Political Science Courses

The introductory courses for majors provide the freshmen experience and create common bonds among students in Political Science. Core offerings on American Politics and Policy have been augmented by others on comparative policies of countries ranging from Eastern Europe to Southeast Asia to Southern Africa.

The Department also offers specialized courses related to gender and citizenship, political economy, race and ethnicity, and public policy of interest to students in a variety of majors across the University.

In addition to traditional courses in political thought, recent course offerings have included work in state theory, feminist political theory, current theoretical conflicts in constitutional interpretation, and the politics of arts and culture.

Overall credit hour requirement: A major in Political Science consists of 36 credits (i.e., a three credit Practicum and 33 other credits) to a maximum of 45 credits. At least 15 credits must be taken at the 300 course level or above.

Specific course requirements:

1. (46.101) Introduction to American Politics: Normally taken fall semester of the freshman year; a "majors only" section facilitates department cohesion for entering freshmen;.

2. (46.201) Introduction to Political Analysis: Meets the Ethics and Diversity requirements of the University General Education Requirements for political science majors. It is normally taken spring semester of the freshman year and may be waived for upper division transfer students. This course surveys the scope and methods of political science.

3. Seminar Requirement:Typically students should select a "300" or "400" level "Seminar" course from among several department offerings that are of interest, all of which involve the writing of one long paper or several short papers. In the alternative (or in appropriate cases, in addition) the student may select 46.401 Research Seminar in Political Science after prior discussion with a professor willing to work with the student. This course, which is particularly appropriate for honors students, requires the writing of a substantial research paper.

4. One three credit Practicum course which will be graded "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory." Take either 46.496 Practicum Experience or 46.497 Practicum in the Law, or another practicum, if offered. The practicum involves 75-100 hours of practical experience in politics, law, government, etc. Students may not take more than one practicum as part of the minimum 120 credits required for graduation without prior Department approval.

Distribution Requirement

The Department also requires at least two courses at any level in the three following broad areas:

1) American Politics, Government and Policy

2) Law, Theory and Politics

3) Comparative and International Politics.

Focus Requirement

In conjunction with the faculty advisor, Political Science majors are expected to formulate a program of study in the major that includes three to five courses that focus in a progressively more advanced manner upon one political science sub-area to assure a depth of knowledge. Sub areas may be defined flexibly.

Waiver of any requirement may be granted only by the Department Chair in unusual circumstances and for very good reasons.

The Department recommends that Political Science majors select supporting course work from history, sociology and economics, and encourages students to develop minor areas of study or supporting majors in related social science disciplines.

Students transferring to the college and wishing to major in Political Science must make individual arrangements with their faculty advisor or the Department Chairperson regarding satisfaction of major course requirements.

MINOR REQUIREMENTS

Political Science as a minor area of study consists of 18-24 credits of course work. At least six credits must be taken in course work at the 300 level or above. Course work is selected by the student in consultation with his advisor. Students who desire to make the most effective use of a minor in Political Science in pursuing specific career objectives in occupational areas such as law, foreign service, business, management, and public service should consult with the political science faculty in choosing courses which are most appropriate as preparation for such career objectives.

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