Course planning advice here is limited to majors. For a full description of degree requirements, please see this
overview of the Academic Program and refer to the
Catalog for details and official rules. Any discrepancy between the Course Planning Pages and the Catalog will be resolved in favor of the Catalog.
Possible Degree Path – starting in the first year.
The following is a typical major plan. This is not the only way forward. Please consult with your advisor to create your unique path.
Overall major courses should include:
-
at least two courses 300-level or above
-
one course in American politics
-
one course in comparative politics / international relations
- one course in political theory
| |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
First Year
|
Introduction to American Politics (POLI 101)
|
Introduction to Global Politics (POLI 102)
Introduction to Statistics (MATH 215)
|
| Sophomore |
Introduction to Statistics (MATH 215) (if not already taken; take in the Fall)
Empirical Research Methods (POLI 202) (Spring)
2 Politics (POLI) courses at the 200-level or above
|
| Junior |
Co-op (one semester, Fall or Spring)
In the other semester:
Analyzing Politics (POLI 303)
2-3 major courses with at least 1 course 300–level or above, which can include more than one POLI 303
|
| Senior |
Senior Research Seminar (POLI 497, Fall)
1-2 courses to complete the major with at least 1 course 300-level or above
|
Possible Degree Path – starting in the second year.
The following is a typical plan to complete this major. Please consult with your advisor or a member of the Department to create your unique path.
Overall major courses should include:
-
at least two courses 300-level or above
-
one course in American politics
-
one course in comparative politics / international relations
- one course in political theory
| |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
First Year
|
-
|
| Sophomore |
Introduction to American Politics (POLI 101)
Introduction to Statistics (MATH 215)
|
Introduction to Global Politics (POLI 102)
Empirical Research Methods (POLI 202)
|
| Junior |
Co-op (one semester, Fall or Spring)
In the other semester:
Analyzing Politics (POLI 303)
3 major courses including at least 1 course 300–level or above, which can include more than one POLI 303
|
| Senior |
Senior Research Seminar (POLI 497, Fall)
2-3 courses to complete the major with at least 1 course 300-level or above
|
Planning Recommendations:
- Introduction to American Politics (POLI 101) and Introduction to Global Politics (POLI 102) should be completed in the first year; sophomore year at the latest.
- In order to prepare for upper-level work, Empirical Research Methods (POLI 202) should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.
- Students must complete Introduction to Statistics (MATH 215) and Empirical Research Methods (POLI 202) before taking Analyzing Politics (POLI 303). Ideally, students should take MATH 215 before POLI 202.
- We encourage students to take multiple POLI 303 courses to develop both their understanding of various subfields and their research skills.
- The co-op is required and takes place during one semester of the junior year (Fall or Spring). Students should plan their junior year coursework around whichever semester the co-op is scheduled. Please consult with your advisor early to coordinate timing.
- Please note that students should choose major electives to ensure they complete:
- two major courses at the 300-level or higher
- one course in American politics
- one course in comparative politics / international relations
- one course in political theory
- For students that study abroad, make sure that those courses can be counted toward the Politics major.