Department of Political Science

As an academic discipline, Political Science is the systematic study of politics and government. The discipline seeks to teach and integrate the insights of the leading political philosophers and the practitioners' in the actual political world. The course of study emphasizes the development of an independent and creative thinker who is capable of applying theoretical concepts into a workable empirical research that may illuminate the processes and structures of politics. The levels of analysis of a Political Science student will range from the beliefs and practices of an individual to the beliefs and practices of bigger entities, such as groups, states, and the international system.

Political Science is generally considered as the best preparation for law school. The scope of Political Science, however, is broad enough for it to be a good preparation for a wide range of careers and employments possibilities. It is an ideal course for someone who wishes to establish a career in politics, in the civil service, in the diplomatic service, in non-governmental organizations, and in international organizations. Since Political Science is an integral part of a college curriculum, a bachelor's degree in this field is a desirable background for someone who plans to enter the teaching profession. Research is another field where many graduates of Political Science find a career.

Vision

The Department of Political Science, as part of an academic institution that is Jesuit, Catholic and Filipino, envisions itself as catalyst in molding the political and social consciousness of the Ateneo de Manila University and the larger community which the school serves. The Department aspires to be a leader in the field of politics and governance -- educating its students and the broader citizenry towards the development of institutions of peace and justice, equity and sustainability, inclusiveness and respect for human rights. Through its teaching, research and outreach activities, the Department seeks to participate in processes of democratization and popular empowerment at many levels -- local, national and global -- within the framework of critical inquiry, intellectual rigor and committed public service.

Mission

1. to train professionals who will be future leaders in their chosen fields
2. to contribute to the teaching/shaping of the discipline at the tertiary and basic education levels through research and content-based instruction
3. to contribute to the country’s development process through scholarly research, intellectual exchange, professional consultancy and community/public outreach

The Department has continuing linkages with the Ateneo Center for Social Policy and Public Affairs, the Ateneo School of Government, the Institute of Philippine Culture, various departments such as European Studies, Japanese Studies, Economics, Development Studies, Environmental Science, History, Sociology-Anthropology.

Bachelor of Arts, major in Political Science

Objectives:
As an academic discipline, Political Science is the systematic study of politics and government. The discipline seeks to integrate and teach the insights of the leading political philosophers and the practitioners in the actual political world. The course of study emphasizes the development of an independent and creative thinker who is capable of applying theoretical concepts into a workable empirical research that may illuminate the processes and structures of politics. The levels of analysis of a Political Science student will range from the beliefs and practices of an individual to the beliefs and practices of bigger entities, such as groups, states, and the international system.

Job Opportunities:

Political Science is generally considered as the best preparation for law school. The scope of Political Science, however, is broad enough for it to be a good preparation for a wide range of careers and employment possibilities. It is an ideal course for someone who wishes to establish a career in politics, in the civil service, in the diplomatic service, in non-governmental organizations, and in international organizations. Since Political Science is an integral part of a college curriculum, a bachelor's degree in this field is a desirable background for someone who plans to enter the teaching profession. Research is another field where many graduates of Political Science find a career.

Minor in Global Politics

Rationale and Purpose

In recent years, the importance of an education that is more global in orientation has been recognized within the Ateneo de Manila University. There is a growing consciousness of the need to go beyond studying questions, issues, perspectives and approaches that focus on Philippines realities. One manifestation of this view is the growth of major and minor programs in area studies (e.g., Chinese Studies, Japanese Studies, Asian Studies, European Studies).

Moreover, it is crucial for students to be exposed not only to the historical and institutional particularities of politics, economies and cultures beyond the Philippines. They should also be provided with formal training in comparative and global political analysis that would allow them to understand in a critical and rigorous manner observed social differences and similarities, as well as appreciate cross-national and global practices, processes, institutions, relations and hierarchies.

To initiate students into this kind of social scientific thinking and professional practice, the Minor in Global Politics is designed to introduce students to two Political Science sub-fields that address such concerns: Comparative Politics and International Relations. The program is designed for students who are not majoring in Political Science nor European Studies (International Relations track), but who are interested in this dimension of political studies and see the distinct contributions of such training to their own fields of academic specialization and prospective professional careers. it is expected that the program will attract students who see themselves working with globally-oriented organizations and networks, and/or pursuing graduate degrees in fields related to global studies.

Required Courses

POS100: Politics and Governance 3 units
POS130: International Relations 3 units
POS194: Comparative Politics 3 units
POS138: Globalization and Governance 3 units
GP Electives * 6 units
18 units

* Electives in Global Politics are chosen with the approval of the Chair of the Political Science Department or a designated adviser.

Eligibility and Application

The Minor in Global Politics is open to all undergraduate students at the Ateneo de Manila University, except those who are pursuing the AB major in Political Science and AB major in European Studies, International Relations track.
Students who are interested in studying for the Minor must fill out an official application signed by their home Department Chair or Program Director. They must have a minimum QPI of 1.9 to be admitted and must maintain a minimum grade of C in all required courses.

Completion

The Minor in Global Politics will be awarded upon fulfillment of the course and grade requirements. Students will receive a certificate indicating their completion of the program. Their official transcript of record will indicated a Minor in Global Politics in addition to their major fields of specialization.

Master of Arts, major in Political Science

Rational/Objectives:

The Master's program of the Department of Political Science of the Ateneo de Manila University is an interdisciplinary course in the social sciences designed:

1. to enable aspiring managers/administrators to acquire knowledge and analytical skills in policy decision-making;
2. to prepare dedicated individuals for managerial and leadership positions in government, diplomacy, public and private organizations, non-governmental organizations, academe and research;
3. to acquire training in both theoretical and applied analysis of policy issues - both national and international as they impact on society; and
4. to enhance the professional growth and educational qualifications of those who choose career paths in policy studies whether in the national or international milieu.

Admissions:

To qualify for admission to a degree program, the applicant must have:

1. a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college of good standing;
2. a general average of 85%, "B" or 2;
3. a minimum of 18 units or the equivalent in the discipline in which the applicant intends to do graduate work;
4. acceptable scores in the entrance tests administered by Central Guidance at Ateneo de Manila University;
5. an interview with the Department Chairperson

About the program

Faculty

Fulltime Faculty

Galang, Gonzalo P.
Jose, Lydia Y.
Lao, Maria Elissa J.
Magadia, S.J., Jose Cecilio J.
Manacsa, Rodelio C. (on study leave)
Mendoza, Diana J.
Salvador, Alma Maria O.
Tolosa, Benjamin Jr. T.

Part-time Faculty

Andal, Sergio Jr. M.
Banayad, Jose Manuel L.
Belaro, Salvador B. Jr.
Borja, Katrina Isabelle H.
Candelaria, Anne Lan K.
Co, Edna Estifania A.
Kim, Dong-Yeob
Lim, Millard O.
Melegrito, Ma Lourdes F.
Oreta, Jennifer S.
Rallonza, Ma Lourdes V.
Santamaria, Matthew M.
Sayo, Ma Margarita Elena A.
Sunga, Ricardo III A.

For inquiries, e-mail Dr. Benjamin Tolosa, Chair at polsci@admu.edu.ph or btolosa@ateneo.edu or call 426-0906, 426-6001 local 5250.

About the program