Political Science Curriculum

All majors specialize in two of the four subfields in political science; therefore, they should give considerable thought to which subfields they pursue as they complete the major.

Curriculum

The Political Science curriculum at Gettysburg College is designed to provide both breadth and depth for students in program. Students receive a foundation in the study of politics while specializing in areas of interest such as American politics, international relations, comparative politics, or political theory. Majors and minors progress from introductory courses into more advanced classes that emphasize critical thinking, research, and analysis, ultimately culminating in a capstone seminar for majors. Along the way, students can enrich their studies with experiential opportunities like study abroad, internships, and research through the Jacober Scholars honors program. This structure ensures that graduates leave with both a broad understanding of political systems and the focused expertise needed for careers in law, government, public policy, business, and beyond.

Off Campus Courses

Students are encouraged to pursue off campus programs. Political Science course credit will be given to those courses that are consistent with the department’s subfield designations. Political science courses taken off campus will satisfy 200-level requirements only, and only two political science courses taken off campus can satisfy major requirements.

Internships

Students are encouraged to take internships for academic course credit, but they are graded S/U and do not fulfill any major requirements. Students need to work with the Center for Career Development and consult with a faculty member on the nature of the internship and its academic requirements.

Individualized Study

>Individualized study provides an excellent opportunity for students to work with a faculty member on an important political topic and produce a significant research paper. Students need to consult with a faculty member on choosing the topic and arranging the requirements of the course. Individualized Study is graded A-F, is calculated in the major grade point average, but does not fulfill any major requirements.

First Year Student Informatoin

Any student may enroll in Political Science 101,102,103 or 104. Prospective majors must take three of these introductory courses which are intended to introduce the student to the major subfields of political science and prepare the groundwork for their concentration in two of those subfields. They may be taken in any order, but should be completed by the end of the sophomore year. POL 215, Methods in Political Science, should also be completed by the end of the sophomore year. For advising help contact Prof. Caroline Hartzell or Valerie Andrews. For complete information for first-year students, consult the First Year Advising and Registration Guide.

Major

A minimum of 10 courses in political science. The courses are categorized in four general subfields of the discipline: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. Students take three introductory courses, two 200 and two 300 level courses, an elective at the 200 or 300 level, the methods course, and the capstone.

Gettysburg College — Political Science Major: Curriculum Summary
Requirement Details
Introductory Courses Take 3 of 4: POL 101 (American Government), POL 102 (Introduction to Political Theory), POL 103 (Introduction to International Relations), POL 104 (Introduction to Comparative Politics). Complete by end of sophomore year. Some First-Year Seminars may substitute. Intro courses are prerequisites for advanced work.
Methods Course POL 215: Political Science Research Methods (sophomore or first-semester junior year). Must earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher to graduate with the major.
Subfield Specialization — 200 Level Choose two subfields from those taken at the introductory level. Take at least one 200-level course in each chosen subfield; develop thematic depth and research skills.
Subfield Specialization — 300 Level After 200-level work, take at least one 300-level course in each selected subfield; engage in deeper, critical analysis.
Elective One additional 200- or 300-level course in any of the three introductory subfields taken.
Capstone Required senior seminar in one of the two chosen subfields. Offered annually in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations; Political Theory offered every other year (may be taken junior year if needed).

Minor

Students intending to minor in political science need to understand the subfield orientation of the minor as well as the minor requirements. The Department Chair is the advisor for the minor, and students should consult with them on choosing courses to fulfill the minor requirements. At this time, students should formally declare the minor. The Department Chair will sign their minor declaration form, which they will then turn in to the Registrar's office.

The minor in political science consists of six courses in political science. All minors specialize in two of the four subfields in political science; therefore, they should give considerable thought to which subfields they pursue as they complete the minor.

Gettysburg College — Political Science Minor: Curriculum Summary
Requirement Details
Introductory Courses Minors must take 2 of the 4 introductory courses: POL 101 (American Government), POL 102 (Introduction to Political Theory), POL 103 (Introduction to International Relations), or POL 104 (Introduction to Comparative Politics).
Advanced Courses (200/300 level) Minors must complete four courses at the 200- or 300-level that align with the subfields chosen at the introductory level. These courses cannot all be in the same subfield; most students take two courses in each subfield, though some complete three in one and one in the other. POL 215 (Political Research Methods) may substitute for one of the advanced courses.
Note: Introductory courses serve as prerequisites for advanced work. Students should consult their advisor to ensure selections meet the distribution requirements for the minor.

Available Courses

This list is a sampling of the kinds of courses offered through the Political Science department curriculum. Not all courses shown here will be offered every semester. For a complete list of currently available courses, students may log into their account on Student Center.

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