Political Theory

Program Overview

Students in this program delve deeply into the foundational works of American political thought, exploring influential texts like The Federalist Papers and examining ideas spanning from the Puritan era to the Founding period and the Jeffersonian age. The curriculum also examines pivotal Catholic and Protestant political philosophies, tracing their development from Augustine and Aquinas to the Reformers.

The Political Theory emphasis offers an in-depth study of Niccolò Machiavelli’s political philosophy, closely analyzing his seminal works The Prince and Discourses on Livy. This program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of political ideas within their historical and philosophical contexts.

At the John P. Stead School of Humanities, students are equipped to engage with human culture through a lens of depth, discernment, and biblical clarity. Regardless of their specific field of study, graduates leave with a sharpened ability to critically analyze arts, philosophy, and current events, grounded in a deep understanding of history and Scripture.

Our faculty and staff wholeheartedly affirm our doctrinal statement, which has remained fundamentally unchanged since the institution’s founding. Professors lead small, discussion-driven classes, guiding students through the rich tapestry of civilization’s ideas and philosophies within a biblical framework. We uphold the belief in God’s sovereignty, recognizing His guiding hand in the past, present, and future of human affairs.

Students also benefit from a unique semester-long internship in Washington, D.C., where they gain firsthand experience in governance and access invaluable networking opportunities. Through this program, students trace the key events, individuals, and theories that shaped American political thought. They learn to critically analyze major political works, uncover their core theoretical principles, and apply these principles to practical situations with insight and clarity.

Courses

Political Studies Core Courses (21 Units)

• POL326 Introduction to American Politics
• POL343 U.S. Constitutional History
• POL354 The Christian & Politics
• POL365 Western Political Philosophy I
• POL366 Western Political Philosophy II
• POL393 Introduction to Political Research
• POL492 Senior Seminar in Political Studies

Political Theory Emphasis Courses (42 Units)

• 3 Upper Division Political Studies Electives
• Four of the following
  • POL455 Christian Political Thought
  • POL464 Machiavelli
  • POL466 The Federalist Papers
  • POL473 American Political Thought I
  • POL474 American Political Thought II

Program Learning Outcomes

The Political Theory emphasis equips students to understand and interact with the political ideas at the root of Western Civilization.

1. Trace the major events, individuals, and theories in the development of American political thought.
2. Analyze the major political philosophical works to identify the major theoretical principles being presented and identify applications of the principles within practical situations.

Core Program Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the philosophies of the major political philosophers of Western civilization.
2. Articulate a biblical political philosophy and apply it to contemporary issues.
3. Trace the major events and individuals in the development of the U.S. Constitution and the history of key cases in its application to American jurisprudence.
4. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the key works and theories that have shaped American politics.
5. Conduct effective undergraduate-level research using primary and secondary sources and technological resources relating to political studies.

Graduation Requirements

Please refer to the degree checklist for complete details. This example checklist is from the 2025-26 academic catalog.

SCRIPTURE SET (21 units)*

• B101,2 Old Testament Survey I, II
• B121 Essentials of Christian Thought
• B201,2 New Testament Survey I, II
• BTH321,2 Christian Theology I, II

WORLDVIEW AND SKILLS SET (40 Units)**

• C100 Spoken Communication
• E110 English Composition
• ECN200 Essentials of Economics & Society
• H211,2 Essentials of World History I, II
• H230 Essentials of U.S. History
• Literature Elective
• Literature Survey
• LS150 Essentials of Biology (or GS150 Essentials of Geology) + Lab
• MA240 Critical Thinking & Quantitative Analysis
• MU190 Essentials of Music & Art
• P311 Essentials of Philosophy
• POL220 U.S. Government

**Depending on the student’s major, specific G.E. requirements allow for substitutions. 

*Students transferring with ≥ 61 total units may need to satisfy fewer than 7 Bible G.E. courses as evaluated and confirmed by the Registrar’s Office before starting the student’s first undergraduate semester. All other students must satisfy all 7 Bible G.E.

• Complete a minimum of 121 semester units of credit.
• Complete a minimum of 40 semester units in upper division courses. Includes 300 & 400 level courses.
• Satisfy all General Education requirements.
• Complete the required curriculum for the chosen major’s field(s) of study.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 (cumulative) in all TMU Courses. Some majors have different GPA requirements.
• Complete a minimum of 32 semester units at TMU, not including Directed Studies coursework.
• A maximum of 12 units can be transferred to complete degree requirements after the last 12 units taken at TMU.

Minor in Biblical Studies

To achieve the minor in Biblical Studies, students must complete 24 Bible Units.

• B101,2 Old Testament Survey I, II  (6)
• B121 Essentials of Christian Thought (3)
• B201,2 New Testament Survey I, II (3)
• BTH321,2 Christian Theology I, II (3)
• Bible Elective (3)