At a Glance
I鈥檓 interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?
The Scripps politics major focuses on governance both in the United States and around the world, with particular attention to institutions, relationships, and people who govern or are governed by political entities.
Here, we study relationships of power and control over limited resources. We also ask normative questions concerning the nature of various institutions: How should governments and institutions be run and who should be in charge? Should certain institutions exist? Who benefits from specific policies and procedures? How do we better understand structural processes and institutional practices as they impact our everyday lives?
What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?
We recommend that you take any of the following courses during your first year at Scripps:
- POLI 120 SC: Introduction to US Politics
- POLI 100 SC: Introduction to Global Politics
- POLI 110 SC: Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POLI 150 SC: Introduction to Public Policy
- POLI 130 SC: Introduction to Political Economy
- POLI 140 SC: Introduction to Political Theory
If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?
No, the politics major does not have a specific sequence. However, you鈥檒l be required to complete three introductory courses out of our six subfields, two courses that relate to two of those subfields, a research methods course, and a senior thesis over the course of your time at Scripps.
Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?
Yes! Common pairings include psychology, economics, and writing and rhetoric.
Scripps Catalog link to specific requirements for the major/minor:
The study of politics includes a broad range of subject matter, including American politics, political theory, comparative politics, international relations, public policy, and political economy. The Department of Politics is committed to interdisciplinary approaches to the study of these subjects, and is prepared to accept, for example, courses in history, economics, and legal studies towards completion of the major.
Students are advised to consult with their major adviser in order to choose a set of courses that best serves their interests, academic goals, and career objectives. The Politics major at 麻豆区 encourages students to take advantage of study abroad and internship opportunities that complement their major study.
Program Information
Dual and Double Majors
Dual and double programs combining politics with a wide range of other majors are possible, but require early planning and careful selection of courses. A double major requires that the student complete all requirements for each program, including Senior Seminar and Senior Thesis, but may have two courses that overlap. A dual major allows the student to combine majors in completing one senior seminar and one senior thesis.