<p>Can any polisci majors give me the low down on Cal's polisci department? Obviously its top notch (#2 I think) but Id like to hear more about the strengths and weaknesses of the program as well as the types of internship/research opportunities available.</p>
<p>For example Ive read that while Berkeley polisci is generally hardcore, it has been lacking in theory.</p>
<p>Just to help me compare with UCSD and UCD's departments as Im looking to concentrate on international relations.</p>
<p>As far as theory is concerned, the fact of the matter is that the core cirriculum in absolute theory (the 112 series) is not taken by many students, simply because it is not that popular. I took three of those four theory classes, 112A Ancient Political Thought (Thucydides to Thomas Aquinas), 112B Modern Political Theory (Luther to Rousseau), and 112D (Leninism to Contemporary Theory, ie. the Development of Western Socialism). 112C is all Marx and Engels. </p>
<p>If you take these courses, you will get lots of loaded theory thrown in your face. 112D in particular will require some previous background in theory. 112B is the staple theory course recommended, because it consolidates together the most critical theorists underlying the development of modern theory (Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau, and maybe some Marx). Everyone should take 112B, and I found it very fulfilling, but 112D is a real kick in the pants if you want to explore how socialist theory has developed post-Lenin. </p>
<p>Because all these courses are not offered together, it might take you a couple of years to get them all in if you wish to do so. I took 112A in a winter semester, took 112B the following summer, and then took 112D the following fall (I took them all with the same professor, the department’s resident scholar on Marxist theory). The classes themselves even when offered (with the exception of 112B) do not fill up; when I took 112A, that class had lots of empty seats after all the drops, and 112D when it finished had half the students it did on the first day of lecture. Also, the theory classes are very writing intensive (since I took all 3 classes with the same professor, they were all graded the same way - 3 ten page papers, no exams). Although I loved writing hours and hours on the intracacies of Lukacs’ view on history or the Freudian contexualism of psychoanalytical processes within the construction of civil society, having a class based on just papers turns a lot of people off.</p>
<p>As far as international relations are concerned, consult this. It is one of the five available political science major subfields at Berkeley.</p>
<p>[Undergraduate</a> Program - Requirements for the Major](<a href=“Requirements for the Major | UC Berkeley Political Science”>Requirements for the Major | UC Berkeley Political Science)</p>
<p>“International Relations: PS 5, 122A-129C
This subfield concentrates on politics at the global level, dealing with issues of war and peace, poverty and prosperity, foreign policy behavior, globalization and regionalism, the politics of trade and finance, and evolving relationships among state, non-state, and supra-national actors in world politics.”</p>
<p>Our IR department is generally really good. You will definitely get your taste of theory (I took 112A) because there is a breadth requirement in the major that requires you take take courses from each discipline. And then you can have your concentration (in IR, I assume)</p>
<p>It’s really a great system that allows you to be well rounded yet have your focus/concentration at the same time. I believe that Berkeley has an excellent PS department in all aspects :)</p>
<p>thanks for the input, it helps alot! Also I know that Davis has an advantage with the Capitol, but what kind of internship opportunities do Cal undergrads usually take?</p>
<p>how good is our comparative politics department? </p>
<p>i’ve yet to take IR, but I’m definite that it’ll be up between those 2. And for the distribution requirement, i’m allowed to take PS4 after I declare right? because i’ve sat through some of those lectures, and it killed me, so i’m assuming higher-up will be even worse.</p>
<p>I just graduated last semester, and from my job seeking experience, I will definitely say this - Cal’s Poli Sci department is highly regarded among potential employers; if you graduate with distinction, you will have no problem finding a job that matches your skill sets. </p>
<p>Regarding our department, we are very strong in comparative politics but not so good on the IR. Don’t be fooled by the myth about the strength of the grad not mattering in undergrad, the Poli Sci undergrad definitely benefits from our strong grad department. Because of our strength in comp. politics grad dept., the related courses are awesome, period. If you like answering the key questions on what really goes on in politics from a global, macro view, then go for comp. politics in Cal, you won’t regret it. </p>
<p>I took an IR course during my time, and it was very theory heavy - like most of the courses here in Cal. Personally, I think the courses are more of a crossover from our comp. politics area, but I am not sure if it’s just me.</p>
<p>The people who touch Political Theory discipline here @ Cal is definitely hardcore - no doubt about it. Political Theory classes are notorious for heavy reading and paper writing (average of 3 10 page + 1 20 page final paper), those who have gotten an A in those classes have my utmost respect. So if you like a challenge, go for it; political theory is the backbone to modern politics, and I am sure they always welcome new minds.</p>
<p>Please read through the poli sci dept website regarding declaring and course requirements @ polisci.berkeley.edu . I am probably a little biased since I am a graduate of the major, but if you are really interested in the discipline, your experience here @ Cal should be one heck of a ride.</p>
<p>Good Luck and have fun!</p>