Department of Political Science and Global Studies

Dr. Carrie Humphreys, Chair
427E Holt Humanities Building
Chumph16@utm.edu
731-881-7473

Faculty

Carrie Humphreys, Chris Baxter, Liam Hayes, Adnan Rasool, and Anderson Starling

Mission

Through our teaching, research, and service activities, we are committed to providing a quality undergraduate education for students pursuing degrees in Political Science and Global Studies. This educational experience should include exposing students to current discipline scholarship and opportunities for developing leadership and career skills through active engagement in experiential learning activities. We believe that by developing our students’ abilities to (1) gather and analyze information and situations, (2) engage in critical thinking, and (3) communicate effectively, we provide our students with a strong foundation for local, national, or international careers in public service, law, business, organizations, and academia.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a major in Global Studies will:

analyze the world today and draw connections and patterns among issues from multiple perspectives and disciplines.
develop an understanding of the interaction among global actors, and demonstrate problem-solving, negotiation, and diplomacy skills in a multilateral simulation.
acquire and develop technical, analytical, research, critical thinking, writing, and presentation skills that reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the major.
gain a growing appreciation and sensitivity to different cultures through active engagement in travel study trips, study abroad programs, internships, service, and experiential learning opportunities.

Students graduating with a major in Political Science will:

describe political structures and processes, including those relating to elections, policy making, and policy implementation.
demonstrate an understanding of global political dynamics, encompassing an appreciation for the interconnectedness of international political, economic, and social activity.
produce a research project demonstrating analytical skills while applying contemporary methods of political science research.
write and present findings from an original research or critical thinking project.

Scholarships and Awards

Richard D. Chesteen, Sr. Award. A cash award given by the political science faculty to the graduating senior political science major with the highest overall grade point average.

Sam C. Nailling, Sr., Law Student Award. A cash award given to the outstanding senior who intends to attend law school and meets other criteria.

Student Organizations

International Club: The International Club aims to raise awareness of other cultures and countries and foster community among students. It offers language exchanges, speakers, presentations, activities, and themed parties.

Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL): This is a student organization for students who are interested in preparing and participating in the mock legislature experience offered each fall. Roles include lobbyist, media, or representative.

Pre-Law Society: Student organization for those interested in law school - from exploring options, to studying for the LSAT, to applications - with the intent of fostering a supportive community. Organization may also organize campus events such as guest speakers.

Experiential Learning

Model United Nations (MUN): Students have the opportunity to participate in Model UN - learning about countries, rules and procedures, public speaking, and writing position papers - which are all preparation for the Southern Regional Model United Nations (SRMUN) conference, which brings together universities from across the region for a three-day event.

Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL): Students have the opportunity to prepare and participate in a mock state legislature experience with other students from across the state. Roles include lobbyist, media, or representative.

Internships: Our students have completed internships with the Tennessee State Legislature, US Justice Department, local and county governments across West Tennessee, International Student Services Office, Martin Public Library, etc.

Travel Study & Study Abroad: UTM offers a variety of short and long term options to travel across the US and abroad. Our PSGS faculty have offered two-week travel studies with themes like Legacy of the Cold War and Monarchies of Scandinavia. In addition, we have summer or semester long study abroad locations in New Zealand, Italy, France, South Korea, Japan, Germany, and Spain.