Political Science - Lewis & Clark College Quick Links Apply Visit Alumni Library Giving The Source Newsroom Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre
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Home / Academics / Political Science Political Science Political science is the study of political values, institutions, processes, and policies. We believe in a hands-on approach to this study, and our goal is to use foundational and contemporary political theories to hone your skills in critical and analytical thinking, quantitative assessment, writing, and speaking—all excellent preparation for a career or graduate study. Majors Art (Studio) Art History Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Classics Computer Science Computer Science and Mathematics Data Science Economics English Environmental Studies French Studies German Studies Hispanic Studies History International Affairs Mathematics Music Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Sociology and Anthropology Student-Designed Major Theatre World Languages Minors Art and Art History Artificial Intelligence Asian Studies Chemistry Chinese Classics Computer Science Cybersecurity Dance Data Science Earth System Science Economics Education English Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation Environmental Studies Ethnic Studies French Studies Gender Studies German Studies Health Studies Hispanic Studies History Japanese Latin American and Latino Studies Law and Policy Mathematics Middle East and North African Studies Music Neuroscience Philosophy Physics Political Economy Political Science Religious Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Russian Theatre Why Choose a Degree in Political Science? Our classes are small, which allows for significant student-faculty interaction. At Lewis & Clark, political science is an independent department, which means you have a broader, deeper range of courses and resources available to you.You can also specialize, if you like, in the study of American politics, comparative politics, public law, or political theory. Apply Visit What You’ll Study Our program offers a major and minor. The study of political science questions power, authority, social values, and political manipulation—the ways that societies determine their collective priorities and attempt to bring them into being. In our rigorous but supportive courses, you will investigate questions such as: How do democracies become authoritarian regimes? How does religiosity mediate political belief? Is there a constitutional right to privacy? What are the moral responsibilities of citizens in a democracy? How can we best understand and construct public policy? The department is organized into four major fields of study: American government and institutions, comparative politics, political theory, and public law. Other subfields—methodology, public policy, and political economy—intersect with these main areas and provide avenues for more focused and advanced specialization. We believe in collaborating with students on research projects—whether through classes during the academic year, a paid humanities research summer program, or both—and helping them find and secure internships in Portland and beyond. Many of our students earn course credit while on an overseas program . Outside the classroom, we host an annual political science Pictionary party, as well as presidential debate and election night watch parties. We also throw the best senior barbecue of any department at Lewis & Clark—or any political science department in the country (if you ask us)—with plenty of steak, salmon, and veggies. Curriculum Connect With Lewis & Clark! After you hit submit, we will follow up with information about L&C, and you will have the opportunity to share a bit more about yourself. Loading...
Favorite Class
Constitutional Law with Professor Todd Lochner
This course is primarily led by students briefing Supreme Court cases and then discussing opinions based on the constitutional law used. This course has expanded my knowledge by further looking into and understanding how Supreme Court decisions are made, and what the U.S. Constitution does and does not protect.
Modern Latin American History with Professor Elliot Young
I went in knowing very little about Latin America, so everything I learned was new and really interesting. The class showed me how one-dimensional my perceptions of Latin America were. Learning about politics in Latin America and how impossible it was to orient political parties there along our simplistic left-right axis stirred my interest in political systems and comparative politics.
Constitutional Law: Civil Liberty with Professor Todd Lochner
I was actually surprised to love it so much because I had heard it was extremely difficult—which it was, but it was equally rewarding. The class centers on close readings of important Supreme Court decisions, with a lot of discussion, cold-calling, and argumentation about their logic. My critical-thinking skills were pushed harder that semester than they ever had been.
Political Science Capstone Policy Analysis with Professor Seljan
It accumulated in three different projects: a research proposal, a systematic review, and a cost/benefit analysis. I got to present my systematic review at the Lewis & Clark Gender Studies Symposium. It was a marathon, not a sprint.
My words class was a great opportunity to learn about the issues affecting many Americans, gain collegiate academic skills, think critically, and have fruitful discussions with an awesome professor and peers.
American Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties with Todd Lochner
It was undoubtedly one of the most challenging classes that I took, but I am much better for it. This was one of the first classes that made me reexamine my thought process on law and our society. Professor Lochner’s method of cold calling on students and creating scenarios to test our understanding of the law lead to interesting and free discussions. More importantly, these discussions challenged all of us to see existing prejudices and/or biases.
ELI 349 Innovation At Work: Internship and Seminar with Chrys Hutchings
This class completely shifted my perspective on what a college course can achieve and showed me how powerful a dedicated support system can be for professional development. I had previously attended classic lecture-style classes almost exclusively, and while I am grateful to have had engaging professors, I never expected such a change of pace; from day one, it was totally hands-on.
World War I, The War to End All Wars by Professor David Campion
Professor Campion expanded my thinking on what war looks like and what it means for different groups of people to be at war. He encouraged us to think more critically about all aspects of war from the economy, women’s rights, contemporary art, and science. Professor Campion expanded my knowledge.
Tie between Psychology of Sustainability with Professor Jolina Ruckert and American Constitutional Law: Equal Protection and Due Process with Professor Todd Lochner
Psychology of Sustainability was an amazing opportunity to really engage critically with academic research. Jolina did an excellent job of helping us cut through the superfluous detail and derive the essence of material—a skill that I have applied frequently in my graduate program. American Constitutional Law was also an invaluable experience that I look upon fondly. Todd Lochner demands that you refine your point of view and question your assumptions.
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors The most popular minors for our political science majors are economics , environmental studies , and rhetoric and media studies . What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark The liberal arts promote being well rounded in a variety of subjects and thinking critically about the world. Alys Chang BA ’22 Political Science | Sunnyvale, California More about Alys Investing in a field that requires me to step up academically in every way has developed me more than anything else could have. Django G Sbarge BA ’26 Political Science | Hispanic Studies | Los Angeles, California More about Django I am endlessly grateful for the opportunities that the political science department has provided to its students. Madeleine MacWilliamson BA ’24 Political Science | Data Science | Campbell, California More about Madeleine What Can You Do With a Degree in Political Science? Our alumni use their BA in political science to pursue a wide range of careers in politics, law, education, journalism, business, and finance, among other fields. Some of our alumni have been awarded the competitive Rhodes Scholarship, and many go on to pursue advanced degrees. Dedicated Faculty Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth. Meet the Professors I have collaborated with many students over the years, and I really love the enthusiasm, professionalism, and expertise they bring to my research. Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. Associate Professor of Government Todd Lochner More about Todd Cultivating moments of serendipity is an integral part of the liberal arts. This is a key facet of L&C’s curriculum, where students are given the opportunity and directly encouraged to explore topics across diverse fields and ways of knowing. Associate Professor of Political Science Leah Gilbert More about Leah I love how appreciative Lewis & Clark students are of their own education. It is always obvious that they want to be here and that they want to learn. I love watching them grow throughout their four years here and getting to know them not just as students, but as people. Professor of Political Science Ellen Seljan More about Ellen 12% of our students are from countries other than the U.S. 47 U.S. states represented in our undergraduate student body 125 of our undergraduate students are Third Culture Kids. 12:1 Lewis & Clark College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. 4-5-6 Lewis & Clark’s 4-5-6 Commitment can help you make the most of your future. Invest in Yourself A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think . Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition . Find Your People Students can join a variety of student-run organizations that relate to their political science major. Don’t see what you’re looking for on the club list ? Start something new and build your own community of peers! Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You Lewis & Clark taught me that I’m always learning and changing, and to not be afraid of that change. Rosemary Elliott Political Science & Psychology BA ’19 Political Science & Psychology | Doylestown, Pennsylvania More about Rosemary The resourcefulness that L&C directly and indirectly taught me has been the most important thing I learned and that I apply to my career. Alex Scioscia BA ’21 Political science and German (double) | Alexandria, Virginia More about Alex My time at L&C taught me how to effectively seek out information and diversify my sources to get a well-rounded picture of a given situation. Olivia Weiss BA ’23 Political Science | Culver City, California More about Olivia Featured News Finding Post-Grad Success Graduating from Lewis & Clark College means you will earn a bachelor of arts degree that is grounded in critical thinking, written and verbal communication skills, teamwork, and problem solving—all of the essential qualifications you need to succeed in any career. Read the story More News and Events → Ben Gaskins Associate Professor of Political Science and Department Chair bgaskins@lclark.edu 503-768-7604 Admissions Academics Financial Aid Alumni
