Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The study of politics at RWU covers the institutions, processes and pre-dispositions by which human affairs are governed, both nationally and internationally. The program offers students a comprehensive and balanced selection of courses, exposing them to the traditional subfields of the discipline: American national politics, international relations, comparative politics, political theory, public administration, and public policy. Courses are designed to broaden student horizons and to improve student proficiency in critical analysis. Courses are also intended to provide a basis for intelligent citizenship, increase capacity for community service, and orient students toward a lifelong interest in learning. Internships, independent study, and study abroad are encouraged. The study of politics at RWU develops skills that are useful for law school and legal careers, business careers, various international and public policy careers, as well as for careers in politics per se.

Degree Requirements
Majors pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in political science must satisfy University Core Curriculum requirements and the College speech requirement, COMM 210. In addition, majors must complete three political science foundation courses; nine advanced courses, with at least four each from the American National Politics/Political Theory category and the International Relations/Comparative Politics category; a two-course research sequence in political science; plus a sufficient number of general electives to total 120 credits. Majors are encouraged to apply electives toward a minor or second major.

The three courses listed below are required of all majors and are prerequisites for advanced courses in the relevant subfields.

Nine other political science courses are also required. At least four must be completed from each of the following two categories.

American National Politics

International Relations/Comparative Politics/Political Theory

and
a two course research sequence – examining in depth a topic chosen by the student – completes the major: