Political Science Curriculum
The Political Science program offers courses in American Politics, International Politics, and Law-related subjects. The study of Political Science develops students’ conceptual skills and provides them with the tools to analyze political concepts in broad perspective and make sense of new issues as they arise. In addition to knowledge of the subject, the program is designed to develop skills in critical thinking and written and oral expression, deepen commitment to social responsibility and political participation, and to position students to go on to graduate study and professional careers.
The program maintains affiliations with programs and centers across the University and within the community, which bring students into contact with scholars and practitioners from multiple academic fields. There are opportunities for students to learn outside of the classroom, for example through participation in internships and in the programs and research of The Center for Women, Politics and Public Policy(e.g.: Winning Edge campaign school, and the Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN).
Program Requirements
+ Major Requirements
| 12 courses, including: | ||
| POL100 | Introduction to Comparative Politics
Introduction to politics, policies, and political institutions outside of the United States. Includes concepts such as electoral systems, party systems, parliamentary and presidential systems, democratization, and political change in both Western and non-Western settings. | 3 |
| POL101 | American Government and Public Policy
This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of government, federalism, with special attention to the policy process, political participation and selected political issues in the United States. | 3 |
| POL104 | Introduction to International Relations
A survey of significant patterns and trends in 20th-century world politics, modes of conducting relations among nations, instruments for promoting national interests, and current problems of economic and political interdependence. | 3 |
| POL311 | Selected Topics in Social Science Research
The course introduces methods and approaches used to describe, explain, and evaluate social science research. Students will get an introduction to an instructor chosen research topic. Students will learn to formulate questions, create a literature review, gather and evaluate evidence and provide feedback on outside research concerning the selected course topic. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of the instructor. | 3 |
| POL498 | Tutorial: Political Science | 4 |
| POL499 | Tutorial: Political Science | 4 |
1 approved 3-credit internship 5 additional 3-credit program electives, 3 at the 200-level and 2 at the 300-level or above |
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+ Interdisciplinary Major Requirements
| 8 courses, exclusive of the tutorial: | ||
| POL100 | Introduction to Comparative Politics
Introduction to politics, policies, and political institutions outside of the United States. Includes concepts such as electoral systems, party systems, parliamentary and presidential systems, democratization, and political change in both Western and non-Western settings. | 3 |
| POL104 | Introduction to International Relations
A survey of significant patterns and trends in 20th-century world politics, modes of conducting relations among nations, instruments for promoting national interests, and current problems of economic and political interdependence. | 3 |
| POL101 | American Government and Public Policy
This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of government, federalism, with special attention to the policy process, political participation and selected political issues in the United States. | 3 |
| POL311 | Selected Topics in Social Science Research
The course introduces methods and approaches used to describe, explain, and evaluate social science research. Students will get an introduction to an instructor chosen research topic. Students will learn to formulate questions, create a literature review, gather and evaluate evidence and provide feedback on outside research concerning the selected course topic. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of the instructor. | 3 |
1 approved 3-credit internship 4 additional 3 credit program electives, 3 at the 200-level and 1 at the 300-level or above. |
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+ Minor Requirements
| 6 courses, including: | ||
| POL100 | Introduction to Comparative Politics
Introduction to politics, policies, and political institutions outside of the United States. Includes concepts such as electoral systems, party systems, parliamentary and presidential systems, democratization, and political change in both Western and non-Western settings. | 3 |
| POL104 | Introduction to International Relations
A survey of significant patterns and trends in 20th-century world politics, modes of conducting relations among nations, instruments for promoting national interests, and current problems of economic and political interdependence. | 3 |
| POL101 | American Government and Public Policy
This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of government, federalism, with special attention to the policy process, political participation and selected political issues in the United States. | 3 |
4 additional program electives, at least 1 at the 300-level or above. |
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