<p>what exactly does a political science major entail? types of courses taken? type of work required? i'm thinking of majoring in it based on my own notions; it would be most helpful to get a poli sci student's perspective.
Thanks!
P.S. if there's any more information required, feel free to let me know.</p>
<p>i am a political science major. At many schools such as Harvard and Cornell, it is also known as a government major. It is the study of politics, policy making, and the study of how government functions and operates and how policies address the needs of the people and how they allow countries to grow and to be stable during periods of unrest.</p>
<p>not sure if it's the same at other universities, but the 4 main concentrations within political science at UCLA are:</p>
<ol>
<li>Political Theory</li>
<li>World Politics</li>
<li>American Politics</li>
<li>Comparative Politics</li>
</ol>
<p>I'm going to be a poli sci major, so here is a little bit of information for you that I found.</p>
<p>"The Department of Political Science is concerned with the functions and theory of the structure and operation of government, and the nature and development of local, national, and international politics. The goals of the department are both intellectual and practical. Courses are designed to develop an understanding of the political process, and an ability to analyze critically political systems, relationships, and problems. Courses are also intended to provide a basis for intelligent citizenship, increase capacity for community service, and orient the student toward possible employment in governmental agencies on the local, state, national, or international level. The undergraduate curriculum is structured to recognize that majors in political science will have a diversity of postcollege goals. The department's offerings may be regarded as a foundation for graduate study preparatory to college teaching, professional government service, the law, and city and environmental planning, as well as for careers in such fields as public and business administration, journalism, secondary school teaching, and social action."</p>
<p>Where is the science in political science?</p>
<p>Your thinking of science in the sense of biology or chemisty. However, science can mean more than just that.</p>
<p>Science
a department of systematized knowledge as an object of study <the science="" of="" theology="">; something (as a sport or technique) that may be studied or learned like systematized knowledge <have it="" down="" to="" a="" science=""></have></the></p>
<p>So there you go, there is the science.</p>
<p>Wow, this is a lot of information. Thank you!!
I am also wondering what sorts of courses do political science majors have to take?<br>
I've also noticed the International Relations major, since my interests are more global. Could some current IR students give some input?
Thank you!</p>
<p>Comparative politics in different regions, American relations with certain countries, political history courses, modern diplomacy, political economy, that sort of thing</p>
<p>At most colleges there's a concentration in a certain field. Duke's and Williams' both have four or five concentrations, including American Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Comparative Politics.</p>
<p>Check out these links:
Political Science major[ul]
[li]<a href="http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research/majors/majorBasics.asp?%5B/url%5D">http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research/majors/majorBasics.asp?</a>[/li][*]<a href="http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research/majors/curriculum.asp?majorID=221%5B/url%5D%5B/LIST%5D">http://www.princetonreview.com/college/research/majors/curriculum.asp?majorID=221[/ul]</a></p>