Requirements

Major Requirements

Political Science majors must complete a minimum of ten courses, as specified below. One of the courses must be a methodologically-focused course, (effective with the class of 2010).

  1. Four Breadth Requirements
    1. Majors are required to take a course in each of the four fields of political science: American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory.
    2. Two of these must be introductory courses (not including University Seminars):
      1. POLS 10100 or 20100 (old numbers 140 or 240) American Politics
      2. 10200 or 20200 (old numbers 141 or 241) International Relations
      3. 10400 or 20400 (old numbers 142 or 242) Comparative Politics
      4. 10600 or 20600 (old numbers 134 or 243) Political Theory
    3. The other two breadth requirements can be either introductory or intermediate-level courses.
  2. Four Intermediate-Level Courses
    Students can specialize in one field or take a combination of courses tailored to their interests.
  3. Two Writing Seminars.
    Majors must take one seminar in their junior year and one seminar in their senior year. These courses give students a chance to take an advanced course in a seminar setting, with an emphasis on research skills and discussion.

Other Opportunities

Undergraduates have the opportunity to expand on the traditional major with several optional academic activities:

Senior Honors Thesis

Students who achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or above are encouraged to write a Senior Honors Thesis in their senior year. This year-long project involves working closely with a faculty reader on original research and offers the opportunity to explore more deeply and independently a topic of the student's choice.

Graduate Classes

Undergraduates may take graduate courses with permission of the instructor and their advisor. This can be an excellent way to do more advanced coursework where the student has a good foundation.

Directed Readings

Students on the Dean's list may complete a Directed Readings course. This course involves research on a topic building on the student's interest and previous coursework. Students choose a faculty reader with whom to work. Directed Readings are a good way for students to pursue their interests, especially on topics that may have a more specific focus than a regular course.
 

College of Arts & Letters