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Economics, Law and Politics

The Department of Economics, Law and Politics offers majors in Economics, International Studies, Paralegal, and Political Science. Minors are offered in Economics, Political Science, and Pre-Law.

Economics
MacLean Hall 380, (218) 477-2842
Chair of Economics, Law and Politics: Barbara Headrick
Faculty: Steven Bolduc, Vern Dobis, Oscar Flores-Ibarra, Tonya Jo Hansen, Gregory Stutes

The major and minor programs in economics offer a set of required and elective courses designed to develop students’ abilities for analyzing complex choices in a rapidly changing world. Two emphases within the major in economics, a traditional liberal arts program and business economics are available. Both prepare students for careers in finance, private business, education and government.

Student Learning Outcomes (Economics)

  • Students should demonstrate awareness of a broad range of sub-fields in economics.
  • Students should demonstrate knowledge of basic economics concepts.
  • Students should be able to conduct original research in economics.
  • Students should demonstrate effective presentation skills.
  • Students should demonstrate effective writing skills.
  • Students should demonstrate the ability to apply quantitative tools.

Political Science and International Studies
MacLean Hall 380, (218) 477-2842
Faculty: Philip Baumann, Andrew Conteh, Barbara Headrick, Paul Kramer, Margaret Sankey

Political Science

The ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, indicated that among all areas of human inquiry, political science is the "master science". Not only is the study of politics challenging, rewarding, and important, but it often leads to careers in foreign and domestic government service, higher education and the practice of law.

Student Learning Outcomes (Political Science)

  • Students demonstrate familiarity with major concepts, institutions and theories in political science.
  • Students can apply knowledge of major concepts, institutions and theories in political science to political events and government policymaking.
  • Students demonstrate familiarity with the basic goals, means and critiques of political science research.
  • Students demonstrate effective writing skills.

International Studies

The International Studies major is designed around a required international experience such as an internship or exchange program. Students are expected to acquire an understanding of the culture and the geographical area of the country in which they study. A core of required international courses across the curriculum at the lower level is combined with an upper level emphasis in development or diplomacy. Students develop a proficiency in a foreign language and complete a senior project with the advice and counsel of an interdisciplinary commitee including their advisor.

This program is ideal for those who wish to develop a career involving various kinds of international relations such as careers with the Foreign Service, non-governmental agencies, international organizations such as the U.N., IMF, NATO, EU, or working in international trade for multinational companies. It is also excellent preparation for participation in international volunteer organizations such as the Peace Corps and non-governmental organizations (NGO's).

Student Learning Outcomes (International Studies)

  • Discuss how processes of globalization impact human rights.
  • Describe linkages between globalization, migration and development.
  • Discuss the impact of cultural context on one's own world view.
  • Discuss how international experience has affected one's own understanding of the world.
  • Demonstrate an ability to think critically.
  • Demonstrate an ability to analyze issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.
  • Demonstrate an ability to engage in thoughtful discussion of complex global issues and challenges.

Paralegal
MacLean Hall 380, (218) 477-2842
Program Coordinator:
Tracy Gompf
Faculty: Deborah Schaefer Kukowski

The Paralegal major is a professional four-year Bachelor of Science degree. The major is guided by an advisory group composed of university and community members. To complete the major, students must meet the requirements of the core, satisfy at least one of the three areas of emphasis, and complete at least three credits from one of the other areas of emphasis. To receive the Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal, students must attain a minimum GPA of 2.25 in courses required to complete the Paralegal major.

***Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except where authorized by law.

Student Learning Outcomes (Paralegal)

  • Student knows substantive and procedural law applicable to the course.
  • Student can identify legal issues.
  • Student can analyze legal issues.
  • Student can research the law.
  • Student can draft legal memoranda and/or trial or appellate court briefs.
  • Student can draft documents and pleadings.
  • Student communicates effectively orally and in writing.
  • Student understands the rules of legal ethics.
  • Student can obtain information by interviewing and investigation.
  • Student understands roles and relationships within a legal services delivery team.