Paragraph 1 – Aspects of a Political Science major that do fit elements of an enriched major

Looking at the course requirements and learning outcomes of a Political Science major, there seem to be many areas that correspond to Boyer’s idea of an enriched major. There was great emphasis on understanding the complexities of political questioning that explain why those questions are even being raised. I think that this element goes along with an enriched major in terms of how Boyer states that it should encourage students “not only to explore a field in-depth but also to help them put their field of special study in perspective.” Much like we have discussed in class with Scheuer, Ungar, and our guest faculty member Professor DeWolfe, gaining context and a deeper understanding of whatever major you are in will only help broaden your skills in the end. Within the categories that Boyer lays out as essential qualities of an enriched major; history and tradition, social and economic implications, and ethical and moral, I saw aspects of each expressed clearly within the Political Science major. There are courses aimed at exploring geopolitical influences, family, and religion for history and traditions while developing “skills to use historical events to understand political issues, developments, and trends.” Social/economic and ethical/moral implications are also highlighted in economies, human rights, and power dynamics. The overarching theme within Political Science seems to draw from many different viewpoints of how to ask questions, why they are important, and what we as students can gain as insight into the political world around us. Boyer’s elements of an enriched major certainly seem prominent throughout both learning outcomes and required course material.

Paragraph 2 – Aspects of a Political Science major that does not fit elements of an enriched major

Boyer’s argument about his idea of an enriched major expresses that certain aspects of educational endeavors have no place in a college atmosphere. However, for most of its goals and curriculum, political science seems to match Boyer’s characteristics of an enriched major. Nevertheless, some do lean towards a more career-oriented path. For example, one of the most prominent learning outcomes listed is “to be able to compete successfully for placement into graduate programs or employment.” This example of career-centeredness for a Political Science major to Boyer may insinuate that the underlying goal is to know how to “play the game” so to speak, and be able to ensure a spot at a prestigious graduate program or edge out other people for a job. Within Boyer’s work, he describes how there is an increasing amount of tension between career and technical majors and more traditional liberal arts majors; in the case of Political Science, which would lean more towards liberal arts, it may be more of an inward tension. One way to think about the emphasis on job readiness is that compared to a degree like English. While an English major can prepare students for a multitude of careers, it tends not to focus on them within the course structure. In contrast, there are a few careers that seem to be implied when majoring in Political Science. For instance, there are many career options listed on the Political Science homepage, such as Lawyer, Policy Expert, Elected Offical, Teacher, etc. Compared to the broad and sometimes vague career options of an English major or interdisciplinary humanities major, to Boyer, a Political Science major can fall under a more career-driven major. 

4 Interview Questions

  1. What is the most common career for someone who graduated with a B.A. in Political Science? 
  2. In your opinion, which of the learning outcomes of a Political Science major do you think fits in with a traditional scope of a liberal arts program, and which do you feel could be interconnected with career readiness? 
  3. How would you describe the Political Science major here at UNE? 
  4. How would you define success within this major? 

Connection/Synthesis Table