I. Program Description
The department’s web site describes the program as follows. “The aim of courses in political science is to provide the student with an understanding of the political environments within which communities operate. Citizens must be able to respond innovatively to their environment and to comprehend, organize and control their social and political world.
Political science is the systematic study of the complex forces at work in the political environments in which woman exists, and with the political roles and structures whose interactions order life in society.
The major at Saint Mary's College is intended to introduce the student to the major techniques of the field, and to provide a background in the broad flow of concepts and developments of both Western and non-Western political theories. The process of political change, as it affects modern society, is also examined to determine its impact on the practices, processes and current problems of national and international societies.”
The department offers a wide range of courses in the fields of American politics and law, international politics, comparative politics, and political theory and methodology resulting in a Bachelor of Arts degree. In conjunction with the education department, a student make take courses leading to state licensing for history and social studies.
II. Interdisciplinary Relationships
The political science program fits the liberal education format by virtue of the role politics plays in impacting and shaping the lives of individuals and societies. The program is both theoretical and experiential with fieldwork assignments. An understanding of the history, language, and culture of other countries, ethnic groups, races, and religions enrich the study of political science.
III. Accreditation or External Review
Assessment of the library following the external review?
IV. Collection Description
A. Library of Congress Classification
The political science collection is classified in the following areas: J-JA (general works);
JC (political theory); JF (constitutional history); JK-JQ (specific countries); and JX
(international law and relations). Cross-disciplinary material is in K (law); D (world history); and E-F (American history).
B. Subject Treatment
Relevance to the current curriculum of the political science department is the number one selection guideline with a focus in areas of present course offerings at Saint Mary’s
College. Collecting efforts are also aimed at maintaining a well rounded collection for the undergraduate in all areas of political science thus providing a basic collection as curricular and research interests change. As such, collecting will focus on, but not be limited to, the following subject areas: American politics, political theory, public policy, international
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politics, and comparative politics. Collections in the interdisciplinary fields of history, sociology, economics, area studies, and psychology compliment the political science collection.
C. Languages
English is the primary language of the collection.
D. Geographical Limits (subject content)
Coverage includes Western and non-Western political thought.
E. Chronological Coverage
There are no limitations.
F. Imprint Date
Preference is given to recent publications. Retrospective material will be collected as deemed appropriate.
V.
Selection and Assessment Tools
Recommendations from the faculty are encouraged and expected. It is assumed that expertise in their respective fields will guide them in recommending titles for the library to purchase. Reviews in professional/scholarly journals, publisher’s catalogs, conference attendance, and association memberships also provide resources from which titles might be suggested. The collection development librarian along with the other library faculty will also make recommendations. In addition, the following tools provide useful guidance for both selection and assessment of the collection:

Choice Reviews Online o a review source for academic libraries
04/20/09
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