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B.A. in Social Sciences

POLITICS CONCENTRATION


Politics permeates all aspects of society from the local to the regional, national, and international levels. The lives of all human beings are shaped, defined, and influenced by political institutions, laws, regulations, and political forces. The Politics concentration requires that you become familiar with and gain an understanding of the complexity of the American political scene, the international political arena, and the theoretical foundations of political behavior. This program prepares you for careers in government, business, teaching, social work, urban affairs, and journalism, as well as for graduate school.

We recommend that students complete the McGhee Core Curriculum before the following requirements.

Prerequisites and Recommended Courses

Students must complete American Politics, Modern Political Thought, and International Relations. Before starting the concentration, students must complete Modern Political Thought. Students planning to attend graduate school in political science are advised to take at least two semesters of a foreign language and one course in statistics.

Methods and Theory (8 Credits)

Students must take Classical Political Thought and Social Science Research Methods or Historical Methods and Philosophy.

Concentration Courses (16 Credits)

Students select one course from each of the four categories.

American Government and Politics

American Politics is a prerequisite for these courses.

Civil Rights, Feminism, and the Law / Y26.6648 4
Government and Business / Y26.6650 4
The U.S. Constitution and the Supreme Court / Y26.6651 4
U.S. Foreign Policy / Y26.6653 4

Comparative Politics

International Relations is a prerequisite for these courses.

Latin American Politics / Y26.6656 4
European Politics / Y26.6657 4
The Politics of East Asia / Y26.6658 4
The Politics of the Middle East and North Africa / Y26.6659 4
The Politics of Africa / Y26.6667 4

International Relations

International Relations is a prerequisite for these courses.

International Law / Y26.6661 4
International Organizations / Y26.6662 4
International Human Rights / Y26.6673 4
International Political Economy / Y26.6674 4

Political Theory

Comparative Political Systems / Y26.6601 4
Theories of Democracy / Y26.6663 4
Theories of Socialism / Y26.6664 4
Political Sociology / Y26.7251 4

Major Requirements (20 Credits)

Students may select courses from the categories above or in other Social Sciences areas. In addition, special topics courses may be offered in any of the four areas to provide greater focus on a specific issue.

Special Topics in Political Science / Y26.6690 4

Free Electives (26 - 28 Credits)

Students select 26 - 28 credits from McGhee course offerings in consultation with their advisors.

Graduation Project (4 Credits)

Students select one option in consultation with their advisors.

Senior Project Seminar (Social Sciences) / Y26.7991 4
Senior Project Internship (Social Sciences) / Y26.7992 4