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Political Science B.A.

Division of Social Sciences - Adm
Division of Social Sciences
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2023
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 40
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Political science is the comprehensive study of the behaviors, organizations, institutions, and philosophical foundations of political life at the individual, state, national, and international settings. Objectives: The major program is designed to prepare students for lifelong civic engagement and leadership in democratic society, as well as intercultural competence as global citizens. The political science major curriculum stresses the development of strong analytical skills and critical thinking and prepares students for further academic training in political science, law, public administration, international relations, and other graduate programs as well as for work in public affairs, business, journalism, interest groups, and a wide range of other careers. Program Student Learning Outcomes: 1. Students will know and remember significant terms, processes, concepts, principles, and theories in political science research across the sub-fields. 2. Students will know and utilize multiple methods of analysis and synthesize their knowledge and skills to design, conduct, and present independent political research. 3. Students will understand and be able to compare, contrast, and explain perspectives on global and cross-cultural issues at the state, national, and international levels. 4. Students will demonstrate effective skills in oral and written analysis through identification and production of the parts, relationships, and organizing principles of political research communication.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
General Requirements
All students are required to complete general University and college requirements. For more information, see the general education requirements.
Program Requirements
Students are required to complete 2 semester(s) of any second language. with a grade of C-, or better, or S, or demonstrate proficiency in the language(s) as defined by the department or college.
The political science major requires 40 credit hours of political science courses. Of those, 16 are required core courses and 24 are elective courses. The political science discipline strongly recommends that students take advantage of opportunities in internships, field studies, and study abroad. Students are also strongly encouraged to take advantage of courses in other disciplines such as economics, history, psychology, philosophy, and statistics that will complement and enrich their political science coursework. Symbolic Logic (PHIL 2101) is recommended for pre-law students and statistics (STAT 1601 or 2601) for other political science majors. No grades below C- are allowed. Courses may not be taken S/N, unless offered S/N only. A minimum GPA of 2.00 is required in the major to graduate. The GPA includes all, and only, University of Minnesota coursework. Grades of "F" are included in GPA calculation until they are replaced.
Required Courses
Introductory Courses
Take 2 or more course(s) from the following:
· POL 1101 - Introduction to Political Theory [E/CR] (4.0 cr)
· POL 1201 - American Government and Politics [E/CR] (4.0 cr)
· POL 1401 - World Politics [IP] (4.0 cr)
Research Methods
POL 2001W - Political Science Research Methods [SS] (4.0 cr)
Research Seminar
POL 4905 - Senior Research Seminar in Political Science (4.0 cr)
Electives
Within the 24 additional elective credits, majors are required to complete: -at least 4 credits of 2000-level work in addition to 2001W. -at least 12 credits of 3000-level work. Additional options for majors (exclusive of courses used for the core requirement): Majors may complete: -one additional 1000-level course -up to 8 credits of Pol 1993, 2993, 3993, 4993 with discipline approval -up to 4 credits of Pol 3996 with discipline approval
Political Science majors must satisfy distribution requirement by taking at least 8 credits in American Politics and at least 8 credits in International and Comparative Politics.
Take 24 or more credit(s) from the following:
American Politics
Take 8 or more credit(s) from the following:
· POL 2202 - Criminal Justice and Policing [SS] (4.0 cr)
· POL 2221 - The American Judicial Process [SS] (2.0 cr)
· POL 2222 - The U.S. Supreme Court [SS] (2.0 cr)
· POL 2234 - Race, Class and Power: Social Movements in U.S. Politics [HDIV] (2.0 cr)
· POL 2235 - Race, Class and Power: Interest Groups in U.S. Politics [HDIV] (2.0 cr)
· POL 2261 - States: Laboratories of American Democracy [E/CR] (2.0 cr)
· POL 2262 - Power and Politics in American Cities and Communities [E/CR] (2.0 cr)
· POL 3201 - Legislative Process [SS] (4.0 cr)
· POL 3211 - The American Presidency [SS] (4.0 cr)
· POL 3231 - Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights [HDIV] (4.0 cr)
· POL 3232 - Constitutional Law: Governmental Powers and Constraints [SS] (4.0 cr)
· POL 3235 - U.S. Criminal and Tribal Law [SS] (4.0 cr)
· POL 3251 - American Democracy in Action: Campaigns, Elections, and Political Behavior [SS] (4.0 cr)
· POL 3263 - Political Psychology [SS] (4.0 cr)
· POL 3272 - Making Environmental Public Policy [ENVT] (4.0 cr)
· International and Comparative Politics
Take 4 or more credit(s) from the following:
· POL 2401 - U.S. Foreign Policy [IP] (4.0 cr)
· POL 2411 - Model United Nations [IP] (4.0 cr)
· POL 2461 - Diplomatic Negotiation [IP] (4.0 cr)
· POL 2501 - East Asian Society and Politics [SS] (4.0 cr)
· POL 3411 - International Law [IP] (4.0 cr)
· POL 3451 - Comparative Foreign Policy (4.0 cr)
· POL 3453 - Russian Politics and Foreign Policy [IP] (4.0 cr)
· POL 3475 - International Human Rights (4.0 cr)
· POL 3504 - Latin American Politics (4.0 cr)
· Political Theory
Take 0 or more credit(s) from the following:
· POL 3351 - Ancient and Medieval Political Thought [HUM] (4.0 cr)
· POL 3352 - Modern Political Thought [HUM] (4.0 cr)
 
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POL 1101 - Introduction to Political Theory (E/CR)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
An introduction to key political concepts, questions, and ideologies through the writings of major political thinkers and examination of contemporary debates about political life.
POL 1201 - American Government and Politics (E/CR)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Analysis of principles, organization, procedures, and powers of government in the United States. The federal system, national constitution, civil and political rights, party system; nature, structure, powers, and procedures of legislative, executive, and judicial departments of the national government.
POL 1401 - World Politics (IP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
An introduction to international relations, covering the basic concepts, theories, and trends. The major issue fields include historical international systems, war and peace, foreign policy, diplomacy, national interests, international conflict and cooperation, international law, and international organizations.
POL 2001W - Political Science Research Methods (SS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Students conceive and develop research questions and hypotheses; collect and critically review published research on their topic; analyze empirical evidence using statistical software; and write clearly, forcefully, and logically about their research. Examination of the philosophy and critiques of social-science methods. prereq: any 1xxx-level UMM Pol course, major or minor or instr consent
POL 4905 - Senior Research Seminar in Political Science
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The course includes class meetings based on scholarly readings, student-led critical discussion, as well as time devoted to independent research leading to a substantive research paper. prereq: 2001 or instr consent
POL 2202 - Criminal Justice and Policing (SS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: POL 2202/HMSV 2202
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Same as HMSV 2202. Law enforcement is a critical function in the United States that operates on the local, state, and national level. This course examines processes, actors, and institutions involved in criminal justice, from the investigation of criminal activity through the arrest and incarceration of individuals. With a focus on modern controversies such as use of force and systemic racism, the course provides students with a critical foundation for understanding the criminal justice system in the context of the United States.
POL 2221 - The American Judicial Process (SS)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: Pol 2221/Pol 3221
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
A half-semester course examining the common law system as broadly practiced in the United States, including types of legal recourse, the structures of state and federal judicial systems, how judges are selected, and the various influences on their decisions.
POL 2222 - The U.S. Supreme Court (SS)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: Pol 2222/Pol 3221
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
A half-semester course specifically looking at the role of the Supreme Court in U.S. politics with an emphasis on its historical development, how it interacts with the other federal branches, and the decision-making process of the justices on the Court.
POL 2234 - Race, Class and Power: Social Movements in U.S. Politics (HDIV)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: Pol 2234/Pol 3234
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Using a case study approach, this half-semester course examines a variety of social movements from across U.S. history. Addresses questions such as why social movements arise, how they succeed or fail, and how the American political system adapts to their influence.
POL 2235 - Race, Class and Power: Interest Groups in U.S. Politics (HDIV)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: Pol 2235/Pol 3234
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
A half-semester course focusing on the growth and importance of interest groups in U.S. politics by looking at different types of interest groups, the tactics they use to try to influence the political system, how successful they are at doing so, and whether this system works for the public good.
POL 2261 - States: Laboratories of American Democracy (E/CR)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Examination of the ways American democracy functions in the states. Analysis of principles, organizations, procedures, and functions of state government in the United States, with particular emphasis on comparing state politics and policy outcomes. [Note: no credit for students who have received credit for Pol 3261] prereq: 1201 or instr consent
POL 2262 - Power and Politics in American Cities and Communities (E/CR)
Credits: 2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: Pol 2262/Pol 3261
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Explores the nature of political power and institutions in urban, suburban, and rural communities, along with cultural and economic forces. Analyzes political and policy trends in metropolitan regions and rural areas. Includes relevant experiential or service projects in surrounding communities.
POL 3201 - Legislative Process (SS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
The internal organization of Congress and state legislatures, with emphasis on how rules and organizational changes affect the policy process. Topics include the evolution of the modern Congress and state legislatures, the committee system, the role of party leadership, and competing theories of congressional organization and behavior. prereq: 1201 or instr consent
POL 3211 - The American Presidency (SS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Traces the development of the American presidency over time. Major theories of presidential behavior and success are examined, as well as the literature on presidential popularity and executive/congressional relations. prereq: 1201 or instr consent
POL 3231 - Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (HDIV)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Pol 3231/Pol 3233
Prerequisites: 1201 or #
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Case-based examination of major Supreme Court opinions primarily dealing with the Bill of Rights and including topics such as freedom of religion, speech and the press, rights of the accused, and struggles over the right to privacy and how to guarantee civil rights protections. [Note: this course is one part of a two-part set of courses covering Constitutional Law; these courses may be taken in any order] prereq: 1201 or instr consent
POL 3232 - Constitutional Law: Governmental Powers and Constraints (SS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Prerequisites: 1201 or #
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Case-based examination of major Supreme Court opinions dealing with separation of powers, checks and balances, and issues of federalism. Specific topics include the importance of due process, the Contract Clause, the power to tax and spend, the Commerce Clause, and the struggle to define national and state powers. [Note: this course is one part of a two-part set of courses covering Constitutional Law; these courses may be taken in any order] prereq: 1201 or instr consent
POL 3235 - U.S. Criminal and Tribal Law (SS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Examination of criminal law, tribal law and criminological theory within the United States. Includes a focus on the interactions between tribal versus federal and state criminal law. prereq: 1201 or instr consent
POL 3251 - American Democracy in Action: Campaigns, Elections, and Political Behavior (SS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Examination of the American system of choosing new political leaders and the reasons behind political engagement and making specific voting choices. Attention is paid to the demographics of who does and does not participate, what happened in recent elections, and how American voting behavior has changed and is changing. There is a significant focus on the mid-term or presidential elections which occur during the semester the course is offered, including the creation and implementation of a poll of voters. [Note: no credit for students who have received credit for Pol 4251] prereq: 1201 or instr consent
POL 3263 - Political Psychology (SS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Prerequisites: 1201; Psy 1051 or # recommended
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Examines the intersection of political science and psychology research, particularly on topics such as personality, emotions, and cognition. Explores the various roles of individuals and groups in political decision-making, emphasizing the connections between how we think and learn and how we structure society and make political choices. prereq: 1201; Psy 1051 or instr consent recommended
POL 3272 - Making Environmental Public Policy (ENVT)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Exploration of the domestic and international politics of environmental and energy policy making. Focus on theoretical frameworks for policy making and political behaviors surrounding development of environmental and energy policies. Includes the applications of political dynamics and principles to specific areas of environmental and energy policy. Emphasis also given to politics of policy implementation. prereq: 1101 or 1201 or 1401
POL 2401 - U.S. Foreign Policy (IP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
American diplomatic history. Institutions and processes of American foreign policy. Major factors to be considered and levels of analysis that allow for the examination and dissection of foreign policy decisions. [Note: no credit for students who have received credit for Pol 3401]
POL 2411 - Model United Nations (IP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Students examine the nature and functions of the United Nations and hone their negotiating skills through a series of mock UN conferences. The issue areas to be covered include peace and security, social justice, economic well-being, nuclear proliferation, environment, and human rights.
POL 2461 - Diplomatic Negotiation (IP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Discusses negotiation strategies and tactics and examines negotiation skills through a series of simulated negotiations and mock conferences. Diplomacy, negotiation styles, negotiation simulations, and mock conferences. [Note: no credit for students who have received credit for Pol 3461]
POL 2501 - East Asian Society and Politics (SS)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Examination of governments, political and leadership changes, and economic developments in China, Japan, and Korea. Modernization, democratization, political pluralism, revolution, authoritarianism, and civil-military relations. [Note: no credit for students who have received credit for Pol 3501]
POL 3411 - International Law (IP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
An introduction to public international law, examining basic concepts, theories, and legal cases in international law. Includes the nature of international law, recognition, succession, the rights and duties of international persons, the individual and international law, territorial questions, and laws of war. prereq: 1401 or instr consent
POL 3451 - Comparative Foreign Policy
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Prerequisites: 1401 or #
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Comparative examination of foreign policies of the United States, China, and Russia. Topics include Sino-American relations, Sino-Russia relations, China's rise, Russia's resurgence, global war on terrorism, and nuclear proliferation. [Note: no credit for students who have received credit for Pol 4451] prereq: 1401 or instr consent
POL 3453 - Russian Politics and Foreign Policy (IP)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Prerequisites: 1401 or #
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Domestic and foreign policies of Russia and the former Soviet Union from the Bolshevik Revolution to the present. Nature of the Soviet empire, Russian Federalism, democratic and market reforms, and Russian foreign relations. prereq: 1401 or instr consent
POL 3475 - International Human Rights
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Explores the historical and philosophical development of concepts of human rights and the contemporary international political and legal frameworks to address rights. Analyzes contemporary concerns about political, economic, and social rights, as well as specific human rights topics like human trafficking and war crimes. Compares American, European, Asian, and Developing World conceptions and critiques of human rights. prereq: 1401 or instr consent
POL 3504 - Latin American Politics
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Prerequisites: 1401 or #
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
A comparative examination of central issues in and components of Latin American political life, with a particular focus on economic development, political development of democratic regimes, political violence and human rights, and the region's role in the world. Countries analyzed may include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, and Cuba. prereq: 1401 or instr consent
POL 3351 - Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (HUM)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
A survey of Western social and political thought from 5th century BCE through the 15th century. prereq: 1101 or instr consent
POL 3352 - Modern Political Thought (HUM)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
A survey of Western social and political thought from the 16th through the 19th centuries. prereq: 1101 or instr consent