Political Science
Majoring & Minoring
Course offerings in Political Science are divided into four broad categories:
- American Politics: The American Politics subfield includes the following courses: American Politics 32-114, Religion and Politics in America 32-314, Law and Politics 32-324, Public Policy 32-334, Texas Politics Internships 32-344, The American Presidency 32-354, Issues in Constitutional Law 32-514, Legislative Politics 32-524, and Topics in American Politics 32-714.
- Comparative Politics: The Comparative Politics subfield includes the following courses: Comparative Politics 32-144, European Politics 32-414, Middle East Politics 32-424, Women and Politics 32-434, Latin American Politics 32-614, Contemporary Japanese Politics 32-624, Contentious Politics 32-634, The Chinese Cultural Revolution 32-644, Advanced Research Seminar in Latin American Politics 32-764, and Topics in Comparative Politics 32-754.
- International Relations: The International Relations subfield includes the following courses: International Politics 32-284, International Organization 32-484, International Political Economy 32-494, U.S. Foreign Policy 32-584, International Peace and Violence 32-664, Topics in International Politics 32-774.
- Political Theory: The Political Theory subfield includes the following courses: Introduction to Political Theory 32-234, Political Ideologies 32-374, American Political Thought 32-364, Gender and Political Theory 32-444, Environmental Political Theory 32-454, Modern Political Theory 32-564, Contemporary Democratic Theory 32-574, Critical Social Theory 32-684
Major in Political Science
Major in Political Science: Ten courses
The major is designed to give students breath and depth across the four traditional subfields listed above, while also developing research skills in these different areas. Toward that end, as part of the major, students also take a 500-600 level “craft of research” course in preparation for their Capstone seminar.
The array of courses students are expected to take is described below, but each Political Science major’s program is worked out in consultation with members of the department to ensure proper balance of courses in each category.
- PSC32-114 American Politics
- PSC32-144 Comparative Politics
- PSC32-234 Introduction to Political Theory
- Four additional Political Science courses at or above the 200 level, but students must take at least one upper-level course in American Politics, one upper-level course in comparative politics, one upper-level course in political theory and two upper-level courses in international relations.
- One “Craft of Research” Political Science course at the 500-600 level
- PSC32-964 Senior Capstone Seminar
How the Major Works
American Politics (32-114) and Comparative Politics (32-144) are the two gateway classes to the major. Students planning to major or minor in political science should begin with these two classes.
Introduction to Political Theory (32-234) is a gateway to the upper-level political theory classes. This course also serves as the department’s Writing Attentive class. Students must take this course prior to enrolling in the 500-600 level “craft of research” courses.
Students can take any upper-level American Politics course after successfully completing the gateway American Politics course and can enroll in any upper-level Comparative Politics or International Relations class after successfully completing the gateway Comparative Politics course. Students can take any upper-level political theory course, including the 500-600 level “craft of research” courses, after successfully completing Introduction to Political Theory.
Graduating seniors must take the Senior Capstone Seminar (32-964) during the fall or spring semester of the senior year. Students should submit an application for the senior seminar to the department chair the spring of their junior year. Since the 500-600 level “craft of research” courses are designed to prepare students for Capstone, the department strongly recommends that students take at least one of these courses prior to enrolling in Capstone.
A year-long research project culminating in an Honor’s Thesis may replace the Capstone experience, but please note: students may only submit a research proposal for an Honor’s Thesis by invitation of the department. In unique circumstances, students may also offer an Independent Study in lieu of the Senior Seminar, with prior departmental approval.
Minor in Political Science
Minor in Political Science: Five courses
- PSC32-114 American Politics
- PSC32-144 Comparative Politics
- PSC32-234 Introduction to Political Theory
- PSC32-284 International Politics
- One additional approved course in Political Science at or above the 300 level
The array of courses students are expected to take is described below, but each Political Science major’s program is worked out in consultation with members of the department to ensure proper balance of courses in each category.
Paired Major with International Studies
It is also possible to complete a 14-course program in International Studies that pairs a major in Political Science with an additional “concentration” of three courses on either East Asia, Europe or Latin America, plus two courses at the 300 level or above in an appropriate language and a semester or longer study abroad experience. See the International Studies Program for further details.
CLEP Exam
Credit may be obtained for American government (equivalent to Political Science 32-114) by scoring 55 or better on the CLEP subject examination in the area, provided prior approval has been secured from the Department chair.
Teacher Certification in Political Science
See the Education Department for information regarding teacher certification in Political Science.
