The Undergrad Major in Political Science

The Undergraduate Major in Political Science

Introduction

As a Political Science major at UCI, you explore how politics works at the individual, group, national, and international levels. Students are introduced to the findings and the methods for gathering information about political behavior and political processes. Course work emphasizes the development of analytic thinking and clear writing skills. Upper-division courses are organized around general areas of study, including American society and politics, comparative politics, international relations, public law, and political theory.

The Department is composed of a strong and diverse faculty especially interested in analyzing central questions of political science related to such topics as policy-making, political structures, participation, conflict, change and development, power and authority, and interstate relations. The faculty has particular strength in interdisciplinary approaches, in comparative analysis, and in the application of quantitative data to political science issues.

Students have many opportunities to pursue special topics in political science through independent study courses, field studies, and internships. Many Political Science majors participate in such programs as the UC/DC Internship Program, in Washington, D.C. and the University's Education Abroad Program. Political Science majors learn how to understand politics and acquire the skills for effective performance in many professional fields.

The Department supports an active honors program. During the junior year, students enroll in an honors seminar which includes intensive reading and discussion of the most influential works and fundamental issues in modern political science, and which prepares students for rigorous independent research. During their senior year, Honors students write a thesis, developed and completed under the supervision of their faculty advisor.

Below you will find information on:

Degrees
Preparation for the Major
- Incoming Freshman Students
- Transfer Students
Sample Program
- First Year
- Second Year
- Third and Fourth Years
Representative Courses

Degrees

B.A., Ph.D. in Political Science

Preparation for the Major

Incoming Freshman Students

In addition to the University's subject requirements for admission, four years of mathematics, a course in computing, courses that develop writing skills, and courses in political theory, history, geography, economics, or government are recommended in preparation for the major.

You will receive University credit for each College Board Advanced Placement Examination passed with a score of three or more. Specific information on the application of Advanced Placement credit may be obtained in the UCI General Catalogue.

Transfer Students

Ideal lower-division preparation for transfer consists of course work that blends University of California admission requirements, degree requirements of the school and major of your choice, and the breadth/general education plan best suited to your interests and goals. Design your schedule to accomplish the following objectives:

1) Satisfy general University of California requirements for admission as a transfer student. The units, grade point average, and subjects required are described in the UCI General Catalogue and explained in detail in the University of California publication Answers for Transfers.

2) Work toward meeting the lower-division requirements of your school and major. If you plan to transfer to UCI in your junior year and major in Political Science, try to take the courses listed below. Completing them prior to transfer will strengthen your preparation, allow you to keep pace with junior-level UCI students, enable you to enroll in the upper-division courses you will need at UCI, and assist you in earning your bachelor's degree in a timely manner.

One year of introductory political science to include introductory political analysis, macropolitics, and micropolitics
Two additional courses in political science
One additional course in political science or another social science discipline
One year of approved lower-division writing
One course in computer literacy
One year of approved probability and statistics, social science statistics, or calculus

3) Work toward meeting the UCI breadth requirement. Transfer students have several options for fulfilling this requirement for the bachelor's degree. These are described in the UCI General Catalogue.

The option most frequently elected by students transferring to the UCI campus is UCI's own breadth plan. If you are sure that you wish to transfer to UCI and major in Political Science, it is to your advantage to take courses that apply to UCI's breadth plan, because these courses may also satisfy other specific requirements for your UCI degree. Note that if you choose the UCI-specific breadth plan, but do not complete it in its entirety prior to transfer, you may do so after enrolling at UCI if that scheduling better fits with your needs in preparing for transfer.

As an alternative for meeting the breadth requirement, UCI accepts completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC). For details on IGETC see the Answers for Transfers booklet. Note that if you elect to follow the IGETC, you must complete it in its entirety prior to enrolling at UCI.

If you are considering pursuit of a double major, or of a minor or concentration in a second academic area, you may wish to seek additional information in order to select the particular breadth or general education option that is most advantageous for you.

To ensure that you are enrolled in the appropriate courses, work closely with your college counselor, or contact UCI's Transfer Student Services.

Sample Program

The following is a sample program for Political Science majors. Individual programs may vary depending upon your interests and level of preparation and will be determined in consultation with your academic counselor. For information on breadth, degree, and graduation requirements, please refer to the UCI General Catalogue.

First Year

Writing Requirement
Introduction to Political Science (Political Analysis, Macropolitics, Micropolitics)
School of Social Sciences Mathematics Requirement
Electives

Second Year

Introductory and Lower-Division Courses in Political Science
Breadth Requirements
Electives

Third and Fourth Years

Upper-Division Courses in Political Science
Internship/Research Courses
Electives
Honors Thesis

Representative Courses

Introductory Courses

Intro to Poli Sci: Political Analysis
Intro to Poli Sci: Macropolitics
Intro to Poli Sci: Micropolitics
Intro to American Government
Intro to Political Theory
Intro to International Relations
Nuclear Arms and Global Conflicts
Intro to Comparative Politics
Intro to Law

American Politics

The American Presidency
Mass Media & the Nomination Process
U.S. Election and Voting Behavior
Public Policy
American Metropolitan Politics
Parties and Political Organizations
Representation and Redistricting
Research Methods
The United States Congress
Mexican-American Politics
Urban Policy Analysis
U.S. Immigration Policy
Economic Analysis of Goverment Behavior
Political Psychology
Political Ideology

Political Theory

Political Thought Since Hobbes
Marx & Nietzsche
Varieties of Socialist Thought
Nietzsche
Critical Political Theory
Radical Social Proposals
Basic Societal Issues
Quantitative Models in Political Science
Positive Theory
Analytical Political Research
Foundations in Political Science
Modern Political Theory
Theories of Political Structure
Theories for the Study of Politics
Social and Political Theory
Language and Power
Sexism and Power
Political Economy
History of Political Economy
Politics and Human Nature

International Relations

International Economic Relations
International Political Economy
The European Union
International Relations of Japan
U.S. Foreign Policy
U.S. Coercive Diplomacy
Change/Conflict International Politics
Alternative Security
Arms Control and International Security
Global Security and Cooperation
Approaches to International Relations
Central America and U.S. Policy
U.S.-Mexican Relations
Ethics and International Relations
International Cooperation
Interdependence in World Politics
Model United Nations

Comparative Politics

East Asian Politics
Politics in China
Japanese Politics
Advanced Topics in Japanese Politics
Korean Politics and Society
Electoral Systems
Politics in Britain
French Politics and Society
German Politics and Society
Post-Soviet Politics
West European Politics
Politics and Economic Competition
Political Economy of Industrialized Nations
Latin American Politics
Canadian Politics
Research in Canadian Politics
Mexican Politics
The Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa
Women and Arabic Society
Comparative Politics: Five Nations
Comparative Political Economy
Political/Social Impacts of Computing
Organizations
Politics of Development
Revolution and Collective Political
Violence
Political Participation
Participation and Representation
Mass Political Behavior
Social Movements/Collective Behavior

Public Law

Law and Society
Jurisprudence
Comparative Constitutional Politics
American Constitutional Law
Law and Social Sciences
International Law
Comparative Legal Systems
Civil Liberties
Constitutional Rights
Special Topics in Public Law

Special Courses

Honors Seminar in Political Science
Honors Seminar in Political Science
Honors Thesis Workshop
Public Affairs Internship
Government Internship
Senior Thesis
Field Study
Directed Group Study
Independent Study

	University of California, Irvine Department of Political Science

		The Undergraduate Major in Political Science Introduction As a Political Science major at UCI, you explore how politics works at the individual, group, national, and international levels. Students are introduced to the findings and the methods for gathering information about political behavior and political processes. Course work emphasizes the development of analytic thinking and clear writing skills. Upper-division courses are organized around general areas of study, including American society and politics, comparative politics, international relations, public law, and political theory. The Department is composed of a strong and diverse faculty especially interested in analyzing central questions of political science related to such topics as policy-making, political structures, participation, conflict, change and development, power and authority, and interstate relations. The faculty has particular strength in interdisciplinary approaches, in comparative analysis, and in the application of quantitative data to political science issues. Students have many opportunities to pursue special topics in political science through independent study courses, field studies, and internships. Many Political Science majors participate in such programs as the UC/DC Internship Program, in Washington, D.C. and the University's Education Abroad Program. Political Science majors learn how to understand politics and acquire the skills for effective performance in many professional fields. The Department supports an active honors program. During the junior year, students enroll in an honors seminar which includes intensive reading and discussion of the most influential works and fundamental issues in modern political science, and which prepares students for rigorous independent research. During their senior year, Honors students write a thesis, developed and completed under the supervision of their faculty advisor. Below you will find information on: Degrees Preparation for the Major Incoming Freshman Students Transfer Students Sample Program First Year Second Year Third and Fourth Years Representative Courses Degrees B.A., Ph.D. in Political Science Preparation for the Major Incoming Freshman Students In addition to the University's subject requirements for admission, four years of mathematics, a course in computing, courses that develop writing skills, and courses in political theory, history, geography, economics, or government are recommended in preparation for the major. You will receive University credit for each College Board Advanced Placement Examination passed with a score of three or more. Specific information on the application of Advanced Placement credit may be obtained in the UCI General Catalogue. Transfer Students Ideal lower-division preparation for transfer consists of course work that blends University of California admission requirements, degree requirements of the school and major of your choice, and the breadth/general education plan best suited to your interests and goals. Design your schedule to accomplish the following objectives: 1) Satisfy general University of California requirements for admission as a transfer student. The units, grade point average, and subjects required are described in the UCI General Catalogue and explained in detail in the University of California publication Answers for Transfers. 2) Work toward meeting the lower-division requirements of your school and major. If you plan to transfer to UCI in your junior year and major in Political Science, try to take the courses listed below. Completing them prior to transfer will strengthen your preparation, allow you to keep pace with junior-level UCI students, enable you to enroll in the upper-division courses you will need at UCI, and assist you in earning your bachelor's degree in a timely manner. One year of introductory political science to include introductory political analysis, macropolitics, and micropolitics Two additional courses in political science One additional course in political science or another social science discipline One year of approved lower-division writing One course in computer literacy One year of approved probability and statistics, social science statistics, or calculus 3) Work toward meeting the UCI breadth requirement. Transfer students have several options for fulfilling this requirement for the bachelor's degree. These are described in the UCI General Catalogue. The option most frequently elected by students transferring to the UCI campus is UCI's own breadth plan. If you are sure that you wish to transfer to UCI and major in Political Science, it is to your advantage to take courses that apply to UCI's breadth plan, because these courses may also satisfy other specific requirements for your UCI degree. Note that if you choose the UCI-specific breadth plan, but do not complete it in its entirety prior to transfer, you may do so after enrolling at UCI if that scheduling better fits with your needs in preparing for transfer. As an alternative for meeting the breadth requirement, UCI accepts completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC). For details on IGETC see the Answers for Transfers booklet. Note that if you elect to follow the IGETC, you must complete it in its entirety prior to enrolling at UCI. If you are considering pursuit of a double major, or of a minor or concentration in a second academic area, you may wish to seek additional information in order to select the particular breadth or general education option that is most advantageous for you. To ensure that you are enrolled in the appropriate courses, work closely with your college counselor, or contact UCI's Transfer Student Services. Sample Program The following is a sample program for Political Science majors. Individual programs may vary depending upon your interests and level of preparation and will be determined in consultation with your academic counselor. For information on breadth, degree, and graduation requirements, please refer to the UCI General Catalogue. First Year Writing Requirement Introduction to Political Science (Political Analysis, Macropolitics, Micropolitics) School of Social Sciences Mathematics Requirement Electives Second Year Introductory and Lower-Division Courses in Political Science Breadth Requirements Electives Third and Fourth Years Upper-Division Courses in Political Science Internship/Research Courses Electives Honors Thesis Representative Courses Introductory Courses Intro to Poli Sci: Political Analysis Intro to Poli Sci: Macropolitics Intro to Poli Sci: Micropolitics Intro to American Government Intro to Political Theory Intro to International Relations Nuclear Arms and Global Conflicts Intro to Comparative Politics Intro to Law American Politics The American Presidency Mass Media & the Nomination Process U.S. Election and Voting Behavior Public Policy American Metropolitan Politics Parties and Political Organizations Representation and Redistricting Research Methods The United States Congress Mexican-American Politics Urban Policy Analysis U.S. Immigration Policy Economic Analysis of Goverment Behavior Political Psychology Political Ideology Political Theory Political Thought Since Hobbes Marx & Nietzsche Varieties of Socialist Thought Nietzsche Critical Political Theory Radical Social Proposals Basic Societal Issues Quantitative Models in Political Science Positive Theory Analytical Political Research Foundations in Political Science Modern Political Theory Theories of Political Structure Theories for the Study of Politics Social and Political Theory Language and Power Sexism and Power Political Economy History of Political Economy Politics and Human Nature International Relations International Economic Relations International Political Economy The European Union International Relations of Japan U.S. Foreign Policy U.S. Coercive Diplomacy Change/Conflict International Politics Alternative Security Arms Control and International Security Global Security and Cooperation Approaches to International Relations Central America and U.S. Policy U.S.-Mexican Relations Ethics and International Relations International Cooperation Interdependence in World Politics Model United Nations Comparative Politics East Asian Politics Politics in China Japanese Politics Advanced Topics in Japanese Politics Korean Politics and Society Electoral Systems Politics in Britain French Politics and Society German Politics and Society Post-Soviet Politics West European Politics Politics and Economic Competition Political Economy of Industrialized Nations Latin American Politics Canadian Politics Research in Canadian Politics Mexican Politics The Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa Women and Arabic Society Comparative Politics: Five Nations Comparative Political Economy Political/Social Impacts of Computing Organizations Politics of Development Revolution and Collective Political Violence Political Participation Participation and Representation Mass Political Behavior Social Movements/Collective Behavior Public Law Law and Society Jurisprudence Comparative Constitutional Politics American Constitutional Law Law and Social Sciences International Law Comparative Legal Systems Civil Liberties Constitutional Rights Special Topics in Public Law Special Courses Honors Seminar in Political Science Honors Seminar in Political Science Honors Thesis Workshop Public Affairs Internship Government Internship Senior Thesis Field Study Directed Group Study Independent Study