Christendom College Politics Program

| English | History | Modern Languages | Mathematics/Science |
Philosophy | Classical and Early Christian Studies |
| Political Science | Politics | Theology |

The United States and the West are suffering from a serious moral malaise and political disarray. Catholics seem to be particularly uncertain about how to participate effectively in the political system. This is unfortunate, since an authentically Catholic approach to the study and practice of politics is precisely what is needed for the renovation of the social order. Young Catholics interested in pursuing a career in politics must be properly formed and educated to fill this need, and this is precisely what the Politics Program will accomplish.

Political Science Degrees

Christendom offers the following degrees in Political Science:

B.A., Political Science — requires 27 credit hours of advanced Political Science & Economics courses

B.A., Politics Program — requires 3 credit hours of Practica, a 6 credit hour Internship, and 21 credit hours of Political Science & Economics courses

Minor, Political Science — requires 18 credit hours of advanced courses in Political Science & Economics

Politics Program Certificate — requires 3 credit hours of Practica, a 6 credit hour Internship and two courses (6 credits) in American Government.

The Curriculum

1) Practica

A series of lectures, seminars and workshops by those directly involved in politics. Students travel to nearby Washington, D.C. to learn first-hand about topics such as campaign management, political journalism and legislative research.

2) Internship

Students intern with congressional staffs, political action committees, public policy organizations, or selected political campaigns in Washington, D.C. The six-week summer internships may include a stipend to cover living expenses. An invaluable opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the Washington scene and prepare for a position of influence and responsibility in our nation’s capital.

3) Political Science & Economics Courses

• Principles of Political Theory
• The Social Teaching of the Church
• American Government and Politics I & II
• French Revolutionary Political Thought
• Counter-Revolutionary Theory
• American Constitutional Law
• Principles of Economics I: Macroeconomics
• Principles of Economics II: Microeconomics
• Political Culture of Latin America
• Political Conflict in the Middle East
• Government and Politics of Europe
• The Classical Political Tradition
• Medieval Political and Social Theory
• Modern Political Theories
• Contemporary Political Theory
• International Relations
• Strategy and International Politics in the 20th
• Century
• Revolutionary Conflict
• Solidarism: A Modern Catholic Social Order
• Modern Capitalism: Theory and Practice
• Econopolitics
• Theology and the Public Order
• Jurisprudence and the Catholic Lawyer

Testimonials About the Politics Program

"I have benefitted greatly from the Politics Program and the opportunities it has opened up to me in the political field. While attending Christendom, I worked at the Republican National Committee during the 1986 and 1988 election cycles. I was also able to participate in the Leadership Institute’s Capitol Hill Staff Training School, which I have found to be most helpful over the years.

"Following graduation from a Master’s Program in Theology at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute, I interned with the House Republican Study Committee. I currently work as Office Manager for Congressman Gerald B. Solomon (R-NY). My duties include balancing the Congressman’s office account, managing the computer system, and acting as liaison between the Congressman’s constituents in New York and the four branches of the military here in Washington."

Mary Jean Armstrong
Class of '91

" I cannot emphasize enough the value of Christendom College’s Politics Program in my life. Through the Politics Practica, I became acquainted with political leaders and strategists whose valuable insights will undoubtedly guide me throughout my life. The greatest advice I ever received was from a lecturer who said: ‘You want to be a Congressman? Go home and start there.’ For me, it was tempting to stay in Washington and work for a particular cause or individual. I had established myself within the Republican National Committee, and had started working on the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans. But home is where I went, and I have never regretted that decision. It is here on Long Island that I intend to raise my family, establish a career in business working with my father, and involve myself in politics locally whenever God gives me the opportunity."

Paul Ciskanik
Class of '85

"The Politics Program at Christendom is of enormous value to a student thinking about becoming involved in the political/public policy process. By joining Practica, one is able to sample various organizations early on through visits to their respective offices or by attending a lecture by one of their representatives. This program provides an excellent aid to a student as he is deciding which area of politics to specialize in.

"The best feature Practica offers, however, is access. Christendom is interconnected with many conservative organizations in Washington and outside the beltway. Students are placed in excellent internships where they can network and make connections almost certainly leading to future employment."

Diana Weyrich
Class of '88

"It’s natural that Christians, as citizens,
can and should take part in politics.
In that way their faith, their convictions,
lend another dimension to social life.
Why should they be on the sidelines?"

~Pope John Paul II

"Is it not the laity who are called,
by reason of their vocation in the Church,
to make their contribution
in the political and economic
dimensions, and to be effectively present
in the safeguarding and
advancement of human rights?"

~ Pope John Paul II

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