Students develop an understanding of broad, philosophical questions as they relate to politics. They learn to discuss and analyze critically U.S. political institutions and the many public policy issues facing the United States and the world. They are taught how to analyze and understand world affairs and international relations. They are taught how to evaluate and compare political phenomena across different countries. They are trained in appropriate research techniques for the study of political actors, institutions and processes in a complex, interdependent and diverse world.?