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Why Political Science at
Elon?
You will have access to a number of real-life learning
experiences during your time at Elon! These are just a
few examples of experiences designed to complement your
classroom work:
Research: Through the department's
Center for Media Analysis, students study how the news
media operates and its impact on public attitudes. The
results of their research are published. In addition, the
capstone Senior Seminar is a challenging research process
that builds upon upper-level coursework in the
department. Students conduct an extensive research
project with the guidance of the entire departmental
faculty.
Elon University Poll: Through the
department's Center for Public Opinion Polling,
students participate in frequent statewide polls
regarding current public issues. Polls are conducted in a
polling laboratory with state-of-the-art computer and
data gathering technology. Results of the Elon University
Poll are distributed to the public through television and
print media throughout the state.
Internships: The vast majority of majors intern
in one or more of a variety of settings: government
agencies at the local, state and national levels;
nonprofit organizations; law and lobby firms;
associations and think tanks; and international
organizations in Washington, D.C., and abroad.
Service Learning: As part of the
department's Center for Public Service and several of
its courses, especially in Public Administration,
students have the opportunites to work in
service-oriented nonprofits, governmental agencies at the
state and local levels, and task forces that implement
and evaluate public policies. Every election cycle, the
campaign management course provides extensive hands-on
experience working with local and statewide
campaigns.
National Democratic and Republican
Conventions: Since 1992, Elon students have
studied national politics through seminar and fieldwork
at the sites of the national party conventions during
presidential campaigns. They have worked for party
offices, candidate organizations, media organizations and
interest groups.
Local Government Simulation: This is a
course that studies how local governments function.
Students then apply that understanding through a
role-play simulation in which they assume the roles of
city council members, planning commissioners, business
leaders, citizens groups and the media.
Washington Center Seminar: Every January,
students may participate in an intensive focus on the
American presidency and the national media in Washington,
D.C., through presentations by well-known political and
news figures, site visits and group projects.
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