Reimagining the Political Science Major

Nora Geoghegan

Staff Writer

Here at Assumption, the political science major is very broad. You learn things ranging from American politics, international relations, political philosophy, and constitutional law. While these subjects are paramount for an education in political science, what if the major was even more broad?

An important relationship I believe is the one political science has with psychology. Understanding psychology allows you to better understand political behavior such as voting, leadership, as well as the role emotions play in political judgement and influence. Psychology’s role in political science also helps understand how social groups influence political beliefs. If you can’t understand how humans function on a psychological level, how will you be able to better serve them in a political sphere?

Another important area is data analytics. Data analytics is important as it helps understand, predict, and explain political trends and behaviors. It also allows us to better conduct political research and predict political trends and behaviors. Data analytics is also important for dissecting and understanding census data.

Lastly, another important area that is compatible with political science is communications. Communications connect to media, which involves popular culture. Popular culture is important as it influences public opinion, as well as political behavior amongst the general population.

It also allows for important political discussions to occur in the form of TV, film, art, and other creative realms. This in turn creates a conversation amongst viewers and consumers of these realms to engage in important and valuable discussions. Communications also allows for analysis of political messages and speeches to be recognized and absorbed.

Moreover, understanding political science is necessary beyond the realms of philosophy and law. It seeps into various subjects and domains that deserve attention and comprehension, and these subjects accomplish just that.