Program Overview

Political Science: American Politics Emphasis

Overview

American politics affect lives beyond our country's borders. Help make a difference in the world with a degree that equips you with a deep understanding of political process. Political science is the study of government, public policy and the political behavior of individuals and groups. For the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis in American Politics, students grasp the foundations of political theory, and explore institutions, international relations, foreign affairs, and ideas and methods. They also delve into the unique systems, history and dynamics at play in the United States. Students develop strong analytical, argumentation and communication skills, and have access to internships at nonprofit organizations and government agencies, such as the Arizona Legislature and the Arizona Superior Court, and with local politicians and campaigns.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to critically analyze political information given an issue important in modern U.S. society.
• Students will be able to differentiate the theoretical, structural, historical, and scientific dimensions of politics.
• Students will be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Students will demonstrate sensitivity and tolerance of racial, cultural, and other human differences.
• Students will demonstrate commitment to being a politically responsible citizen.
• Students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the American political system and/or political systems and governmental institutions around the world
• Students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the political processes and institutions that form public policies and impact citizens, as well as the political culture that allows individuals and groups to affect how those processes function.
• Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of foundational concepts, theories, and methodologies used in the study of (their chosen field within) political science.
• Students will be able to demonstrate research and writing skills relevant to the field of political science.
• Students will be able to demonstrate critical thinking about political issues by assessing competing arguments and developing proficiency in communicating arguments in oral and/or written formats.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• POL 408: Development of the American Presidency
• POL 431: Political Culture and the Dynamics of Change in American Society
• POL 470: Constitutional Law: Federalism

Career Fields

• Law
• Local, state, federal government
• Journalism
• Politics
• Academia

Level of Math

• Moderate Knowledge

The M-strand is for students who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH 112 (College Algebra Concepts) or 108 (Modeling with Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may include MATH 107 (Exploring and Understanding Data), MATH 113 (Elements of Calculus), MATH 116 (Calculus Concepts for Business), MATH 119A (Mathematics of Biological Systems: A Calculus Based Approach), or a statistics class from outside the Mathematics Department, such as ISTA 116 (Statistical Foundations for the Information Age) or SBS 200 (Statistics for the Social Sciences).

Level of Second Language

• 4th Semester Proficiency

Fourth-semester skill level in a second language is required. B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion of a two-course sequence beyond the second semester of post-secondary language instruction. 3. Completion with a C or higher of a 300- or 400-level language course at the post-secondary level. 4. Completion of one course beyond the third semester in combination with an AP (Advanced Placement) score, IB (International Baccalaureate) score or a CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) score determined by the individual language department. 5. An AP, IB, or CLEP language score determined by individual language departments 6. A minimum of one semester study abroad in a language program approved by the appropriate language department as the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Degree

• Bachelor of Arts

Sample Plans

4-Year Sample Plan

• 1st Semester
  • ENGL 101 First-Year Composition
  • First Semester Second Language
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• 2nd Semester
  • ENGL 102 First-Year Composition
  • Second Semester Second Language
  • MATH 107 Exploring and Understanding Data
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• 3rd Semester
  • Third Semester Second Language
  • SBS 200 Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • POL 201 American National Government
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• 4th Semester
  • Fourth Semester Second Language
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • POL Core Course
  • Minor Course
  • ECON 200 Basic Economic Issues
• 5th Semester
  • POL Core Course
  • American Concentration Course
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • American Concentration Course
  • Minor Course
• 6th Semester
  • American Concentration Course
  • American Concentration Course
  • Minor Course
  • Minor Course
  • Elective-Upper Division
• 7th Semester
  • American Concentration Course
  • American Concentration Course
  • Minor Course
  • Minor Course
  • Elective-Upper Division
• 8th Semester
  • American Concentration Course
  • American Concentration Course
  • Elective-Upper Division
  • Elective-Upper Division

Map Transfer Coursework

• Enter your coursework from Arizona universities or community colleges to see how they can map to this major.
• Connect with The University of Arizona Academic Advisors to validate how your coursework will transfer.