Political Science (Honors Track Available)

Political Science is the systematic study of governments, political processes, public policies, and political behavior.  The field of Political Science is conventionally divided into four main subfields: American Government, Political Theory, International Relations, and Comparative Politics.  The Department offers an introductory course and advanced courses in all subfields, as well as other fields such as political economy and terrorism, regional studies, and legal issues.

Students gain knowledge of how government works, develop the ability to critically analyze problems and identify solutions, and improve their writing and presentation skills.

Political Science provides a strong undergraduate background for post-graduate study in law, public administration/public policy, international business, and other fields.  Graduates find employment in city, state and federal government, the financial sector, international, national and community-based religious and philanthropic organizations, and in secondary and university-level education.   Graduates also are employed in media and journalism, political campaigns and polling, public finance, and in private- and public-sector lobbying and consulting.

Students who wish to pursue a career in the field of law often major in Political Science.

Prof. Alan Mond serves as the deputy chair in charge of the political science department in Flatbush.

 

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Regular Track – Required Courses (15 credits)

  • POLN 101 - American Politics - 3 credits
  • POLN 102 - Comparative Politics - 3 credits
  • POLN 103 - International Relations - 3 credits
  • POLN 493 - Advanced Topics in Social Science - 3 credits

One of the following

  • POLN 201 - Introduction to Political Theory - 3 credits
  • POLN 202 - American Political Theory - 3 credits

Honors Track – Required Courses (21 credits)

In addition to the regular track required courses, political science honors track students must take five courses designated as honors, plus the following:

  • POLN 495 - Senior Honors Thesis I - 3 credits
  • POLN 496 - Senior Honors Thesis II - 3 credits

Regular and Honors Track – Five electives from the following: (15 credits)

  • MATN 261 - Statistics for Social Science Majors -  3 credits
  • POLN 207 - Introduction to American Law - 3 credits
  • POLN 212 - International Organizations - 3 credits
  • POLN 222 - International Law - 3 credits
  • POLN 226 - Public Administration - 3 credits
  • POLN 241 - The Presidency - 3 credits
  • POLN 242 - Congress and the Legislative Process - 3 credits
  • POLN 244 - American Political Parties - 3 credits
  • POLN 246 - Judicial Politics - 3 credits
  • POLN 261 - Government and Politics of Israel - 3 credits
  • POLN 302 - Modern Political Theory - 3 credits
  • POLN 304 - Politics of the Middle East - 3 credits
  • POLN 305 - Third World in International Politics - 3 credits
  • POLN 307 - Terrorism and Insurgency - 3 credits
  • POLN 309 - Civil Rights and Liberties - 3 credits
  • POLN 310 - The Supreme Court and the Constitution - 3 credits
  • POLN 311 - Introduction to Legal Principles - 3 credits
  • POLN 315 - American Foreign Policy - 3 credits
  • POLN 318 - Scandals and Accountability - 3 credits
  • POLN 328 - Psychology and Politics - 3 credits
  • POLN 330 - Political Communication - 3 credits
  • POLN 335 - Women and Politics in Comparative Perspective
  • POLN 350 - Social Movements and Revolution - 3 credits
  • POLN 360 - Debating Justice - 3 credits

Suggested Additional Courses

  • POLN 485 - Legislative Internship
  • POLN 486 - Communal Internship
  • POLN 487 - Government Internship

Total Credits in Program 30 (regular track)
Total Credits in Program 36 (honors track)