By concentrating in Political Science, future teachers can deepen their knowledge of how societies are governed and how individuals are involved in the process. Beginning with courses that analyze the nature of the state, political ideologies and the law, you will learn to apply theoretical concepts of political power to contemporary events and institutions. You will examine key ideas in political writings from Plato to Machiavelli, as well as the works of American theorists from colonial times to the present. In choosing electives to round out your concentration, you will have available a broad range of offerings, from an examination of the role of public opinion in political and social affairs to an investigation of the causes, motivations, possible justifications and impact of political violence in modern times. Students take 30 credits in Political Science to satisfy the liberal arts and sciences requirements for the B.S. in Early Childhood Education degree program.<br><br>In addition to a thorough curriculum in Political Science, you will take specialized education courses and participate in student-teaching. To prepare you for the classroom environment, your coursework will emphasize effective teaching techniques, innovative lesson planning, motivation strategies and student assessment. Your education classes will examine ways that you can use your knowledge to maximize learning outcomes for young students. You will learn how to understand the intellectual, physical and emotional development of teenagers, to encourage peer cooperation and collaboration, to foster student self-esteem and moral development, and to empower parents. You will explore issues of race, ethnicity and gender as they apply to the classroom. The program includes supervised practice teaching in actual classrooms, allowing you to observe certified teachers and interact with children. CLIU Post teacher education students enjoy close personal contact with faculty who are dedicated to mentoring the next generation of highly skilled teachers.