Government

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Submitted by kgadbaw on Mon, 02/07/2011 - 11:21am
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Government

What is Government?
The government department at St. Lawrence University introduces students to a broad range of political values, theories, practices and institutions. Its focus is on issues of power and justice, and how these two elements complement and confront each other. The department engages students with these issues by encouraging them to examine their own political attitudes and beliefs, and to take an active interest in political life. Courses in the department develop students’ ability to express themselves clearly and concisely; to formulate and interrogate an argument; to reflect critically on the soundness of their own and others’ points of view; to appreciate the variety of approaches that inform the discipline; and to acquire expertise and research literacy in its study. Ultimately, the department seeks to promote in students the habits of intellectual curiosity, self-reflection and open-mindedness that are the hallmarks of lifelong learning. The curriculum of the department is designed to educate students to be informed and inquisitive citizens and to be conscious of their rights and responsibilities within local, national and global communities. To accomplish these goals, students take courses in four sub-fields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics and Political Theory. Qualified students who wish to deepen and expand their government experience may undertake internships, community-based learning programs and independent or self-directed study.

Working in Government
Characteristics and Skills Necessary for Success

  • Interest in public policy issues, public figures, and the legal system
  • Able to do thorough research and analysis
  • Able to express yourself well, both orally and in writing
  • Able to understand statistical information, charts, tables, and graphs
  • Interested in public service
  • Outgoing and ambitious

Click HERE for a table on Career Areas, Employers, and Strategies for Employment

Sample Job Titles

Lobbyist
Social Service Director
FBI/CIA Agent
Political Scientist
Foreign Service Officer
Public Administrator
Legislator
Judge
Paralegal
Lawyer
Diplomat
Human Resources Manager

 

Learning More About Government

  • Visit the Career Services office and check out our Career Resource Library
    • Great Jobs for Government Majors
  • Visit the SLU Government Department website
  • Check out Government course descriptions in the Catalog
  • Talk with a professor in Government about the major. Click here for a list of possible questions to ask.
  • Perform an informational interview with a professional in the field. Click here for information on how to find a professional, contacting them, and a list of possible questions.
  • Get connected with SLU alum in the field through SAINTSLink, participate in Shadow-a-Saint or complete an Internship.

Additional Resources

Related Majors and Minors at SLU
Anthropology
Economics
Global Studies
History
Sociology