Northwestern University Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences 78 courses
The major in political science provides an opportunity for students to learn about politics in a variety of realms and settings. Students are encouraged to begin the major with 200-level courses, which provide a general introduction to subfields of political science, as well as important background for 300-level courses. Majors should choose 200-level courses from at least two subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. While some students choose courses from within one or two subfields, most take a wide variety across different areas. Concentrations are not required. Majors may consult with department advisers, however, to design more customized programs of study. For instance, students might design a course of study around themes such as race, ethnicity, and politics; global transformation; representation and law; social and economic inequalities; conflict and national security; and citizenship studies. Students planning to major in political science are advised to complete the 200-level gateway courses and at least one 300-level course in political science by the end of sophomore year. Majors should complete their methodology requirement by the end of junior year and before taking the POLI_SCI 395-0 Political Research Seminar. Students should plan to take POLI_SCI 395-0 in junior or senior year. Those who plan to pursue honors should take POLI_SCI 395-0 in junior year.
| 7 additional 300-level courses in political science 1, 2, 3, 4, | credits |
Major Requirements
3 gateway courses chosen from:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLI_SCI 201-0 | Introduction to Political Theory | 1 |
| POLI_SCI 220-0 | American Government and Politics | 1 |
| POLI_SCI 230-0 | Introduction to Law in the Political Arena | 1 |
| POLI_SCI 240-0 | Introduction to International Relations | 1 |
| POLI_SCI 250-0 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 1 |
| Total Major Requirements | 12 credits | |
Major Requirements
1 methodology course in political science chosen from:
Major Requirements
1 Political Research Seminar
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLI_SCI 395-0 | Political Research Seminar | 1 |
American Politics Courses
Comparative Politics Courses
International Relations Courses
Political Theory Courses
Research Methodology Courses
Seminars and Independent Study
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