Political Science B.A.
Course Requirements
Courses
| POL 202 | American Government | 4 | Offered fall, spring, summer. |
| POL 203 | Global Politics | 4 | Offered fall and spring. |
| POL 204 | Introduction to Political Thought | 4 | Offered fall and spring. |
| POL 300 | Methodology in Political Science | 4 | Offered fall and spring. |
| POL 308 | Current Political Controversy | 4 | Offered fall and spring. |
AT LEAST SIX ADDITIONAL COURSES from departmental offerings at the 300-level or above
POL 208 may also be taken to fulfill part of this requirement. At least two must be from:
| POL 301 | Foundations of Public Administration | 4 | Offered fall. |
| POL 306 | State and Local Government | 3 | Offered every third semester. |
| POL 307 | Political Behavior | 4 | Offered fall (even years). |
| POL 309 | Women and Politics | 4 | Offered spring (odd years). |
| POL 331 | Courts and Public Policy | 4 | Offered fall. |
| POL 333 | Law and Politics of Civil Rights | 4 | Offered annually. |
| POL 342 | The Politics of Global Economic Change | 4 | Offered every third semester. |
| POL 346 | Foreign Policy | 4 | Offered as needed. |
| POL 353 | Parties and Elections | 4 | Offered fall of election years. |
| POL 354 | Interest Group Politics | 4 | Offered fall (alternate years). |
| POL 355 | Policy Formation Process | 4 | Offered fall. |
| POL 359 | Politics and the Media | 4 | Offered as needed. |
It is recommended that these courses be taken following POL 300 and POL 308.
Total Credit Hours: 40-44
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.