New major will teach students importance of knowing their rights

New major will teach students importance of knowing their rights

Abbi Webb, News & Lifestyle Editor 

A new major beginning this fall will showcase the understanding that Christian law-makers are needed now more than ever.  

Last week, the Board of Trustees approved Political Science as a major at North Greenville University. The field of study was previously only offered as a minor, but the university has recognized it as a necessary major to thoroughly prepare students for careers in law, government and other areas.  

David Tyner, Professor of Political Science at North Greenville University, said, “I think it’s important, today especially, for Christians to understand what their legal rights are. If you watch the news you can see people of faith are on the defensive and their beliefs are under attack. It is important that we are aware.” 

Tyner said that the coursework involved in the new Political Science major will teach students what their legal rights are according to the Constitution.  

The major will include several areas of concentration: American Politics, Global Politics, Public Policy, Pre-law and Political Philosophy. Public Policy aims at preparing students for jobs inside government and pre-law is for students who plan to attend law school in the future or who plan on getting a job in the legal field.  

Tyner said there are two crucial trends that could change drastically with feverous, passionate Christian lawmakers and attorneys in place.  

“Religious values in general, but Christianity in particular, are being subjected to heavy criticism today by the media and most culture. There is also an effort to restrict Christian participation in politics, an attempt to drive them out and confine them to the churches. With more people of faith involved in politics, these efforts to restrict religion and delegitimize Christianity as a political force could be countered.”