Political Science, BA

 

Overview

The Political Science major offers a broad, engaging study of political systems, institutions, and behavior in the U.S. and globally. Through rigorous coursework and research, students explore topics like elections, policymaking, and social movements. The program builds critical thinking and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers in law, government, public policy, business, and beyond.

In addition to the general Political Science major, the Department of Political Science offers four optional concentrations: American Politics and Policy, Comparative Political Studies, International Affairs and Security Studies, and Law and Justice. These concentrations are meant to provide students with opportunities to pursue a more focused curriculum in specific domains of political science and to obtain formal recognition on their transcript for doing so.

To have a concentration, students need only to complete five courses specified for the various tracks. All courses may be counted toward this total, including introductory courses as well as those used to fulfill the subfield distribution. 

Concentrations are intended primarily for students who are interested in continuing on to professional or graduate programs. A concentration that is noted on the transcript may be useful in pursuing professional aspirations as a signal to prospective graduate programs or employers about an applicant’s unique qualifications. Only one concentration is permitted. Of course, students may choose to have no concentration and strive for breadth. Students will be advised to consult with department faculty to discuss the decision whether to pursue a concentration.

Degree Requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, students must complete a minimum of 128 credits including major requirements, Yeshiva College Core/General Education and Jewish Studies requirements, and elective courses as needed.

Major Requirements (33 credits)

Core Courses

Complete three of the following courses:

POL 1101Introduction to American Politics

3

POL 1201Introduction to Comparative Politics

3

POL 1301Introduction to International Relations

3

POL 1401Great Political Thinkers: Introduction to Political Theory

3

POL 1501Fundamentals of Political Science

3


Subfields

Complete one course from each of the following subfield areas:
POL X1XX
American Politics

POL X2XX
Comparative Politics

POL X3XX
International Relations

POL X4XX
Political Theory


 

Political Science Electives

Complete one of the following groups of elective requirements:

Complete four additional Political Science (POLI) courses to fulfill the general Political Science Electives requirements (no concentration):

POL 1000-4999

Complete four of the following courses to fulfill the American Politics and Policy Concentration requirements:

POL 1101Introduction to American Politics

3

POL 1501Fundamentals of Political Science

3

POL 2100The American Presidency

3

POL 2105Congress and Legislative Process

3

POL 2121Political Psychology

3

POL 2135Voting and Elections

3

POL 2145Constitutional Law

3

POL 2160Social Movements

3

POL 2170Media and Politics

3

POL 2175Race and Religion in American Politics

3

POL 2185Power and Public Policy

3

POL 2190Topics in American Politics

3

POL 2505Writing Social Science

3

POL 3560Political Game Theory

3

POL 3575Research Methods

3

Complete four of the following courses to fulfill the Comparative Political Studies Concentration requirements:

POL 1201Introduction to Comparative Politics

3

POL 1501Fundamentals of Political Science

3

POL 2210East Asian Politics

3

POL 2215Latin American Politics

3

POL 2220Middle East Politics

3

POL 2260Democracy and Development

3

POL 2290Topics in Comparative Politics

3

POL 2505Writing Social Science

3

POL 3575Research Methods

3

Complete four of the following courses to fulfill the International Affairs and Security Studies Concentration requirements:

POLI 1301Introduction to International Relations

3

POLI 1501Fundamentals of Political Science

3

POLI 2260Democracy and Development

3

POLI 2290Topics in Comparative Politics

3

POLI 2305American Foreign Policy

3

POLI 2330Terrorism

3

POLI 2360Weapons of Mass Destruction

3

POLI 2395Topics in International Relations

3

POLI 2505Writing Social Science

3

POLI 3300International Security

3

POLI 3560Political Game Theory

3

POLI 3575Research Methods

3

Complete four of the following courses to fulfill the Law and Justice requirements:

POL 1101Introduction to American Politics

3

POL 1401Great Political Thinkers: Introduction to Political Theory

3

POL 1501Fundamentals of Political Science

3

POL 2100The American Presidency

3

POL 2105Congress and Legislative Process

3

POL 2135Voting and Elections

3

POL 2145Constitutional Law

3

POL 2175Race and Religion in American Politics

3

POL 2185Power and Public Policy

3

POL 2190Topics in American Politics

3

POL 2405Classical Political Theory

3

POL 2410Modern Political Theory

3

POL 2430American Political Thought

3

POL 2495Topics in Political Theory

3

POL 2505Writing Social Science

3

POL 3560Political Game Theory

3

POL 3575Research Methods

3