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Sherlock Holmes Investigates: Political Science

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Investigating the top majors, right here. You can profile
your picks and review the evidence to find the sure-fire academic answers you've been looking for...

Study Case #1

Political Science

Faculty:
Arts or Liberal Arts

Most common associations:
Government, politics, writing, democracy, argumentation

Quick description:
Political Science has been in development since the time of ancient Greece. Not only will you learn about the development of politics in history, but also of the function and behaviour of the balance of power, laws and governence throughout the years. The investigation of tradition and laws here is key, as well as the analysis of different governing bodies and how things are dealt with and handles.

What your major will do for you:
You can describe your major with one word to start: Perspectives. In the areas of politics, governments, policies and practices, perspective into these activities is crucial to learn. You will do much research into these fields learning about history as well as new concepts. You will be able to compare and contrast different types of political organizations and governments. You will study democracy and its effect and influence around the world. Writing essays on different traditions and shifts in world power, you will be able to explore your own take on political aspects. You will become an adviser in your own right to the type of governance you grow to understand. Knowing practices of the past will also help you write and discuss ways in which this influences the ways of today and of the future.

Careers:
Many political science majors turn to writing in some shape or form, some become business people, go into law, become activists, or even help with the actual politics of things in forms of governments and the like. Strategists, researches, coordinators, publicists, public relations, journalism,  public speaking, you name it! Other popular choices may be going into the education sector, becoming teachers, professors. And of course, there are the government jobs as well.

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German Parliament by reese.scott1985

Skills:
Successful political science graduates come out of school with many skills and lessons learned.
  • Understanding of the local political system: Because you're learning so much from the history up to the system of today, you'll know about the processes governments go through as well as knowledge that will help you understand what governments are going about presently. Parliament is discussed as are the policies and practices of many political organizations.
  • Research Skills: Again, with the perspective, you can only achieve this through solid research. To have the skills to find relevant and credible resources is definitely key. As well, because you're dealing with so many articles and written communication, you're able to desern quickly between what is a good source and what isn't.
  • Oral Communication and Presentation Skills: To be able to debate and bring up your own argumentative points is something you pick up over time within this major of study. Charisma is a very transferable skill and this comes along with being confident in what you have to say and presenting it in a very accessible way.
  • Written Communication Skills: Not only will you be working on essays, but memos and reports will also help poltical science majors hone their writing skills. Argumentative and opinion pieces also help you excel in areas in which you need to prove a point.
  • Critical Thinking: Taking policies, concepts and debates and putting them into perspective. This means having the whole picture when coming to a decision. You are able to incorporate so many aspects of policy and everyday life and that's a skill in itself.
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All in the Business by Poldavo (Alex)

How to Prepare:
You're just coming out of high school and have an interest in studying political science but don't know how to get started. You should have a few courses under your belt such as history, mathematics, these courses will prepare you to think critically. Also, extra-curricular activities will also help you in the long run. Think of getting involved with your local campaign, or a debate club

Many political science students benefit from participating as volunteers in political campaigns. Some degree programs even allow students to earn course credits for campaign work by keeping a detailed journal of their experiences, emphasizing the ways that they are applying the principles they have studied in class.

If you're thinking of doing a Master's Degree, you will first need to most likely have an undergraduate degree, and the desire to learn and explore deeper into the political structure of how things are done.

Political Science Majors? Case Closed! But we're not done solved yet. Tally forth Watson! Till next time!

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References

WorldWideLearn. "Political Science Major". Last Updated on November 8th, 2007. Accessed on July 31st, 2008. WorldWideLearn.com

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