Nov 23, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Political Science, B.A.


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 life-long 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.

Program Requirements


Majors pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in political science must satisfy the University General Education Requirements. 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 and a two-course research sequence in political science. Majors are encouraged to complete an internship locally or in Washington, DC with credit toward the subfield requirements. Students must complete a sufficient number of general electives to total 120 credits. Majors are encouraged to apply general 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.

Political Science Electives


Students must complete four (4) electives (or 12 credits) in both American National Politics/Political Theory and International Relations/Comparative Politics plus one additional elective (3 credits).

International Relations/Comparative Politics


Students must complete four (4) courses or 12 credits in International Relations or Comparative Politics

Political Science Elective


Two Course Research Sequence


Examining in depth a topic chosen by the student completes the major

Internship/Study Abroad


Students are strongly encouraged to pursue an internship (locally or in Washington, DC) or study abroad to complete political science elective requirements.