Major Concentration

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 subfields of political science - American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. Not more that two courses taught by faculty outside the political science department will count towards the major in meeting the nince course minimum. Exceptions: the research methods courses, Political Science 215, 235, 246, and 252, 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, 120, or 140);
• 1 course in Political Theory (Poli 160, 170, 260, or 262);
• 1 Research Methods Course (Poli 269--Empirical Research Methods or equivalent: Poli 272--Researching Political Communication; Sociology 269--Science and Social Inquiry; Sociology 270--Interpretive Social Research; Sociology 275--Comparative-Historical Sociology) Other methods courses in the social sciences may be listed on the major plan pending approval by the Department Chair.
• 3 Intermediate-level Courses (students my substitute up to one Foundations and one Advanced course for up to two of these Intermediate courses);
• 1 Practicum (ie. an internship, service-learning course, action-research project, or similar experiential learning experience);
• 1 Advanced-level Course; and
• 1 Capstone Experience

The Capstone Experience Requirement in Political Science can be fulfilled by completing:

• The Senior Research Seminar (in the fall only)
• Completion of an Honors Project (accompanied by 2 semesters of Honors Colloquim)

Minor Concentration

A minor concentration consists of any five political courses, normally including one foundation, one intermediate and one advanced level course. Four of these courses must be taught by the faculty in the political science department. Consult department advisors and chair.

Honors Program

Interested political science juniors with a GPA of 3.5 or better overall and 3.7 or better in political science may participate in the department's Honors Program. This program is designed to provide majors with an opportunity to pursue in-depth research on a significant political science topic.