Political Science and Sociology
At Xavier, students in political science pursue answers to the vital questions of equity, justice, and peace in the modern world. Our challenging courses consider the best political and social science literature with a view to gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary domestic and foreign controversies, including those of human rights and democracy, equality and race, poverty and social class, terrorism and war. In this way, students confront the promise and limits of political and social solutions to humanity’s gravest problems.
The department offers intellectually stimulating introductory courses: American government and politics, comparative government, introduction to sociology, and international relations. These courses go beyond the presentation of “nuts and bolts” to explore underlying issues of real significance. Upper level courses are limited in size and scope, allowing students to debate the political and social issues that are of greatest interest to them.
The department has internship programs in Washington, DC and in Cincinnati. Students can apply what they learn in their courses to the political and social structures they experience as interns.
1 American Government and Politics
Introduction to the theory and practice of the American political system.
2 The Challenge of Peace
In-depth exploration of the personal, political, practical, and spiritual aspects of peace.
3 International Political Economy
Internation political economy examines the interactions of markets and political forces. It focuses on areas for which the study of economics alone is insufficient, such as the effect of global economic activity on national interests, the durability and success of international regimes, and the international distribution of wealth and economic activities. It includes attention to the formal and informal institutions that direct development, well-being, conflict, cooperation, and rivalry.
4 Washington D.C. Internship Course
An elective course taken through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic seminars.
International Studies Program
For more information on the International Studies program, click here.
Xavier Advantage
Undergraduate Admission