Plan of Study

General Education Requirements

The Department offers six courses that fulfill the Domestic component of the Perspectives on Diversity requirement, POLS 243, 346, 365, 366, 371 and 375; and 17 courses that fulfill the International component of that requirement, POLS 105, 107, 170, 350, 351, 352, 355, 357, 359, 363, 371, 372, 373, 374, 376, 377, 378 and 379. The Department also offers two Comparative Practices courses, POL 365 and 375, and yearly Earlham Seminars.

The Major

Majors in Politics are expected to achieve both depth and breadth of knowledge in the field. They are strongly encouraged to have a public service internship and/or international study experience.

Politics majors are required to take a minimum of 11 courses in Politics that must include the following:

Two of the following three introductory courses:

• POLS 104 Introduction to American Politics

• POLS 105 Introduction to Comparative Politics

• POLS 107 Introduction to International Relations

One of the following Political Philosophy courses:

• POL 361 Western Political Philosophy I

• POLS 362 Western Political Philosophy II

• POLS 366 American Political Thought

• POLS 488 Senior Capstone Experience

All majors must pass POLS 339 Approaching Political Puzzles.

Politics majors are also encouraged to take courses in related Social Sciences, including History, Economics, Sociology/Anthropology and Psychology.

The Minor

Students choosing to minor in Politics must complete a minimum of six courses in Politics that must include:

Two of the following three introductory courses:

• POLS 104 Introduction to American Politics

• POLS 105 Introduction to Comparative Politics

• POLS 107 Introduction to International Relations

One of the following Political Philosophy courses:

• POLS 361 Western Political Philosophy I

• POLS 362 Western Political Philosophy II

• POLS 366 American Political Thought