Political Science B.A.
Course Requirements
Required Courses
| POL 202 | American Government | 4 | Fall, Spring, Summer. |
| POL 203 | Global Politics | 4 | Fall, Spring. |
| POL 204 | Introduction to Political Thought | 4 | Fall, Spring. |
| POL 300 | Methodology in Political Science | 4 | Fall, Spring. |
| POL 308 | Current 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:
| POL 301 | Foundations of Public Administration | 4 | Fall. |
| POL 306 | State and Local Government | 4 | Every third semester. |
| POL 307 | Political Behavior | 4 | Fall (even years). |
| POL 309 | Gender and Politics in the U.S. | 4 | As needed. |
| POL 318 | Crises of Liberalism | 4 | Fall. |
| POL 331 | Courts and Public Policy | 4 | Fall. |
| POL 333 | Law and Politics of Civil Rights | 4 | Annually. |
| POL 342 | The Politics of Global Economic Change | 4 | Every third semester. |
| POL 345 | International Nongovernmental Organizations | 4 | Fall. |
| POL 346 | Foreign Policy | 4 | As needed. |
| POL 353 | Parties and Elections | 4 | Fall, of election years. |
| POL 354 | Interest Group Politics | 4 | Fall (alternate years). |
| POL 355 | Policy Formation Process | 4 | Spring. |
| POL 358 | The American Congress | 4 | Every third semester. |
| POL 359 | Politics and the Media | 4 | As needed. |
Note: 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.