Overview
The Public Policy minor at Trevecca is a multi-faceted and customizable academic minor meant to give students a broad base of knowledge about the many branches of the justice system and to develop in students critical thinking, writing and speaking skills. Students can pick and choose between a variety of useful courses from the fields of history, political science, social work, sociology, criminal justice, social justice, economics, business and communications. These selected course options all challenge students to ask big questions about what it means for society to function well.
Due to the dynamic nature of this minor, students will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of how public policy affects all aspects of society and, at Trevecca, will gain this knowledge within a framework of the Christian faith. In addition, due to the flexible nature of this minor, students can focus on specific classes that will best fit with their career goals. With this Public Policy minor we believe that our students can excel in a variety of professions such as: lawyer, public historian, teacher, consultant, political strategist, think tank analyst, urban planner, non-profit director, journalist, and all levels of government service.
The program also offers Pre-Law advising, which is often (but not necessarily) organized around a History major with a Public Policy minor.
Faculty
News
Core Classes
United States History Survey II
HIS 2020
Survey of United States' social, political, economic, and military development from 1877 to the present. Offered annually.
Course Hours: 3
Welfare Policy
SWK 3500
A detailed study of the history of social welfare, an initiation of problem-focused analyses of current social welfare policies and programs, followed by student formulation of a policy for the future.
Course Hours: 3
Introduction to Political Science
POL 2000
The basic theory, vocabulary, and methods of analysis in the study of politics. Alternate years.
Course Hours: 3
American Political Institutions
POL 2020
The origins and development of American government, with emphasis on the concept of participatory democracy as practiced in our republican form. Offered annually.
Course Hours: 3
Introduction to Criminology and the Criminal Justice System
SOC 2800
A study of the theoretical causes of criminal behavior and the basics of the criminal justice system. The course examines the criminal and delinquent behavior theories, the methods of control and rehabilitation in our criminal justice system from a social/environmental viewpoint, and also law enforcement, the courts, and the correctional system.
Course Hours: 3
Criminal Law and Procedure
SOC 3110
A comprehensive introduction to criminal law and accompanying procedure in the criminal justice system. The course covers common law and statutory elements of crime, including crimes against persons, property crimes, public morality offenses, and defenses to crime. A concise look at criminal procedure and the criminal court system is also provided.
Course Hours: 3
Elective Courses
Argumentation and Debate
COM 2500
A study of the nature of reasoned discourse. Attention is given to the process of analyzing an issue, structuring arguments, using evidence, and handling refutation and rebuttal in oral communication. Actual classroom debate will enable speakers to practice the principles being studied.
Social Problems
SOC 3200
A sociological description and analysis of some of the contemporary social problems in American Society with an emphasis on programs designed to help remedy these problems.
Economics of Poverty and Public Policy
ECO 3500
Examines the economic forces that shape poverty and public policy responses. Concepts of equity, efficiency, absolute vs. relative poverty and economic justice will be explored. Alternative approaches to policies in areas such as taxation, income redistribution, poverty, and equal opportunity will be analyzed from the perspective of policymakers and policy advocates.
Fundamentals of Business Law
BSN 2410
Introduction to Community Development
SJS 3010
Examines the theory, goals, and practice of community economic development and acquaints students with methods of analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the local economy and community. Students will explore such issues as asset-based community development, asset-building strategies, community-oriented economic development strategies such as community and cooperative business development, self-employment and microbusiness, community loan funds and credit unions.
Introduction to Legal Studies
POL 3030
Designed to provide an introduction to the concept of legal education, to the requirements and procedures for entry into graduate law school, and to cover some of the standard legal terminology and concepts utilized in the American system. The class uses the seminar format, and sample LSAT tests will be used as preparation for application to law school. Alternate years.
Federal Seminar
POL 3050
A week-long seminar in Washington, D.C., involving participants in lectures, group sessions, and visits to various government agencies. Offered as warranted.
TISL Practicum
POL 3062
A supervised experience with the annual Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature. The student participates in a four-day mock assembly, with lead up and follow-up activities, featuring the interchange of ideas on current political issues. Graded S/U.
Overview
The Public Policy minor at Trevecca is a multi-faceted and customizable academic minor meant to give students a broad base of knowledge about the many branches of the justice system and to develop in students critical thinking, writing and speaking skills. Students can pick and choose between a variety of useful courses from the fields of history, political science, social work, sociology, criminal justice, social justice, economics, business and communications. These selected course options all challenge students to ask big questions about what it means for society to function well.
Due to the dynamic nature of this minor, students will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of how public policy affects all aspects of society and, at Trevecca, will gain this knowledge within a framework of the Christian faith. In addition, due to the flexible nature of this minor, students can focus on specific classes that will best fit with their career goals. With this Public Policy minor we believe that our students can excel in a variety of professions such as: lawyer, public historian, teacher, consultant, political strategist, think tank analyst, urban planner, non-profit director, journalist, and all levels of government service.
The program also offers Pre-Law advising, which is often (but not necessarily) organized around a History major with a Public Policy minor.