Introduction to the Department of Political Science

Introduction to the Political Science Department at Lorestan University

Centuries ago, coinciding with the formation of the first city-states in ancient Greece, the science of politics was called the "master of sciences." This statement may seem exaggerated today, but it is not far from the truth; because in contemporary societies, politics is so intertwined with the fabric of people's lives that everyone, willingly or unwillingly, deals with it; either they influence it or are affected by it. Therefore, the beginning of the field of political science should be sought in the history of thought and political philosophy of the West, which leads us to the era of Heraclitus, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. These philosophers were pioneers in the field of political thought and established the study of political systems from a philosophical perspective in their works and books. From then on, politics played its important role in civilization-building and political rule in the form of world-conquering empires. The roots of political studies are not limited to the Western world, but its traces can also be found in the East, especially in ancient Iran (before Islam) and Iran after Islam. Some poets, writers, and historians in these periods played a significant role in the expansion and promotion of political studies. For example, one can refer to the Rubaiyat of Khayyam, Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, or the Siyasat-nama of Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk Tusi, etc., which contain deep political concepts and themes.

The starting point of teaching political science as an independent field of study in Iran goes back to the establishment of the School of Political Science, which, after the School of Medicine, is considered the oldest new higher education institution in Iran and was opened in Tehran on December 19, 1899, by the order of Mozaffar al-Din Shah Qajar and during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mirza Nasrullah Khan Moshir al-Dowleh. A noteworthy point in the evolution of this field is that the School of Political Science later merged with the School of Law and the School of Economics, and through it, the Faculty of Law, Political Science, and Economics was established. After the establishment of the University of Tehran in 1934, the Faculty of Law, Political Science, and Economics joined it. Some time later, the field of economics separated from law and political science and continued its work in another faculty. Today, in most universities around the world, the field of political science is co-located with the field of law or the field of economics and forms the Faculty of Law and Political Science or the Faculty of Political Science and Economics.

The structural integration of these fields in a single faculty indicates the interdisciplinary nature of political science. As a review of the course outlines of the field of political science at different levels of Bachelor's, Master's, and specialized Doctorate shows that this field of study is very comprehensive and inclusive and has a close relationship with many fields of humanities; from law and economics to sociology, psychology, management, communications, history and geography, and to security studies and military sciences. This comprehensiveness is reminiscent of Aristotle's famous phrase, who called political science the "master of sciences."

The Goal of the Political Science Field

The ultimate goal of political science is the systematic and principled study of political issues based on a problem-oriented approach. This requires the study of the pathology of problems and issues affecting society, the key to solving which is in the world of politics and in the hands of politicians. Therefore, the goal is to unravel the problems of the country in various fields of domestic and foreign policy by explaining and presenting sound theories and methods. In general, students of political science are familiar with three main concepts: the knowledge of governing and the performance of political institutions, political theories, and international relations and politics, and like other fields at the Bachelor's level, the study period of this field is also about four years, equivalent to eight academic semesters. Since political science plays a very important role in solving the country's problems, its importance is becoming more and more apparent, and it attracts the attention of interested people more. Therefore, the focus of the political science field in the university environment is on training political scientists who learn the theories, ideas, methods, and tools of politics, and by relying on political knowledge and analysis and learning from political developments in different eras, are able to provide policy recommendations for the future of the country.

Skills of Political Science Graduates

The main skill acquired is the knowledge of politics in theoretical and practical fields, from domestic politics to international and foreign policy. Based on this knowledge, graduates of political science who have gained political knowledge and insight have the necessary skills as analysts, researchers, or experts and gain the ability to analyze political issues and topics in various fields in a specialized way. It is with the support of such skills and abilities that political scientists can assume various executive responsibilities in political, legal, and economic institutions, agencies, and ministries, or appear as skilled analysts, researchers, and experts. In addition, political science students and graduates can participate in courses that teach the skills needed for the desired job, which include a range of research, writing, analytical, and communication skills, alongside their main courses. The Department of Political Science at Lorestan University has the holding of such skill-enhancing courses in its history and agenda to help improve the scientific foundation of its students.

Job Opportunities for Political Science Graduates

Working as an expert or executive manager in political and legal departments of private and governmental organizations such as the Presidential Office, Atomic Energy Organization, Islamic Propaganda Organization, ministries, especially the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Intelligence, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, Islamic Consultative Assembly, IRIB, Governorates, County Governorates, District Governorates, research institutes and research centers active in the field of political issues, and newspaper and news agency offices as experts, researchers, analysts, journalists, and policymakers, are among the job fields of this field, as well as employment in education in schools and universities. Accordingly, graduates of political science can be employed in various fields as follows:

• Policy-making and Public Administration: Political science graduates can work in governmental organizations and institutions as policy advisors to develop and implement public policies. These specialists can work in areas such as foreign policy, political analysis, public planning, and human resource management in government organizations.
• Research and Investigation: Political science graduates can work as researchers in research centers and universities. They can examine and analyze various topics related to politics and political science and publish the results of their research.
• International Relations and Foreign Policy: Successful individuals in the field of political science can also find their professional path in the field of international relations and foreign policy. These individuals can work in embassies, international organizations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other related institutions. These jobs include foreign policy advisors, diplomats, and international experts.
• Political Analyst and Public Relations: Political science graduates can work in the private and public sectors as political analysts and public relations specialists. These individuals can work in companies, organizations, and non-profit organizations to analyze political situations and their impact on the organization and public communications.
• Academic Activities: Political science graduates can work as teachers in schools or as professors and analysts in universities and educational and research institutions and teach courses related to the field of political science and help students to gain a deep and correct understanding and knowledge of politics and political issues.

Continuing Education in Political Science Inside and Outside the Country

Within the country, it is possible to continue studying in the field of political science and all its sub-fields up to the doctoral level. Also, continuing education abroad is possible if you have a strong academic and work resume. Of course, the conditions and requirements for this can vary depending on the destination country and the university in question. If you receive a scholarship, it is also possible to study in this field for free.

Fields of Political Science in Postgraduate Courses in Iran

Master's Degree Fields

• Political Science
• International Relations
• Regional Studies
• Political Thought in Islam
• Diplomacy and International Organizations

Specialized Doctorate Fields

• Political Thought
• Political Sociology
• Iranian Issues
• Public Policy
• International Relations
• World Studies

Capacities of the Political Science Field at Lorestan University

The Department of Political Science was established in 2013 at Lorestan University, and currently, the Master's degree in International Relations is active in this university. This department intends to develop the Master's and Doctoral degrees in the near future, and also a specialized journal will be established in the near future in the Department of Political Science, which can improve the capacities of this field at Lorestan University.