Department of Politics

What is just? What is fair? How could we establish a fair electoral system?  When should countries pick up arms? How can we seek peace? These are just a few of the questions explored by those who study politics at Lake Forest College. Here, students acquire the knowledge and vocabulary they need to match their curiosity about the political landscape — past and present, national and international — with informed understanding.

As opposed to departments of political science, which typically apply scientific methods to the study of politics, the Lake Forest Department of Politics’ approach is theoretical and historical. No matter their focus – American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, or public law – students draw on a firm grounding in political theory and historical context to gain insights into such topics as African politics, Islamic fundamentalism, and the role of mass media in American politics.
 
In addition to field trips to hear speakers, watch court proceedings, and explore the urban political arena, Lake Forest’s proximity to Chicago makes internships possible at not-for-profit organizations, as well as local, state, and national government agencies. Students seeking experience in public administration and law enforcement, for example, have interned at the City of Chicago’s Housing Authority and Police Department. Those seeking experience at the congressional level have enjoyed placements at the Chicago offices of United States Senators Richard Durbin and Barack Obama.

For students interested in federal government, Lake Forest offers a semester-long program in Washington D.C. that includes an internship and coursework at American University. For those with international interests, semesters spent in Europe, Asia, Africa, or South America prove invaluable.

Back at the college, politics students can choose to join the campus Democrats or Republicans. Others are drawn to the non-partisan group, Publius, which brings in speakers and organizes open discussions. Meanwhile, the Moot Court gives future lawyers much needed practice in argumentation and debate. Independent, individual research opportunities with department faculty are also available to students interested in scholarship.

Many Lake Forest politics students go on to law schools such as Georgetown, Kent, and Loyola. Others find jobs working on campaigns, doing legislative research, or lobbying for non-profit and for-profit organizations, or in journalism, fundraising, and business.

Department Contact:
847-735-5121

 

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