Requirements for the Political Studies Major
The political studies program offers six core courses, of which two should be taken prior to moderation, and must be taken prior to graduation:
- Introduction to American Politics
- Introduction to Comparative Government
- Introduction to International Relations
- Foundations of Law: The Quest for Justice
- Introduction to Political Theory
- Introduction to Political Economy
Prior to Moderation a student ordinarily should have taken at least four courses in the program. Depending on a student’s focus or interest, however, one related course from another program may be counted toward this requirement. The courses in political studies must fall into at least two of the four clusters. (The core courses count toward both these requirements.)
At Moderation, usually the second semester of sophomore year, the student should be able to explain why he or she has chosen the program and to describe the focus of his or her interests. The standard two short papers reviewing work in the Lower College and outlining plans for the Upper College are required, along with an analytical paper. The analytical paper is a critical analysis, five to seven pages long, of one or more articles chosen by the student's advisor. (See the guidelines below. Students should consult with their advisors about the choice and location of readings.)
Following moderation, the student must take at least three Upper College (300- or 400-level) courses in the program, not including the Senior Project. At least one of these Upper College courses should be taken in the junior year in preparation for the research and writing of a Senior Project. (Note also the core course requirement, which ordinarily is completed by the semester of moderation.)
For more information download this file: ps-mod-essay.pdf
Tutorials and Major Conferences
This selection of tutorials and Major Conferences given in recent years indicates the range of individual study beyond the listed courses.
Historical Roots of Islamic Nationalism
Intelligence and American Politics
Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil
Heidegger and the Law
Reading Marx
Texts and Pretexts in American War Rationales
Globalization and the Environment
Women and the Law
