Carly Foster (department head)

The roots of the political science discipline extend back to ancient times when political philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle pondered the role of leaders and the meaning of citizenship and the good life. And yet, political science is also very much a modern science, utilizing sophisticated research methodologies to analyze political events and institutions. We study political phenomena at various levels—individual, group, local, national, international, and global. Ultimately we seek to develop in our students the capacity to understand, question and evaluate political phenomena in multiple contexts.

Required for a major:

Plan I. Thirty-two hours in the department, including POLS 130, 132; two courses in the 300-370 range; POLS 485. In addition, ENVS 258, ENVS 340, and/or ENVS 360 can be applied to the political science major requirements. Students will fulfill the writing and speaking requirements by completing POLS 485 and the research requirement by completing POLS 485. Normally a maximum of four internship hours can be counted toward the major, with the exception of the internship completed through the Washington Consortium program. In that case, all six internship credits will apply toward the major. The major is flexible, but it requires frequent consultation with the major advisor.

Students considering graduate study in political science, public policy or public administration should consider taking at least one course in economics and a statistics course.

Plan II (teaching). Same as general major requirements, except that a minimum of 24 hours must be selected from American government topics. A minimum of 34 hours of political science is required in Wisconsin. See Education department for secondary education minor requirements.

Required for a second teaching area: See Education department for specific requirements. The second teaching area license is offered only in the state of Iowa.