Political science is the study of politics and power from domestic, international, and comparative perspectives. It entails understanding political ideas, ideologies, institutions, policies, processes, and behavior, as well as groups, classes, government, diplomacy, law, strategy, and war. A background in political science is valuable for citizenship and political action, as well as for future careers in government, law, business, media, or public service.
The political science department provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to learn about politics from a variety of different perspectives. Classes are offered in the four major subfields of the discipline (American politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory), but many courses cut across subfields. While some students choose most of their courses from within one or two subfields, most take a wide variety of courses that span different areas.
Concentrations are not required, but majors are encouraged to consult with department advisers to design individualized programs of study. For example, students have designed concentrations around themes such as race, ethnicity, and politics; global transformation; representation and law; social and economic inequalities; terrorism and national security; and citizenship studies.