Political Science Major

The Department of Political Science helps students develop an understanding of political processes, political institutions, and the issues and problems that politics tries to manage. Students learn to think critically about political life in a variety of settings. While the broad areas of study include political theory, comparison of different governments and political organizations, political behavior and institutions, and international relations, the focus of the department is on critical and analytical sophistication rather than simple mastery of a body of facts. The department’s curriculum emphasizes the development of research, writing, and analytical skills.