How are Political Scientists Trained? Political Science in Colombia Through Curriculum Maps

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the training of political scientists in Colombia, its academic and methodological foundations with respect to the international development of political science. Methodologically, the analysis is based on four questions: Are political scientists trained in political science or in interdisciplinary political studies? Is there dispersion and heterogeneity in training or are there convergences around a common core of the discipline in line with its international developments? In what and how are political scientists trained in research? Is training assumed to be a cycle from undergraduate to doctoral level or are there limitations in this regard? The analysis is supported by institutional documents, statistics, and previous research. The results indicate that: a) there has been a transition from political studies to political science; b) there are differences, but a common formative core can be identified in accordance with some international trends in the discipline; c) there are also convergences and advances in research; d) postgraduate studies have limitations. The article does not go down to the analysis of micro-curricula in a systematic way, which constitutes a complementary pending task.