Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Community Organizing

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Community Organizing at Dubois College is a
transformative, justice-centered program designed for students who seek to understand and
challenge systems of power through scholarship, civic engagement, and grassroots leadership. With
a focus on Black political thought, movement building, and policy advocacy, this program prepares
graduates to lead and serve in government, nonprofit, and community contexts.

Students explore theories of power, law, governance, and public policy alongside practical tools for
organizing, coalition building, campaigning, and legislative change. The program emphasizes critical
race theory, decolonial frameworks, and liberation politics, cultivating scholars and activists
grounded in tradition and innovation.

Graduates will be prepared for leadership in social justice organizations, advocacy campaigns,
public service, or graduate study in public administration, law, or political science.

Program Highlights

– Exploration of African American political history, protest movements, and organizing strategy
– Training in public policy, law, civic engagement, campaign strategy, and nonprofit leadership
– Emphasis on critical theory, systems thinking, and applied organizing methods
– Hands-on experience through internships, simulations, and community campaigns
– Capstone focused on movement strategy, policy reform, or community empowerment

Degree Plan

– Introduction to Political Science
– College Writing & Communication
– Black Political History: Reconstruction to Present

– Public Speaking for Advocacy
– Quantitative Reasoning or College Algebra

Year 1 - Spring Semester

– U.S. Government & Constitution
– African Political Philosophy
– Social Movements & Protest
– Introduction to Community Organizing
– Visualizing Power: Media & Representation

Year 2 - Fall Semester

– Political Theory: Marx, DuBois, Fanon, Hooks
– Law & Society: Policing, Courts & Justice
– Campaigns, Elections & Voter Engagement
– Intersectionality & Social Policy
– Elective (e.g., Black Environmental Politics, Journalism & Politics)

Year 2 - Spring Semester

– State & Local Government
– Organizing & Coalition Building
– Race, Class, Gender & Policy
– Participatory Action Research Methods
– Elective (e.g., Political Satire, Labor History)

Year 3 - Fall Semester

– Policy Advocacy & Legislative Process
– Grant Writing for Social Impact
– Internship I: Elected Office, Nonprofit, Union, or Grassroots Org
– Strategy & Leadership in Movement Building
– Elective (e.g., Urban Politics, Education Equity)

Year 3 - Spring Semester

– Comparative Politics: Global South Perspectives
– Organizing Campaign Lab: From Vision to Action
– Ethics of Activism
– Nonprofit Management & Public Service
– Elective (e.g., Digital Organizing, Reparations Policy)

Year 4 - Fall Semester

– Capstone Proposal & Organizing Strategy
– Public Administration & Policy Design
– Internship II or Independent Research
– Seminar: Black Political Futures
– Elective (e.g., Political Economy, Black Feminist Thought)

Year 4 - Spring Semester

– Capstone Project: Policy Proposal, Campaign Plan, or Research Portfolio
– Leadership in Action: Facilitation, Media, & Public Narrative
– Senior Seminar in Law, Power & Democracy
– Career Preparation: Law School, Policy Fellowships, or Public Service
– Elective (e.g., Indigenous Politics, Criminal Justice Reform)

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Community Organizing