Political Science Major

The major places considerable emphasis on the relation between politics in theory and politics in action. The subject matter is arranged into four basic fields: political theory, American politics and public policy, comparative politics, and international politics. Courses are also offered in constitutional law, women in politics, urban and ethnic politics, and state and local politics. All majors are required to complete an internship, for at least three credits, in politics and public policy. The internship may be either domestic or international in focus and may be taken for a letter grade only. The major requires 36 credits of course work.

Courses required for the political science major include:
PSC 111 (Theory) or PSC 113 (American)
PSC 114 (IR) or PSC 112 (Comparative)
PSC 290 or 234
PSC 316**

Students must choose one course from each of the following four sub-fields:
American Politics and Public Policy
PSC 242
PSC 243
PSC 282*
PSC 285
PSC 342
PSC 343
PSC 382
PSC 345

Comparative Politics
PSC 221
PSC 224*
PSC 225*
PSC 227*
PSC 304
PSC 321
PSC 323

International Relations
PSC 241
PSC 250
PSC 251
PSC 255
PSC 257
PSC 258*
PSC 259
PSC 263*
PSC 264*
PSC 350
PSC 359
IIS 300

Political Theory
PSC 200*
PSC 201
PSC 202*
PSC 203
PSC 205
PSC 207*
PSC 306

* See writing proficiency requirements on page 194 of catalogue
**Students who have taken PSC 101 or 102 (but not both0 are required tot ake an introductory course in a subfield not covered by the previously required 101 or 102.  In other words, a student who has taken PSC 101 can meet the new requirements by completing PSC 113 (American) or PSC 112 (Comparative).

Students must take four additional elective courses. All courses listed in the four sub-fields above are eligible for elective credit, as are the following:
PSC 124
PSC 180
PSC 192
PSC 211
PSC 213
PSC 229
PSC 233
PSC 248
PSC 256/267
PSC 270
PSC 271
PSC 297
PSC 299
PSC 399
PSC 450
JS 255
JS 257

Students must ensure that they have taken at least three courses at the 300 level, one of which must be PSC 316.