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May 19, 2026
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2025-2026 Course Catalog
Political Science Major
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 Return to: Degrees & Programs of Study
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Required Courses in the Major
The major in political science consists of 10 course units. In addition to these four required courses, students will select one of two departmental concentrations that will structure choices of upper division courses and complete at least four upper division courses in the chosen concentration. In addition, students must take at least one upper-level course in the second concentration. Students must complete two 300-level courses, at least one of which needs to be in their chosen area of concentration. One writing-intensive course is required. Writing-intensive courses may be at the 200 or 300-level. Departmental Concentrations
The departmental concentrations are: Citizenship in theory and practice
Designed to prepare students for informed engagement in political and public affairs through a purposeful consideration of the theoretical nature of politics, the ends towards which politics can be directed and the means employed to achieve those ends. This concentration focuses on normative purposes and argumentation, political language and consciousness, historical texts, institutionalized political processes, modes of political participation and the particulars of contemporary policy issues. Courses that can be used to complete the requirements of this concentration are: Global politics and international political awareness
Designed to develop the students understanding of international politics and global political issues through the study of international political systems and the practice of politics in nations and regions beyond the United States. Students choosing this concentration will engage matters such as the means by which states organize and maintain political power, the international political economy, regional governance and conflict, political violence and international security. Courses that can be used to complete the requirements of this concentration are: Special Topics
Courses in special topics and independent study may be substituted for courses at the advanced level, depending on the area in which the student will work and contingent upon departmental approval. Internship (386-388) will be counted as an elective in the major but is contingent upon department approval. Honors candidates take two courses, POSC 400 -POSC 401 , which are counted within the 10-course requirement. Such courses will be evaluated on a case by case basis to assess for which track the course might be accepted as meeting the requirements of the major. Important note about special topic courses. The department encourages students to take special topic (ST) courses. All special topic courses are eligible for credit with regard to political science major and minor requirements. ST: American political and political theory courses are eligible for Track 1 credit ST. Comparative politics and international relations courses count for Track 2 credit Special topic courses are not automatically assigned to the corresponding requirement. Advisors request a course substitution by emailing the registrar. If your special topic courses require a transcript adjustment, please contact your advisor. Required introductory courses:
All majors will complete the four introductory courses listed below. Courses eligible for upper division credit in Citizenship in theory and practice track
Students completing this track will be required to complete a minimum of four of these courses. Each of these courses will generally be taught on a two year cycle but a minimum of four will be available each academic year. At least one 300 level course in this track will be scheduled each academic year. Courses eligible for upper division credit in Global politics and international political awareness
Students completing this track will be required to complete a minimum of four of these courses. Each of these courses will generally be taught on a two year cycle but a minimum of four will be available each academic year. At least one 300 level course will be scheduled each academic year. |
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