2015-2016 Catalog

Political Science B.A.

Course Requirements

Required Courses

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
POL 202American Government

4

Fall, Spring, Summer.
POL 203Global Politics

4

Fall, Spring.
POL 204Introduction to Political Thought

4

Fall, Spring.
POL 300Methodology in Political Science

4

Fall, Spring.
POL 308Current Political Controversy

4

Fall, Spring.

AT LEAST SIX ADDITIONAL political science courses at the 300-level or above

Note: POL 208 may also be taken to fulfill part of this requirement. 

At least two courses must be from the following:

CourseTitleCreditsOffered
POL 301Foundations of Public Administration

4

Fall.
POL 306State and Local Government

3

Every third semester.
POL 307Political Behavior

4

Fall (even years).
POL 309Women and Politics

4

Spring (odd years).
POL 318Crises of Liberalism

4

Fall.
POL 331Courts and Public Policy

4

Fall.
POL 333Law and Politics of Civil Rights

4

Annually.
POL 342The Politics of Global Economic Change

4

Every third semester.
POL 345International Nongovernmental Organizations

4

Fall.
POL 346Foreign Policy

4

As needed.
POL 353Parties and Elections

4

Fall, of election years.
POL 354Interest Group Politics

4

Fall (alternate years).
POL 355Policy Formation Process

4

Fall.
POL 358The American Congress

4

Every third semester.
POL 359Politics and the Media

4

As needed.

Note: It is recommended that these courses be taken following POL 300 and POL 308.

Total Credit Hours: 39-44

Internship

The Department of Political Science strongly encourages students to undertake internship experiences as part of their undergraduate education. Every fall, spring, and summer the department offers a twelve-week internship for students in political science, public administration, justice studies, gerontology, and other programs. Students are placed in federal, state, and local government agencies; in private sector public service organizations; and in organizations engaged in campaigns or political advocacy. To enroll in this internship, students should register for POL 328.

In addition, under the auspices of the Rhode Island State Internship Program, the department offers a twelve-week internship every spring semester, placing students with individual members of the Rhode Island state legislature or with members of the executive and judicial branches of state government. To enroll in this internship, students should register for POL 327.

In cooperation with Rhode Island’s U.S. senators and representatives, several students are chosen to spend a week during the spring semester in the Washington, D.C., office of either a U.S. senator or a representative from Rhode Island.

The London Course

The London Course is the study of British politics, government, and culture, as well as urban geography and city planning in London. The course is divided into two components—a six-week proseminar at Rhode Island College during Summer Session I, followed by a three-week stay in London during July in conjunction with South Bank University. The stay in Europe includes trips to the House of Commons, Cambridge University, the Home Counties, and Paris.