Political Science

Major, Minor

The world of contemporary politics demands much of both its participants and its critics. Knox's Political Science major challenges students to understand the complexities of political life in the United States and beyond through a curriculum that contrasts diverse sets of political theories with political realities.

The political science major is designed to give you a thorough understanding of the workings of American and international politics. The department encourages students to take courses in related departments, including history, economics, sociology, and modern languages.

A degree in political science is a strong foundation for careers in local, state or national government; transnational governmental or non-governmental organizations; law; and business. Graduates also undertake graduate study in fields such as law, politics, labor and industrial relations, city management and urban planning, journalism, interest groups or social movement lobbying, and communication.

Political Science Program
The Department of Political Science teaches diverse yet integrated courses that lead students to a better understanding of the importance and complexity of political life. Introductory courses cover American national government, international relations, comparative governments, methods of political analysis and political theory. The major allows advanced work that builds on the theory and framework provided by the 100 and 200-level courses. Advanced courses explore specialties such as international politics, American constitutional law, political philosophy and comparative governments.

The department also offers minors in American Politics, International Relations, and Comparative Politics.

The curriculum emphasizes the areas of political philosophy, American institutions and politics, American constitutional law, international relations, globalization, and comparative government. Beyond specific course work, many students engage in independent study, internships, experiential learning and honors work.

Political Science Resources
The Political Science Department is housed in George Davis Hall. The department's suite of "living space," faculty offices and seminar rooms are supplemented by a number of other facilities in Davis Hall and other buildings on campus including the Dorothy Johnson '39 and Richard Burkhardt '39 Language Center.