Politics
Why take courses in Politics?
Politics studies how power relates to the development of ideas, institutions, and interests. Courses are organized into four fields: American, international, comparative politics, and political theory. They explore the many dimensions of political life, ranging from small groups to citizens’ organizations, to cities, countries, and the international system.
What kinds of questions does Politics explore?
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How can democracy survive polarization and populism?
- How do workers and minorities gain greater recognition and rights?
- How does the American political system compare with those around the world? Politics asks questions like these that enable us to understand pressing current challenges.
What advice would you give students interested in taking courses in Politics?
Students interested in taking courses in the department can start with 100-level courses in any of the four fields. Studying Politics enables students to think and engage actively as citizens of their countries and the globalized world. Politics courses prepare students for careers in a range of sectors, including government and policy work, journalism, law, nonprofits, movement politics, and academia.
Taking Courses
Courses for non-majors or general interest
- Any 100-level course
Getting started in the major
Students interested in taking courses in the department can start with 100-level courses in any of the four fields. Courses at the 200-level are more specialized but are often open to students without a prerequisite (check the course description for these details).
Advanced Placement Credit
Majors may transfer AP credit from one examination (score of 5) toward the major requirements. Refer to the AP/IB chart for complete information about AP test scores.
Majoring in Politics
Provided are two examples of how a student could distribute courses required for the major over three or four years. See the catalog for additional details about major requirements.
Sample Four-Year Plans
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | FYSP 0XX | POLT 1XX ENVS 208 |
| Y2 | POLT 2XX | POLT 2XX POLT 411 |
| Y3 | ENVS 323 POLT 2XX |
Study Abroad |
| Y4 | POLT 2XX POLT 403 |
POLT 2XX POLT 404 |
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| Y1 | ||
| Y2 | POLT 1XX | POLT 1XX POLT 2XX |
| Y3 | POLT 2XX POLT 2XX |
POLT 3XX POLT 2XX |
| Y4 | POLT 2XX POLT 2XX |
POLT 3XX |
Related Areas of Study
Africana Studies; Economics; Environmental Studies; Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies; Jewish Studies; Latin American Studies; Law and Society; Psychology; Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies; Sociology
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Politics Major Requirements
Politics Department