Cherry Blossoms with Building

Involvement in Political Science

One of the distinctive features of political science at Stetson is the opportunity for learning beyond the classroom. Whether it's watching Russian television news live from Moscow or participating in a January visit to Washington or New York, students are brought into regular and intensive contact with the world of politics. Below is a list of related programs that supplement the political science curriculum at Stetson.

Honor Societies

Pi Sigma Alpha

Pi Sigma Alpha: Political Science Honor Society

Students who are in the top third of their class are eligible for membership in the honor society of political science, Pi Sigma Alpha. Pi Sigma Alpha sponsors the Political Forum, a monthly luncheon that features political leaders and university faculty from the region. Speakers provide insight into practical politics through discussion of their personal experience in public affairs. The Political Forum offers an excellent opportunity for students and faculty to interact outside the classroom.

National website

Sigma Iota Rho

Sigma Iota Rho: International Studies Honor Society

Students who have a grade point average of 3.4 in their major and 3.3 overall are eligible for membership in the honor society of international studies, Sigma Iota Rho. Membership in Sigma Iota Rho is intended not only to enhance the credentials of its members, though public recognition of the best and the brightest students in international studies is one of our main purposes, but is meant to encourage a life-long devotion to a better understanding of the world we live in and to promote continuing support for and engagement in education, service, and occupational activities that reflect the mission of Sigma Iota Rho

Chapter website

National website

Department Programs

United States Model Senate

Floyd M. Riddick U.S. Model Senate

The Model United States Senate began at Stetson University in 1971. Initiated by a student interested in "role-playing" the Senate, the program has developed into a three-day event that draws students from several universities in the eastern United States. Offered each spring, the program includes committee hearings, where students introduce bills which they have researched, and Senate sessions, where the bills passed in committee are presented to the full Senate.

Program website

Special Programs

AU

Washington Semester

Stetson students wishing to spend a semester in Washington D.C. can apply for the American University exchange program. Established in 1947, the Washington Semester Program is an academic experiential learning program that includes 8 credits of academic seminar in one of 11 topic areas, 4 credits of internship, and 3-4 credits of independent research or elective course.

Alianza Internacional de Reforestacion

AIR: Field Experience

The Alliance for International Reforestation, Inc. or AIR, is a non-profit organization working to reforest areas of Guatemala and Nicaragua. AIR is housed on the campus of Stetson University, where Dr. Anne Hallum, AIR's founder, is U.S. Board Director. A grant from Stetson University Board Chairman, Dr. David Rinker, allows two student interns to work with AIR for five weeks during the summer.

US House of Representatives

Political Internships

Stetson has a long-standing tradition of placing its students in rewarding off-campus internships in local government. These internships, arranged by Dr. Bailey, give students an intimate knowledge of the policies and processes of government in Florida. Stetson students have worked as summer and semester interns.

Stetson University

Independent Learning

Students are encouraged to enhance their formal study of political science by following political developments in the media. One cannot read, listen to, or watch everything, but regular exposure to informative and challenging articles and programs will broaden and deepen the education in politics received in the classroom. During term, students are able to subscribe to the daily New York Times for a considerably reduced rate. There are also newsweeklies, such as the Economist for serious students of international and comparative politics, available in the Library or by subscription. Likewise, one should be aware of the excellent news programs, including C-Span, with its live coverage of congressional hearings and debates. Students should not underestimate the cumulative effect of daily doses of information on their understanding of the political world.