Government & International Affairs (Political Science)

Why study government & international affairs?

Government & international affairs students will gain a deeper understanding of political life in the United States and internationally, tools of inquiry and critical judgment, as well as rights and obligations of responsible citizenship.

  • At Augustana, political science is also known as government & international affairs to convey the belief that the proper analysis of politics includes — but goes well beyond — the “scientific” approach.
  • The knowledgeable professors in the government & international affairs department hold students to a high standard as future leaders.
  • This major promotes opportunities for internship experiences and emphasizes advising regarding post-graduate and professional opportunities.
Government & International Affairs Department
Government & International Affairs at AU

Government & International Affairs at AU

Course Descriptions

Major Map

Faculty

Pre-Professional Program

Contact

 

Latest News

Lauren & Henry AU Sign
Bridging the Gap: 2023-24 ASA President, Vice President Focusing on Connection

Augustana Student Association (ASA) President Lauren Teller ‘24 and Vice President Henry Sule ‘24 have different backgrounds and nearly opposite Augustana stories. These differences, though, have made their partnership and administration stronger, as the pair focuses on transparency and connection.

CICC Logo
Tickets Now Available for Augustana University’s Inaugural Colloquium Focused on Critical Inquiry & Citizenship

Supported by Rosemarie and Dean Buntrock and in partnership with the Center for Western Studies (CWS), Augustana University is excited to announce free tickets for the Critical Inquiry & Citizenship Colloquium with Dr. Michael Sandel. The world-renowned philosopher and author will give a keynote presentation to the AU community at 7 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Elmen Center to kick off the 2-day colloquium, with a book signing following the event.

Dr. Joel Johnson
Learning Curve: Professor of Government & International Affairs Steps Into New Role as Interim Provost

Dr. Joel Johnson, who taught courses in political philosophy, American political thought, politics & literature and Asian politics, is taking on a new role — Augustana’s interim provost. He was named interim provost by President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin in February, following the announcement that Provost & Executive Vice President Dr. Colin Irvine would be leaving Augustana at the end of the academic year.

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Highlights

Government & International Affairs at AU

Careers

Graduates secure careers as foreign service officers, legislators, journalists, lawyers, policy analysts and nonprofit administrators.

Hands-On Learning

The department has built strong relationships with local and state political leaders, businesses and national organizations to establish high-impact learning experiences. Students work on issues important to them and cultivate contacts that often turn into full-time jobs.

Internship opportunities include:

  • Foreign embassies and the White House
  • Congressional and law offices
  • Nonprofit associations, including the Childrens’ Defense Fund, ONE Campaign and Jubilee USA Network
  • U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. State Department
  • South Dakota Bureau of Personnel

Government & international affairs students study away in:

Courses & Organizations

Students study these areas:

  • Law
  • American systems
  • International relations
  • Political theory
  • World comparisons

Government & international affairs students often participate in:

  • Augustana Student Association (ASA)
  • Government Club
  • Augustana Democrats
  • Augustana Republicans
  • Augie Green