Department of Political Science

Political science studies and evaluates theories and practices of politics and government at various levels - domestic, foreign and international. Depending on the area studied, particular emphasis may be given to the role and performance of institutions and political systems, to the political behavior of individuals and groups or to questions of a philosophical nature.

Courses in political science are structured on three levels: introductory (numbered below 200); upper-level intermediate (300-399); and advanced (400-499). Unless otherwise specified, courses above 400 may be counted toward the department’s seminar requirements. There are four introductory courses that assume no prior background in the discipline: (1) PLSC 111 (Introduction to American Politics), (2) PLSC 113 (Introduction to Comparative Politics), (3) PLSC 115 (Introduction to Ideas and Politics) and (4) PLSC 117 (Introduction to World Politics). These serve as prerequisites for more advanced courses but may not be required of students who have equivalent prior coursework in political science or related disciplines, including Advanced Placement credit in American government or comparative politics.

The Department of Political Science also offers a graduate program of study leading to the Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. The primary goal of both the MA and PhD programs is to educate scholars who will contribute to the development of political science through careers in teaching and research.

The program emphasizes a broad-based theoretical understanding of political behavior and institutions coupled with the ability to carry out systematic empirical analysis. Students choose two primary substantive foci from among the subfields of American politics, comparative politics or international relations.

The organization of the graduate program is based on two convictions. One is that political science is a unique subject matter that requires specialization. The second is that all of the social sciences, including political science, rely on systematic evidence and quantitative analysis. Students pursuing the PhD are normally required to take five semesters of coursework, including five courses providing training in research methodology and statistics. Beyond coursework, completion of the PhD program requires passing comprehensive examinations in both of a student’s primary areas of expertise. When a student passes these examinations, completes all the requirements outlined above and presents a prospectus for the dissertation, the student receives a master’s degree. Remaining requirements for the PhD consist of researching, writing and defending the PhD dissertation.

Department of Political Science

Programs