What is political science？
▲DEFINITION OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Political science is a social science involving the analysis of governance systems, political activities, political thoughts, and political behavior. It is broadly related to political theory and practice, which is often considered the determinant of power distribution.
Political science includes many subfields, including comparative politics, political economy, international relations, political theory, public administration, public policy, and political methodology. In addition, it also includes political science and economics, law, sociology, history, philosophy, geography, psychology and anthropology.
Comparative politics is the different types of constitutions, political actors, legislative bodies and related fields of comparative and teaching science, all of which are viewed from within the state. International relations involve the interaction between nation states and intergovernmental and transnational organizations. Political theory pays more attention to the contributions of various classical and contemporary thinkers and philosophers.
Political science is methodologically diverse and uses many methods derived from social studies. Methods include positivism, explanatoryism, rational choice theory, behaviorism, structuralism, poststructuralism, realism, institutionalism, and pluralism. As one of the social sciences, political science uses methods and techniques related to the types of queries sought: major sources such as historical documents and official records, academic journal articles, research studies, statistical analysis, case studies, and other secondary sources, experimental research and model building. With the development of China, more and more international students choose China's political universities to study political science.
▲INTRODUCTION TO MAIN POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES
1. Political theory
Political theory is a very important course in the syllabus of political science. Political theory is primarily concerned with the foundations of political communities and institutions. It focuses on the moral purpose of humanity and political association. Political theory also focuses on empirical research on how political systems operate in practice.
2. Comparative politics
There are two basic types of comparative politics courses. One of them provides a comparison of specific issues or institutions in many different countries. The second category provides an in-depth analysis of the basic political systems and processes of individual countries or groups of countries in the world region.
3. International relations
The field of international relations is concerned with understanding why national and non-state international actors, such as the United Nations and multinational corporations. International relations are a diversified field in studying what kind of behavior and how to study them. International conflicts, especially war, remain an important focus in this area.
4. Political methodology
The subfield of political methodology involves the philosophical foundations of political science, social sciences, empirical research design and analysis, and research experience in practice.
▲WHY STUDY POLITICAL SCIENCE?
The Political Science program will help you better understand how the government operates and interacts, the impact of government policies on economic stability and growth, and how the law affects social and political change. Politics affects every aspect of our lives and contributes to the well-being of the country, including education, employment, health care and housing.
If you are considering working in government, lawyers, social advocates or international organizations like the United Nations, then studying political science is an obvious choice. If you are interested in news and media, or public relations, then this may be the place to start. Maybe you are very interested in Chinese politics and think that you may want to cooperate with political parties and elections. Or, as you prepare for a graduate program, you may be interested in learning how to analyze complex policies.
Even if you are not sure about your career planning, studying political science is a good way. Many graduates with a degree in political science enter business or other practice and careers. Employers often look for critical thinking, analysis and communication skills developed by political scientists – not to mention that you will gain valuable knowledge about government and international politics.
▲ JOB OPTIONS FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJORS
1. Public relations expert
Public relations representatives are primarily based on posting stories to the media to influence public perceptions of their customers. Political science students develop the writing skills needed to write compelling press releases and the persuasive skills of persuading the benefits of a particular story.
2. Policy analyst
Policy analysts must design a reasonable argument and establish a persuasive argument for supporting or opposing the adoption of a policy initiative. In addition, analysts use their understanding of political and legislative processes to gain support from individuals who can help advance the program.
3. Political consultant
Political consultants use the knowledge of political processes acquired by the political science profession to develop strategies for candidates to influence voters and gain support in their campaigns. Political consultants help brand candidates and repair damaged images.
4. Attorney
Lawyers working for politicians, interest groups, and lobbying companies use legal research skills developed by the political science profession to study legislative and policy issues. They help draft and edit the language of the bill and assess the legal precedent for pending legislation.
5. Market Research Analyst
Marketing researchers analyze consumer responses to products or services, just as political science students assess potential voters' responses to candidates. The work of market researchers often involves investigating consumer responses to potential or current products and services.
