For some majors, the name explains it all. For example, I have yet to meet a student confused as to what an art major does—the answer is simple: art. However, some fields of study are a bit more nebulous in their purpose.
Photo taken by Eli DeVries
This is true for one of the lesser-known majors at Covenant: political science. Even in the title, the major may seem confusing, if not paradoxical. What is scientific about politics? In order to better understand the functioning of this major, take a look at a recent paper authored by Covenant’s professor for political science, Dr. Cale Horne, and co-authored by eight Covenant students.
In this study, Horne et al. seek to predict hostile military coups in Sub-Saharan Africa using generative artificial intelligence. Dr. Horne and his students draw upon the massive database of information possessed by various AI language models, predicting upcoming coups using statistical methods that my freshman mind cannot begin to comprehend.
While this may seem neither political nor scientific, it is in fact both. Political scientists seek to explain phenomena that are political in nature through the analysis of political activities, thoughts, behaviors and structures through the utilization of the scientific method.
Following the scientific method, Horne et. al’s paper (and all political science papers) develops a theory and, drawing from existing research, generates testable hypotheses and conducts experiments in order to see if support exists. Other fascinating papers authored by the Covenant political science department and its students include research on peacekeeping operations, human trafficking, child marriage and more.
In order to conduct strong empirical research, comprehensive political knowledge is also vital. A recent addition to the department shows the need for political scientists to understand institutions and the theories behind them. Dr. Philip Bunn, a new hire for the department, specializes in the American government and political theory. Dr. Bunn’s expertise is on normative questions about institutions and considers how countries (primarily America) ought to structure themselves for their betterment.
The political science department works closely with both the history and international studies departments since a comprehensive understanding of the history, structures and interactions of countries is vital to critically analyzing phenomena and effectively researching them.
In addition to the typical political science course load—American government, comparative politics, international relations, etc.—students also take a sprinkling of statistics, economics and history classes.
As you can see, the political science major isn’t just some glorified current events class, filled with a bunch of insufferable political junkies. Instead, this major encourages critical analysis of all things political, employing concrete, scientific methods to study various phenomena. Potential career options include positions as lawyers, data analysts, journalists and legislators. Through the use of comprehensive political knowledge and strong research abilities, Covenant’s political science majors experience great success in their post-grad pursuits.
Thumbnail photo taken by Eli DeVries.