Chair: Roxanne Euben
Pendleton East, Room 249
Phone 781-283-2194
Fax 781-283-3644
What is political science?
What are the subfields of political science and how are they different?
What are the requirements for a major in political science?
Can I minor in political science?
Do I have to take POL 100- Intro to Political Science?
How is the Political Science major different than the IR major?
How should I choose my major advisor?
I'm a First Year and thinking of majoring in Political Science but my First Year advisor isn't in Poli Sci, who can I talk to?
Whom should I talk to about having the credits count toward my major?
I am interested in taking a seminar next semester. How do I apply
How do I graduate with departmental honors?
I'm interested in doing a honors thesis. When should I start preparing and with whom should I speak to about this?
Should I go to law school or grad school immediately after college?
What should I do to prepare and whom can I talk to about law school plans?
What should I do to prepare and whom can I talk to about grad school plans?
How can I find out about internships, jobs, and events related to Political Science?
Do my AP credits count toward my Poli Sci major?
What is political science?
Political Science is the study of power, governance, and political
processes- e.g., who has/does not have power, who wants it, how different
political actors acquire it, use it, and why. Although divided into four
unique sub-fields and encompassing diverse issues of interest, political
science classes all engage with these issues of power. You may choose to
explore the power and politics surrounding the U.S. Congress, the Presidency,
the Supreme Court, the United Nations, the European Union, or the World Trade
Organization; how different nations choose to organize their power into
different types of governments and economies; how nation-states compete
and cooperate with one another for power in the international system; or
how theorists conceptualize and interpret the very nature of power.
What are the subfields of political science and how are they different?
There are four subfields in Political Science. You need not declare a
specialization. However, it is more likely that you will pick one or two
of these subfields to emphasize in your course selection.
American Politics: the study of the American political system.
Classes offered at Wellesley include studies of the institutions of American
Government, such as Congress and the Supreme Court. Other courses explore
political processes outside of formal government, such as how the media
affects politics, the politics of urban schools, and processes of political
organization.
Comparative Politics: the comparative study of nationsÕ
political institutions, culture, and leadership. Classes offered at Wellesley
include studies of specific nations or regions, such as China, Cuba, Latin
America, Europe and the European Union, East Asia, South Asia, and Africa.
There are also classescovering more general processes, such as the politics
of economic and political development, how globalization affects nations, and
how nations deal with environmental problems.
International Relations: the study of relations among
nation-states,
international organizations, and transnational (cross-border) actors,
and processes. Courses offered at Wellesley include introductions to
international relations (World Politics), causes of war, international
organizations such as the U.N. , international economic development, foreign
policy analysis, identity and culture, and the possibility of peace and
cooperation among nations.
Political Theory: the study of conceptual underpinnings and
value orientations in politics. Courses engage in debates about concepts such
as power, democracy, justice, and fairness. In many ways, political theory is
fundamental to each of the other subfields. Specific theory courses offered at
Wellesley address the meaning of power, community, dissent, democracy,
feminism, and political ethics. Other courses explore the history of political
thought, classical thought (e.g., the ancient Greeks), the political theory of
the Modern West, and Islamic theories of politics.
What are the requirements for a
major in political science?
To major in political science, you need to fulfill nine course requirements.
First, there is a distribution requirement: you need to take one course in
each of Political ScienceÕs subfields. These courses may be at any level
(200 or 300); but many students being with the Introductions to the four
subfields: POL 200, American Politics; POL 202, Comparative Politics; POL 221,
World Politics; and POL 201/240/241, Political Theory. You are also required
to take 300 level advanced courses in two subfields. One of these must be a
seminar (marked with an S in the course handbook).
The five other courses are up to you. Although only two 300 level courses
are required, we encourage majors to take many more than this minimum,
particularly in their subfield.
Can I minor in political science?
No.
Do I have to take POL 100- Intro to Political Science?
It is not required. POL 100 is a good overall introduction to the four
subfields, offering a sample of literature from each. However, you may
start with the 200-level introductory classes in each subfield listed
above.
How is the Political Science major different than the IR major? What
opportunities are there within the Political Science department to pursue
international relations?
Whereas Political Science encompasses four subfields, the IR major is an
interdisciplinary approach to international relations. The IR major has
requirements in the three departments: Political Science, Economics, and
History. You may choose to major in IR with an emphasis on one of these
departments (i.e.; IR-Polisci; IR-Econ; IR-History). On a practical level,
the IR major has more classes (14 vs. 9) than does Political Science.
Whether one chooses to pursue international relations within the discipline
of Political Science or take the interdisciplinary route depends on the
student. If you believe that you will be taking classes in history and
economics as well Political Science, the IR major might be right for you.
However, if you wish to explore the different subfields of Political Science,
and have less interested in the interdisciplinary approach, a Political
Science major would be advisable.
How should I choose my major advisor?
You should look for someone who works in a subfield of particular interest.
You should also seek out someone who seems to match your own sensibilities.
For example, if you work best independently, you probably want an
advisor who is more Òhands offÓ when it
comes to your classes.
I'm a First Year and thinking of majoring in Political Science but my
First Year advisor isn't in Poli Sci, who can I talk to?
First, take a class in Political Science, one that seems interesting to
you. Talk to the professor about your interests, and see what advice he or
she gives you. Moreover, professors have
scheduled office hours each week. If there is a professor offering a course
you are interested in, set up an appointment during those times.
I'm planning to study abroad/ away next year. Whom should I talk to
about having the credits count toward my major?
Credit for classes taken abroad is given at the Department Chairperson's
discretion. You will need to provide the syllabus and assignments for
evaluation once you return from study abroad. Make sure you consult with
the International Studies Office about the program and courses you plan to
take while you are away. Also, make sure that the Registrar's Office assigns
you the credit units BEFORE you go to the Chairperson for approval of the
courses for the major. The specific forms are all available in the
Registrar's Office.
I am interested in taking a seminar next semester. How do I
apply?
Seminars are advanced classes, open to only 15 students at most. As such,
there is a competitive application process for each seminar. Be alert for
the department's announcement about spring and fall seminars. You will need
to fill out an application detailing your preparation for the seminar as
well as why you are interested in the topic. Professors evaluate your
application and announce acceptances before each term.
How do I graduate with departmental honors?
You write an honors thesis and pass the oral examination on the thesis you
have written. The thesis is a year-long independent research project, which
you will apply for in spring of your junior year. To be admitted to the thesis
program, you must have a major GPA of 3.5, or else convince the department to
petition on your behalf ("convince" being showing mitigating circumstances or
real improvements in the GPA).
I'm interested in doing a honors thesis.
When should I start preparing and with whom should I speak to about this?
First, think about why you are interested in the thesis. "Getting honors"
is probably not enough to sustain you in thesis writing. You should have
some idea of a topic you want to research, and enough course background and
intellectual interest in the field to underpin a year of writing.
There are different ways in which to prepare for the thesis. First, you
should make sure you have he course background to write on the topic.
Substantively, you need to take, if not exhaust, courses in your specific
research area. It is encouraged that you take the Political Science research
methods course, 199, to learn how to construct a research design.
Second, talk to a possible advisor, or better yet, a few possible advisors.
This will help you narrow your topic into a manageable thesis, as well as
ensure that your thesis is actually tenable.
Finally, attend one of the "so you want to write a thesis" meetings that will
be help at various times throughout the year. This will give you the logistical
overview (what's due when) as well as a forum to prepare and write your
proposal. If you can't attend the meeting, contact the general honors'
thesis advisor, Professor Goddard.
Note: if you're going abroad, you need to start planning early. Have a
potential advisor before you go abroad, and be aware of deadlines.
Should I go to law school or grad school immediately after
college?
There is no penalty for taking a few years off between college and your
post-graduate studies; in fact, it might be to your benefit. If you do
decide to work or take time off between college and post-graduate studies,
do make sure you have letters of recommendation on file before you graduate.
These letters can be updated later, but they ensure that you have some
references, just in case you and a professor lose touchy. The CWS has a
letters of reference service for this purpose.
I am considering going to law school after I graduate. What should I
do to prepare and whom can I talk to about law school plans?
Wellesley's pre-law advisor, Liz O'Connell (CWS) is a great source of
practical advice for the law admissions process. Additionally, Nancy
Scherer and Tom Burke, the faculty pre-law advisors, are happy to speak
with you about your law school plans during office hours and by
appointment.
Law school doesn't require any particular course of undergraduate study,
so you should major and take courses in whatever you enjoy. You may consider
taking law-related courses at Wellesley, particularly Pol1-215 Courts, Law
and Politics, or pursing a law-related internship, not because it will help
you get into law school but simply because it will introduce you to the
American legal system and help you think about whether you want to pursue
a career in law. Law schools generally look to your overall record, and most
students do best when they are studying and doing what excites their
passions.
I am considering going to graduate school for Political Science . What
should I do to prepare and whom can I talk to about grad school plans?
Any of the professors here are qualified to talk about grad school and the
application process. In general you should prepare by making sure you have
an understanding of the discipline and academia, and a solid background in
your subfield. You should be taking as many 300s and seminars as possible
in order to prepare you for independent research. On the logistical side, you
should:
Take the nationally administered GRE tests. Graduate programs require this.
Acquire relevant letters of recommendation (by relevant, they should be
academic, and at least one should be subfield specific),
Write, and get advice on, your personal statement (which is not the same as a
college entry statement!) It is far more "program of study" than "who you
are" as a person.)
How can I find out about internships, jobs, and events related to
Political Science?
There are different outlets. The Department announces major events and
internships, such as Wellesley in Washington. You may also want to check
with individual professors, as well as with the CWS.
Do my AP credits count toward my Poli Sci major?
No. You may receive College credit, but cannot count this credit towards
either the minimum amount of courses needed for the major, or for the
distribution requirement. Moreover, if you do receive an AP credit for
the American Politics or Comparative Politics exam, you may not take POL 1-200,
American Politics or POL 2-202, Comparative Politics.
Our recommendation? Skip the AP credit and take the courses. The courses
are much different from a high school level course, and more relevant to
your study of Political Science.
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