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 fulfilling the nine-course minimum for the major. Exceptions: the research methods courses, POLI 215 , POLI 246 ,  POLI 252 , POLI 335 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 , POLI 363 - Paradigms of Global Citizenship );
• 1 Research Methods Course (POLI 269 - Empirical Research Methods ; POLI 272 - Researching Political Communication ; SOCI 269 - Social Science Inquiry ; SOCI 270 - Interpretive Social Research ; SOCI 275 - Comparative-Historical Sociology ; POLI 335 - Science and Citizenship ). 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  two semesters of POLI 404 - Honors Colloquium ).