Content of Portfolio:
The Basic Competencies for a Political Scientist are:

1) Understanding political science concepts and theories

· Discussion of theories and concepts

· Book reviews or journal article reviews

· Literature reviews for research projects

· Examination of theory or concepts – essay questions

2) Understanding real-world political environments

· What are political questions?

· Theory and concept identification in newspapers or general public forums

· Course assignments illustrating application of politics

· Personal essay: defining my political world (your view and your role)

3) Communicating Effectively

· Class presentations and discussion activities

· Organization of presentation with materials and visual aids

· Working effectively in groups

4) Research Methods

· Distinguish between political science research and other humanities/social science research

· Define the process of political inquiry: hypothesis, evidence, conclusion, and knowledge

· Identify basic set of research methods: philosophical, historical, comparative, juridical, behavioral and post-behavioral

· Contrast strength and weakness of each method

5) Information Competency

· Identify common search strategies for political inquiry

· Identify basic search tools for political science

· Distinguish between search and subject directories

· Demonstrate effective search of lexus/nexis, government databases and non-government/private

6) Data analysis and interpretation of information:

· Distinguish between quantitative evidence and qualitative evidence

· Identification of secondary data sources in political science research

· Interpretation of results from common political science sources: tables, charts, diagrams, and polls, etc

7) Computer Technology Competency:

· Basic use of word processing and multimedia software

· Email usage for attachments and “mail lists’

· Data display in Excel and Access

8) Career Planning: Exercise Job Search Strategy

· Develop a two year/ five year time table: objectives and strategy (how to)

· Write a resume incorporating skills and academic training

· Draft cover letter or letter of intent ( two examples )