Tinaz Pavri, Ph.D., professor in the Spelman College political science department, says faculty members can’t predict when one of their students will catch and display the spark. But she says they know they will.
“It could be from a lecture, a class, or a faculty member. They get an idea and go from there,” in defining and focusing their pursuit of career opportunities through the political science department.
“We have a very versatile program, and there are so many things a student can do through political science,” Dr. Pavri said. “Many set their sights on law school, and we have had students go on to some of the most prestigious law schools – Yale and Harvard Law.”
But, according to Dr. Pavri, political science opens a greater world of career opportunities at the state government level, international/global affairs, or the Foreign Service. “This is a department where a student can explore so many different areas,” she said.
One of the largest departments at Spelman, there are about 200 students who either major or minor in one of the department’s two primary tracks: American Institutions and Processes and International Relations.
“We are a comprehensive department with faculty experts who can support those diverse interests,” Dr. Pavri said.
In addition to the challenging and diverse course offerings, the department offers many activities to complement the traditional classroom work. There is an active political science society and honor societies. A variety of guest speakers and seminars are offered.
“We’ve had students come to class to see that the Rev. Jesse Jackson, an unannounced guest lecturer,” Pavri said. “There’s a lot of activity.”
Political science students also earn opportunities to participate in a range of internships, including with the Congressional Black Caucus and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center, as well as international opportunities.
Spelman political science students also garner prestigious fellowships such as Fulbright and Marshall scholarships for postgraduate study abroad.
“They are competitive, but so are our students, who are consistently recipients of these awards,” Dr. Pavri said. “Once they catch the spark, the world is their platform.”
Department of Political Science
350 Spelman Lane, SW
Atlanta, GA. 30314
404-270-5652
carolwinfreyscales@spelman.edu
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Students majoring in political science must take at least 44 hours of courses.
Required Courses
The required courses total 28 hours; the remaining 16 hours may be electives. Majors may select a concentration in American Institutions and Processes or International Relations. All courses must be passed with a “C” or better grade.
Students who wish to take courses at other colleges must obtain permission from the chairperson.
Honors Program students are required to have two semesters of faculty supervision in Thesis Honors Research. This requirement may be satisfied in political science with PSC 400 and PSC 497.
A minor in political science consists of 24 hours (six 4-hour courses). Students minoring in political science are required to take all of the required courses in the major program, with the exception of Senior Seminar.
Required Courses
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