Political Science Major

Major Requirements

A political science major consists of at least nine courses. The department strongly recommends that political science majors plan their programs so that they take courses above the introductory level in at least two of the four major sub-fields of political science—American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. Not more than two courses taught by faculty outside the political science department will count towards the major in meeting the nine course minimum. Exceptions: the research methods courses, POLI 215 , POLI 246 , and POLI 252 , or relevant courses transferred from an accredited college or university. Consult department advisor or chair. The requirements for a political science major include:

• 1 Foundations Course; (POLI 100  US Politics, POLI 120  International Politics, or POLI 140  Comparative Politics)
• 1 Theory Course (POLI 160  Foundations of Political Theory, POLI 170  Theories of Rhetoric, POLI 260  Contemporary Political Theory, POLI 261  Feminist Political Theory, POLI 262  American Political Thought, or POLI 363  Paradigms of Global Citizenship);
• 1 Research Methods Course (POLI 269  Empirical Research Methods; POLI 272  Researching Political Communication; SOCI 269  Science and Social Inquiry; SOCI 270  Interpretive Social Research; SOCI 275  Comparative-Historical Sociology). In some cases, research methods courses taken in other social science disciplines may be used to fulfill this requirement following approval by the political science department chair. The department urges students to enroll in a research methods course before their junior year.
• 3 Intermediate-level Courses (students may substitute one foundations course and one advanced course for two intermediate courses; approved study away courses will count as intermediate courses);
• 1 Practicum (such as an internship, Chuck Green Fellowship course, service-learning course, action-research project, or similar experiential learning experience). The practicum requirement can be met with a non-credit bearing internship upon approval by department chair. However, a major plan must still list no fewer than nine courses.
• 1 Advanced-level Course (courses at the 300 level); and
• 1 Capstone Experience (POLI 400  Senior Research Seminar or POLI 404  two semesters of Honors Colloquium).