four Plan

First Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
PS 110	3	IA 250 or PS 275	3
COMM 145	3	ENG 100	3
HIST 101 or HIST 102	3	Colonnade - Quantitative Reasoning	3
Colonnade: Arts & Humanities	3	Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab	3
IA 250 or PS 275	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
	15		15
Second Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
PS course from one of four required categories	3	PS course from one of four required categories	3
PS course from one of four required categories	3	PS course from one of four required categories	3
ENG 200	3	Colonnade: Connections¹	3
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
PS Elective	3	PS Elective	3
PS Elective	3	Colonnade: Connections²	3
ENG 300	3	Colonnade: Connections³	3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
PS Elective	3	PS 499	3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3	2nd Major/Minor/Elective Course	3
	15		15
Total Hours 120

Professional Legal Studies, Bachelor of Arts

Professional Legal Studies, Bachelor of Arts (6000)

Undergraduate
AB
Arts & Letters
Political Science

The Professional Legal Studies Program prepares paralegals, also called legal assistants, to work with lawyers in a wide range of professional settings and perform tasks that include legal research, legal writing and document preparation, information gathering, litigation support, legal technology support, and office management. Paralegals are an integral part of the legal process enhancing the delivery of legal services and access to justice.

Paralegals shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law as proscribed by Kentucky law and the Supreme Court Rules (SCR 3.130 [5.5]) and must be appropriately supervised by a lawyer to ensure the paralegal’s conduct is compatible with the professional and ethical standards of the practice (SCR 3.130 [5.3]).

The objectives of the Professional Legal Studies Program are:

To create, implement, and maintain a strong, flexible program directed to the quality education of occupationally-competent paralegals;
To provide a paralegal education program that leads to employment of its graduates by a wide range of employers;
To provide paralegals with a well-rounded, balanced education founded on a beneficial mix of general education, theory, and practical courses stressing understanding and reasoning rather than rote learning of facts;
To support federal, Kentucky and local Rules of Procedure and general principles of ethical legal practice, professional responsibility, the prohibitions against the unauthorized practice of law by non-lawyers, and the use and supervision of paralegals by lawyers;
To provide an educational program that is responsive to the varied needs of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the region and contributes to the overall advancement of the legal profession and access to justice;
To provide a program which instills respect for the legal profession and its foundations, institutions, and quest for justice; and
To maintain equality of opportunity in the educational program without discrimination or segregation on the grounds of race, color, religion, natural origin, gender, age, disability or economic need.

Credits from other accredited institutions of higher education may be transferred and applied toward the degree. An official transcript from each such college or university attended is required as a part of the admission process. Postsecondary credit will be evaluated on a course-by-course basis for acceptance and applicability to the Program.

General law and legal-specialty course credits will be accepted only from paralegal programs approved by the American Bar Association or programs in substantial compliance with the ABA guidelines.

The Professional Legal Studies Program (PLS) is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary educational experience integrating knowledge and skills from multiple subjects including law, history, sociology, political science, technology and business. The PLS Program requires 42 credit hours and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Degrees will be awarded to those students who complete all requirements with an overall grade point average of 2.0 (out of 4.0) and receive a grade of “C” or better in all PLS courses.

Program Requirements (42 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php .

The Professional Legal Studies major is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary educational experience integrating knowledge and skills from multiple subjects including law, history, sociology, political science, technology and business. The PLS degree requires 120 credit hours and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. A second major or minor is required. Degrees will be awarded to those students who complete all requirements with an overall grade point average of 2.0 (out of 4.0) and receive a grade of “C” or better in all PLS courses. Students must complete nine hours of legal specialty courses in synchronous format.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Core Courses
PLS 225	Introduction to Law	3
PLS 200	Legal Ethics	3
PLS 250	Legal Research and Writing I	3
PLS 283	Property Law	3
PLS 291	Criminal Law and Procedure	3
PLS 296	Family Law	3
PS 326	Constitutional Law	3
or PLS 324	Women and the Law
or PLS 375	Comparative Legal Systems
PLS 393	Civil Procedure	3
PLS 450	Legal Research and Writing II	3
PLS 499	Internship in Paralegal Studies	3
Electives (12 hours)
Select 12 hours from the following:		12
PLS 280	Contract Law
PLS 282	Tort Law
PLS 294	Administrative Practice and Procedures
PLS 324	Women and the Law
PLS 350	EVIDENCE
PLS 360	Debtor Creditor Relations
PLS 375	Comparative Legal Systems
PLS 381	Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods and Practices
PLS 392	Corporate Law
PLS 395	Estate Planning and Administration
CRIM 330	Criminology
CRIM 332	Juvenile Delinquency
CRIM 380	Punishment and Society
CRIM 432	Sociology of Criminal Law
PS 220	Judicial Process
PS 304	State Government
PS 311	Public Policy
PS 316	The Legislative Process
PS 326	Constitutional Law
PS 355	International Organization and Law
PS 412	Kentucky Government and Politics
HIST 445	American Legal History to 1865
HIST 446	American Legal History Since 1865
Or an advisor approved course
Total Hours		42

Finish in Four Plan

First Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
ENG 100	3	ENG 200	3
MATH 109 or MATH 183	3	HIST 101 or HIST 102	3
PLS 225	3	COMM 145	3
World Language Requirement I	3	World Language Requirement II	3
PLS 200	3	PLS 283	3
	15		15
Second Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
Colonnade: Arts & Humanities	3	Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences	3
PS 110 (recommended for Colonnade: Social and Behavioral Sciences)	3	PLS 296	3
PLS 291	3	PLS 450	3
PLS 250	3	2nd Major/Minor Course	3
2nd Major/Minor Course	3	2nd Major/Minor Course	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Sciences with lab	3-4	Colonnade: Connections (Social & Cultural)	3
PLS Elective (1 of 4)	3	PLS 393	3
PLS 324, PLS 375, or PS 326	3	PLS Elective (2 of 4)	3
ENG 300	3	2nd Major/Minor Course	3
2nd Major/Minor Course	3	2nd Major/Minor Course	3
	15-16		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
Colonnade: Connections (Local to Global)	3	PLS Elective (4 of 4)	3
Colonnade: Connections (Systems)	3	2nd Major/Minor Course	3
PLS Elective (3 of 4)	3	2nd Major/Minor Course	3
2nd Major/Minor Course	3	2nd Major/Minor Course	3
2nd Major/Minor Course	3	PLS 499	3
	15		15
Total Hours 120-121

MINOR PROGRAMS

Philosophy, Minor

Philosophy, Minor (429)

Undergraduate
Arts & Letters
Political Science

Program Requirements

Program Requirements (24 hours)

The minor in philosophy requires a minimum of 24 hours. At least 12 hours must be taken in courses numbered 300 or above.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Logic, Epistemology, & Metaphysics
Select two of the following:		6
PHIL 214	Logic, Argument, and Practical Reasoning
PHIL 215	Symbolic Logic
PHIL 315	Philosophy of Religion
PHIL 330	Philosophy of Science
PHIL 332	Philosophy of Mind: Minds and Machines
PHIL 334	Philosophy of Language
PHIL 404	Metaphysics and Epistemology
PHIL 415	Advanced Logic
History of Philosophy
Select two of the following:		6
PHIL 331	Analytic Philosophy
PHIL 341	Plato and Aristotle
PHIL 342	Skeptics, Stoics, and Epicureans
PHIL 343	Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 344	Early Modern Moral Philosophy
PHIL 345	Descartes and Hume
PHIL 346	Kant and Idealism
PHIL 347	Leibniz and Locke
PHIL 348	20th Century Philosophy
PHIL 406	Existentialism
PHIL 440	Readings in Ancient or Medieval Philosophy
PHIL 450	Readings in Modern or Contemporary Philosophy
PS 330	Introduction to Political Theory
Ethics and Values
Select two of the following:		6
PHIL 202	Racial Justice
PHIL 207	Philosophy and Popular Culture
PHIL 208	Philosophy of Public Space; Reason, Action & Violence
PHIL 211	Why Are Bad People Bad?
PHIL 212	Philosophy and Gender Theory
PHIL 305	Aesthetics
PHIL 322	Biomedical Ethics
PHIL 323	Social Ethics
PHIL 324	War and Peace
PHIL 333	Marx and Critical Theory
PHIL 344	Early Modern Moral Philosophy
PHIL 350	Ethical Theory
PHIL 406	Existentialism
PHIL 426	Philosophy and Old Age
PHIL 427	Philosophy of Law
Electives
Choose 6 hours from any PHIL course (not previously used toward the minor) or the listed RELS course options:		6
RELS 242	The Meaning of Life; Atheism to Zen
RELS 317	Confucianism
RELS 318	Daoism
Total Hours		24

Political Science, Minor

Political Science Minor (383)

Undergraduate
Arts & Letters
Political Science

Program Requirements

Program Requirements (21 hours)

A minor in Political Science increases student awareness and understanding of political concepts and processes. The minor assists the student in developing critical and analytical abilities, and helps create a knowledgeable citizen. A minor in Political Science serves as an excellent complement to a number of other majors offered across campus.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Core Courses
PS 110	American National Government	3
IA 250	International Politics	3
or IA 260	Introduction to Comparative Politics
Additional Courses
Select 15 additional hours to complete the minor		15
Total Hours		21

At least one-half of the hours need to be earned at the 300-level or above.

No more than three hours total may come from PS 403, PS 405, PS 407, and PS 498. PS 324 and PS 325 can both be repeated once. Only 3 hours can be used for the minor and 3 hours as general electives.

CERTIFICATES

Paralegal Studies

Paralegal Studies, Certificate (1757)

Undergraduate
Arts & Letters
Political Science

Program Requirements

Program Requirements (21 hours)

This pre-professional certificate combines legal theory and professional skills preparing graduates for immediate employment or advancement within the field. The certificate can be earned as part of a degree program or as a stand-alone credential. Students are required to complete a minimum of nine hours of legal specialty credits in synchronous format. It requires completion of 15 hours of legal specialty core courses and 6 hours of legal specialty course electives as follows:

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Legal Specialty Core Courses (15 hours)
PLS 225	Introduction to Law	3
PLS 200	Legal Ethics	3
PLS 250	Legal Research and Writing I	3
PLS 291	Criminal Law and Procedure	3
PLS 393	Civil Procedure	3
Legal Specialty Elective Courses (6 hours)		6
Choose 2 PLS courses except PLS 200, PLS 225, PLS 250, PLS 291, PLS 294, PLS 324, PLS 375, PLS 393, or PLS 400
Total Hours		21

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Local Government Administration, Certificate

Local Government Administration (1745)

Graduate
Arts & Letters
Political Science

The graduate certificate in Local Government Administration (LGA) prepares students for careers in local government administration and provides public sector employees a competitive advantage for career advancement. The certificate provides a foundation of public management theory and practice needed to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities of effective and responsible local government administration. Program electives provide students the flexibility to incorporate content relevant for local government management. The LGA certificate is a 12 credit hour program that can be completed within one year. Students applying to Graduate Studies at WKU can elect to pursue the graduate certificate in Local Government Administration either by itself or in conjunction with another graduate program.

Program Admission

Graduate Studies Admission

Please refer to the admission section of this catalog for Graduate Studies admission requirements.

Program Requirements (12 hours)

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
PS 526	Local Government Administration	3
or PS 512	Kentucky Government and Politics
PS 554	Cross-Sector Collaboration & Conflict	3
or PS 562	Public Policy Implementation & Evaluation
Elective Courses ¹
Select 6 hours from the following		6
PS 511	Seminar in State and Local US Government
PS 512	Kentucky Government and Politics
PS 520	Elements of Public Administration
PS 526	Local Government Administration
PS 528	Civic Engagement and E-Governance
PS 530	Public Sector Organizations
PS 549	Special Problems in Public Administration
PS 550	Cultural Competencies for Public Administrators
PS 554	Cross-Sector Collaboration & Conflict
PS 562	Public Policy Implementation & Evaluation
CYSA 522	Cybersecurity Risk and Compliance
Total Hours		12

¹: At the discretion of the graduate certificate program coordinator, a course substitution may be available by advisement for one (1) of the elective courses.

Master of Public Administration

Public Administration (051)

Graduate
MPA
Arts & Letters
Political Science

The MPA program prepares graduate students from diverse backgrounds to be productive leaders and managers in public service by sharing knowledge, encouraging excellence in research and practice, and fostering an environment of professionalism within the communities we serve. We have a long history of providing quality education and practical experience to our students through community partnerships with organizations such as Kentucky's area development districts, the Legislative Research Commission, and the Center for Local Governments. Graduates go on to serve in a variety of local, state, federal, and nonprofit organizations, and many have successfully pursued doctoral degrees upon graduation from the MPA program.

In addition to meeting all admission requirements to Graduate Studies, admission to the Master of Public Administration program requires the following:

Take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and have scores sent directly to WKU Graduate Studies. (Note: Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited undergraduate institution and/or 3 years of relevant work experience in the public sector are exempt from the GRE requirement.)
Send two (2) letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic or employment experience to Graduate Studies,
Send Statement of Purpose outlining how the MPA degree will help accomplish career goals and objectives to Graduate Studies.
Send current resume to the Graduate Studies.

Program Requirements (36 hours)

The degree requires 36 semester hours of course work including completion of 21 hours of core courses: a thesis is not required.

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Required Core
PS 501	Research Methods in Public Administration	3
PS 530	Public Sector Organizations	3
PS 538	Public Service Ethics	3
PS 541	Human Resources Management in Public Administration	3
PS 542	Public & Nonprofit Budgeting	3
PS 560	Public Policy Theory	3
or PS 562	Public Policy Implementation & Evaluation
PS 590	Capstone in Public Administration	3
Electives
Select 15 hours ¹		15
Total Hours		36

¹: Electives include: Any graduate PS course; RSA 560, RSA 565, RSA 570, RSA 585, LEAD 500, LEAD 600, COMM 523, COMM 528, COMM 553, COMM 561, COMM 564, COMM 566, COMM 571, COMM 581, COMM 586, COMM 590.

"It's a smaller department, but it's cozy and allows for the professors to know you on a personal and individual level, which I really appreciate. Also, there's always something in the Department of Political Science that exposes me to new ideas. Some of my favorite classes that I've taken in my majors are PS 350: Political Terrorism with Dr. Kiasatpour."

Calee Carol, a Department of Political Science student

Mock Trial

For Majors & Non-Majors

Through engaging in trial simulations in competition with teams from other institutions, students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures.

Join Mock Trial

Warren County Justice Center photo by https://kycourts.gov

Scholarships

Departmental scholarships for returning Philosphy and Political Science students.

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Colonnade Explorations Courses

PHIL 215 Symbolic Logic

Quantitative Reasoning Course

An introductory course in logic which presents the different uses of language and teaches students (1) to evaluate the logical status of statements and the consistency and validity of arguments using both natural and formal language techniques, and (2) to identify informal fallacies.

3 Credit Hrs

PS 374 Women and Politics

Social & Cultural Course

An examination of the political, economic and social status of American women from an historical and contemporary perspective; explores issues of concern to women in a political context.Patterns for each meter, uses of the left hand, cueing posture, attacks, releases, terminology and score study.

3 Credit Hrs

Colonnade Connections Courses

PLS 375 Comparative Legal Systems

Systems

Comparative study and analysis of U.S. legal system and those of select foreign countries. Students will be responsible for fees associated with off campus travel as assigned.

3 Credit Hrs

PS 367 Gov. and Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe

Local to Global

An analysis of government and politics of Russia and Eastern European countries with emphasis on political processes and institutions, political and economic reforms, and the prospects for democratic government.

3 Credit Hrs

View all of our Colonnade Courses

Colonnade Foundations:

Quantitative Reasoning [AKA MATH Catagory]

PHIL 215 SYMBOLIC LOGIC

Colonnade Explorations:

Arts & Humanities

PHIL 101 TRUTH AND RELATIVISM
PHIL 102 THE GOOD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
PHIL 103 THE COMMITTED LIFE

Social & Behavioral Science

PS 110 AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVT
PS 250 INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
PS 260 INTRO TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS

Colonnade Connections:

Social & Cultural