2024-2025 Adult Education Undergraduate Catalog

Political Science (BA) - Online

Credential:  Bachelor of Arts

Majors:  Political Science, Biblical Studies

Location:  Online

Program Director:  James Cox, JD

Program Mission Statement: The Political Science program will focus on American political institutions and practices as it seeks to prepare students for a career in the political science arena, for public service, or for graduate studies. Students will learn to live out a biblical worldview and demonstrate the love of Christ within the areas of public policy and public service.

Program Description:  The Political Science program trains LBC students to serve Christ in both Church and society by assisting them in forming a biblical worldview of the Christian’s relationship to the state, examining the Bible’s demands for civic service, and providing opportunities to affect social change through chosen professions. The coursework draws on the liberal arts tradition, providing students with a strong foundation in history, government, and economics, setting the stage for successful graduate studies, if desired.  Courses, internships, student work, and instructor interaction will feature numerous opportunities for students to develop and refine their professional skills, ensuring their success upon graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes:  As a result of this program, the student will:

1. Integrate their biblical worldview into the political science arena.

2. Evaluate how components of the political science arena – government, public policy, and political theory and process – can advance freedoms and serve the common good.

3. Utilize critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.

4. Synthesize practical experience with the Political Science program curriculum.

5. Apply ethical principles of political science to guide professional practice in pursuit of meaningful involvement and servant leadership in civic service.

Experiential Learning:  The Political Science program includes a Public Policy internship.

Political Science BA Curriculum Scope

Political Science Curricular Structure

Credits

Bible & Theology Courses

30

Arts & Sciences Courses

37

Political Science Courses

47

Electives

6

Christian Service CSV 199, CSV 200

0

Program Total

120

 

Arts & Sciences Courses (37 Credits)

HIS 210Origins & Legacies of 1960s

3

HUM 101 Human Thought and the Humanities

3

HUM 102Human Thought in Math and Science

3

HUM 212Media: Conveyor of Cultural Ideas

3

LAN 101Academic Writing, Research, and Rhetoric

3

LAN 342Writing on Social Issues

3

LIT 202World Literature

3

SCI 171Scientific Disciplines

3

SCI 171LScientific Disciplines Lab

1

SOC 203Principles of Sociology

3

Arts & Sciences Elective

3

Arts & Sciences Elective

3

 

Political Science Courses (47 Credits)

POL 100Introduction to Political Science

3

POL 201American Constitution: God & State

3

POL 202Intro. to American Government

3

POL 211Christianity & American Politics

3

POL 250Law & Public Policy

3

POL 260Principles of American Free Market Economics

3

POL 270 Professional Development for Public Policy Professionals

3

POL 305POL 305

3

POL 315Ethical Issues in Public Policy

3

POL 325Statesmanship for Public Policy Professionals

3

POL 330 American Constitution: Structure & Power

3

POL 335Campaigns & Elections

3

POL 340American Exceptionalism

3

POL 350Public Policy Internship

1

POL 415Soul Care for the Public Policy Professional

3

POL 490Public Policy Development

3

 

Bible & Theology Courses (30 Credits)

BIB 103Creation & Covenants: OT I

3

BIB 104Israel's Life & Literature: OT II

3

BIB 106Interpreting the Bible

3

BIB 203Life of Christ: NT I

3

BIB 204Early Church: NT II

3

THE 105Prelude to Biblical & Theological Studies

3

THE 223Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall

3

THE 224Christian Narrative II: Redemption

3

Bible/Theology Elective

3

Bible/Theology Elective

3

 

Electives (6 credits)

 
FAS 100Foundations for Academic Success

3

Electives

FAS 100 Foundations for Academic Success is required for all students studying at the sites. For students studying completely online, this course is required for all students unless they are transferring in 45 or more credits, not including life experience credits. Students should take this course at the beginning of their program.

Electives can possibly be filled through Life Experience Credits.

Christian Service (0 credit)

Christian Service provides an important part of the overall education program of the college. Its function is to assist students in experiencing various forms of practical ministry, proclaiming Christ by serving Him in the Church and society. CSV 199 and CSV 200
CSV 199Christian Service

0

CSV 200Christian Service II

0

 

Program Director:  Jim Cox, Juris Doctor

Jim Cox is an Adjunct Professor at Lancaster Bible College.  Prior to this, he served as State Representative for the129th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 16 years.  He attended Pensacola Christian College in Florida and earned his law degree at Regent University School of Law in Virginia, where he served on the law review staff and board.  Jim and his wife, Kelly, are blessed with five children.

Education:

JD, Regent University School of Law (1996)
BA in Prelaw, Pensacola Christian College (1991)