WELCOME TO THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT
Program Features
Government, elsewhere known as political science, is part of the larger liberal arts learning experience and, in company with the General Education program, has for its goal the development of "students' general intellectual abilities-curiosity, powers of critical analysis, aesthetic appreciation, and creativity." The goal for study in a Government major is to maximize students' capacity to analyze and interpret the dynamics of political events and governmental processes and their significance.
We hope to turn politically interested and concerned students into politically literate college graduates, whatever their career plans or other interests. Specifically, training in Government courses should equip students with analytical skills including (1) the ability to recognize and understand the use of theory, analytic frames and models and their use to interpret and understand political phenomena; (2) the ability to recognize the importance of and to weigh the worth of evidence marshaled to support or oppose an argument; and (3) the ability coherently to systematize and accumulate political information and knowledge and to use this stock of knowledge to better understand the political world.With these skills, and the ability to read and think critically, to write effectively and express yourself clearly, you can undertake a variety of careers. Students with a Government major enter careers in business, in teaching at all levels, in government at the local or state or federal level, in such fields as urban planning, or policy-related fields of all kinds. Some of our students work in the political process, including the burgeoning campaign field, for public or private interest groups, or for lobbying organizations. Others go into journalism, and of course Government is a popular major for students interested in pursuing legal careers.We are a department of approximately five hundred students, with ninteen full time faculty members representing most areas of the discipline. Some highlights of our program include:
An extensive internship program, which draws on our location in the state capital. Students may undertake internships in state government, in the legislature, the executive branch, or with independent lobbying organizations. Interns are also placed with the Sacramento City Council, the county's Board of Supervisors, and with the district offices of members of Congress. We can also provide opportunities for students to intern in Washington, D.C. Please see internship programs for additional information and requirements.
An International Relations concentration within the Government major.
An active Model United Nations club which travels to the national MUN conference.
Several department-based student organizations, including Pi Sigma Alpha (the national political science honor society); the Association for Political Studies, a student group which sponsors activities; and Phi Alpha Delta, the national pre-law organization.
A joint major in Government-Journalism, for students especially interested in pursuing careers in journalism but with an interest in covering government and politics. This is also a choice to consider for students wishing to develop their writing skills.
Other Sites of Interest
If you desire any additional information, please consult the University Catalog.
Tahoe Hall 3104; (916) 278-6202; Fax: (916) 278-6488
6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819-6089
Webmaster: carolann@csus.edu
