Delve into the fascinating relationship between people and government. Between war and peace. Between cultural values and public opinion.

Political Science

The major in political science is geared towards helping students understand, research and critically assess the intricate relationships between peoples and their domestic governmental and political systems and in the international arena. Political scientists study such topics as peace and war, the making of public and international policy, the values held by people in particular political systems, political participation, and the political roles of special interests, the media and public opinion, among other issues. All of these are related to the expectations people have of their leaders and how their leaders behave. The political science department offers students the opportunity to integrate theory and classroom learning with practice, through such experiences as classroom simulations, internships, or participation in Model UN.

The department offers a wide range of courses in the areas of American politics and government, comparative politics and government, international relations, law, and political theory. Each of these sub-fields of the discipline of political science is crucial to an understanding of the entirety of the discipline. Once students have satisfied the requirements of the departmental major, they can concentrate on any of the above sub-fields. The senior internship seminar is the capstone course that offers the opportunity for students to work with political and governmental decision-makers, interest groups, legislators and the media.

Graduates of the political science department have excelled in a variety of fields, including law, academe, public policy, government, journalism, campaign management, and in elective offices. Political science graduates have had a profound impact on the domestic and international arenas, and are involved in a range of issues and movements, such as human rights both at home and abroad, political reform, legal reform, and public policy advocacy.

Requirements for Departmental Major

• POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government
• POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics
•  POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations
• POLSC1501 Political Theory and Analysis (to be taken prior to senior year)
• Senior seminar
• Five additional political science courses exclusive of internships or directed studies. At least two electives must be at the 3000-level.

It is recommended that political science majors take the following courses outside the department:

•  ECON1103 Principles of Macroeconomics
• MATH1117 Introduction to Statistics
• SPCH1101 Dynamics of Speech Communication
• SOC2113 Methods of Social Research

Other courses outside the department may be recommended following individual consultation with departmental advisors. These will be determined by the student's proposed course of study and interests.

Requirements for Departmental Minor

• POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government
• POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics
• POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations
• POLSC1501 Political Theory and Analysis
• Two upper-level political science electives