FAQs
COURSES FROM OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT (Study Abroad, Internships, Transfer Credit)
1. How do I get advice on planning my program?
The Department has a group of designated advisors who are prepared to assist you in planning your studies in political science. We have tried to schedule their office hours so that one is available nearly every day of the week. You do NOT need an appointment to meet with them. Simply stop by their regular office hours.
A link to their office hours is here: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/advising.html
Designated advisors can:
- Enroll you in the major
- Sign a petition to graduate
- Provide general advice about the major
- Sign study abroad permission forms
Sometimes you may need to meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS). DUS is the only advisor who can:
- Grant credit for courses taken elsewhere including study abroad
- Grant waivers of department requirements
Routine questions can often be answered by the Undergraduate Program Assistant, Ann Kelchner (a-kelchner@northwestern.edu). The department website is a treasure trove of information including major requirements, faculty office hours, applications for grants and the honors program, and just about anything else
2. How do I declare a Political Science Major or Minor?
Visit any one of the department’s advisors during their scheduled office hours (http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/advising.html). No appointment is necessary.
3. How do I complete a graduation petition?
You can do this with any designated department advisor during their regular office hours without an appointment. You need to bring both a completed graduation petition (available from the registrar’s website: http://www.registrar.northwestern.edu/graduation/graduation_petition.html and a copy of your degree progress report from Caesar. You MUST bring a petition and your degree progress report with you.
If you are requesting any waiver of our posted requirements, you must meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
4. What are the major requirements?
See here: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/requirements.html.
5. D oes the major require any concentrations?
No, we do not offer or require any concentrations. Nevertheless, you may consider thinking more about your course of study and create an informal concentration. See the next question for more information on choosing your classes.
6. How should I select my classes?
Sampling various areas and professors is a perfectly reasonable approach and is encouraged, but you can also benefit by selecting courses that address your interests and goals. Political science is typically divided up into 4 or 5 subfields and you can find our main offerings in these subfields in the course catalog. These subfields are:
- American Politics
- Comparative Politics (all the other countries and regions in the world)
- International Relations
- Political Theory
- Public Law
You may also come up with your own concentrations that cross these subfields. Some that come to mind are:
- Democracy
- Conflict
- Institutions
- Race, Ethnicity, and Religion in Politics
- Law and Politics
You should consult with professors you know well or designated advisors about constructing a course of study that best fits your needs. In particular, students interested in pursuing graduate training in political science or certain careers related to political science (e.g., development aid, survey research) should consult with advisors about their course choices.
7. In what order should I take courses?
Students typically start out with 200-level courses, three of which are needed to complete the major. They may move on to many 300-level courses fairly quickly, though a few do have prerequisites (see below).
Students typically take the methods course (310, 311, or 312) during their sophomore or junior year. They usually take 395 during their junior or senior year. It is advisable but not necessarily required to take the methods course before 395.
8. I received AP credit in American Government, should I take Pol Sci 220 – Introduction to American Government?
No. You may place out of this class and instead take an extra 300-level class.
9. W hat are the differences in the research methods courses?
Though all of them provide an introduction to doing research in political science, 310 – Methods of Political Inference tends to focus more on conceptual elaboration and qualitative methods, while 312 – Statistical Research Methods features more statistical analysis. 311 – Logics of Political Inquiry falls somewhere in between. Students can also consider 315 – Positive Political Theory which covers game theory to fulfill this requirement.
Note that each course is typically offered once a year. Keep this in mind if you have a strong preference among these options so that you don’t miss the course you prefer.
10. When should I take 395 courses?
Junior year is probably the ideal time, especially if you are considering the honors program. It is usually best but not necessarily required to take a methods course before 395. It is not a problem to take 395 in your senior year, though the longer you wait, the more your choices are limited. Nevertheless, several 395 courses are offered every quarter.
11. How can I find out which Political Science courses will be offered over the next few quarters?
Late in the winter quarter, the Department prepares a tentative list of courses for the next academic year. The plan is posted on the Department’s website as soon as it is available. As revisions occur -- and there usually are several revisions -- the web site is continually updated, so it is the best source of current information. See here for more information (http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/course_schedule.html).
More generally, the main 200-level courses are typically offered twice per year. Other courses are usually offered once a year and only occasionally twice, though this depends on the availability of faculty. We can’t guarantee that any particular 300-level course will be offered in any given year. We try to offer at least 4-5 395 courses each quarter.
12. Do Freshman Seminars count towards the major?
No.
13. Do Chicago Field Studies classes count towards the major?
Yes, all CFS can be counted towards the related course requirement and students can receive one political science credit for the following courses:
CFS 293 – Field Studies in Social Justice
CFS 394—Legal Field Studies
CFS 396 – Field Studies in Community Research
CFS 397 – Field Studies in Civic Engagement
We do not typically give political science credit for Business Field Studies or Field Studies in the Modern Workplace.
14. Can I sign up for graduate classes?
Undergraduates may sign up for graduate classes only with the permission of the course instructor. Consult with individual faculty members about this option.
15. What courses have prerequisites?
Most classes do not have prerequisites. The exceptions are listed below.
POL 309: Advanced Topics in Political Theory. Prereq: POL 201 or equivalent.
POL 312: Statistical Research Methods. Prereq: POL 310 or equivalent.
POL 315: Introduction to Positive Political Theory. Prereq: High School Algebra.
POL 320: The Presidency. Prereq: POL 220 or equivalent.
POL 323: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior. Prereq: POL 220 or equivalent.
POL 325: Congress and the Legislative Process. Prereq: POL 220 or equivalent.
POL 331: Politics of the Supreme Court. Prereq: POL 220 or 230.
POL 332: Constitutional Law I. Prereq: POL 220 or 230.
POL 333: Constitutional Law II: Civil and Political Rights. Prereq: POL 220 or 230.
POL 340: International Relations Theory. Prereq: POL 240 or instructor consent.
POL 341: International Political Economy. Prereq: POL 240 or instructor consent.
POL 342: International Organizations. Prereq: POL 240 or instructor consent.
POL 343: International Law. Prereq: POL 240 or instructor consent.
POL 348: Globalization. Prereq: POL 240 or instructor consent.
POL 398: Senior Seminar. Prereq: POL 395 and admission to honors program.
16. What if I don’t have the necessary prerequisite for a class?
Consult with the instructor of the course in question about whether you are qualified for admission.
17. What restrictions does the department have on double-counting?
The department does not have any restrictions that go above and beyond standard Weinberg rules. These rules generally prohibit one course from being counted simultaneously towards two majors or minors. Related courses and distribution courses, however, can be double-counted. There is an excellent webpage at the Weinberg College website that describes these rules (http://www.weinberg.northwestern.edu/advising/rules/doublecounting.html).
Some adjunct majors have exceptions to these double-counting rules. You can find the double-counting rules for International Studies and Legal Studies on their websites.
18. Can my major courses and related courses also be used to satisfy WCAS distribution requirements?
Yes, if they are on the list of WCAS-approved courses to meet distribution requirements.
19. I am a double major in one of the departments whose courses count toward the related-course requirement. May I count courses in my other major as related courses for my political science major?
Yes. Students with a second major in fields like History or Economics often count 5 classes in their second major towards the related course requirement in political science.
WAIVERS OF REQUIREMENTS
20. Do methods courses from other majors (eg, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics) count towards the methods requirement?
No, we do not typically accept these courses for major credit. We do, however, encourage students to choose between 310, 311, 312, and 315 so that there is as little overlap as possible. Consult with the department advisors or the faculty teaching these courses for specific advice.
21. I would like to substitute a class in another department for one of the requirements listed in the major.
Such requests are not typically granted. Though we encourage students to take politics-oriented courses in other departments, these courses do not usually use the methods that political scientists view as standard and so do not count towards the major. Any requests for waivers of requirements should be submitted to the Director of Undergraduate Studies along with a written justification for the waiver.
COURSE REGISTRATION
22. How do I get into a class that is closed?
The Department uses the waiting list feature of CAESAR. Wait lists for courses that are filled to maximum capacity will be created no earlier than the Thursday of pre-registration week.
To add your name to a wait list, please follow the following steps:
- Log onto CAESAR and search for "All classes" (not just "open" classes)
- Choose the class you would like to join
- Caesar will tell you the course is full and asks if you would like to wait list
- Click the wait list prompt and your name is automatically added to the wait list.
PLEASE NOTE: The order in which a student adds his/her name to the list carries no preference for admission to the class. Signing the list simply makes a student eligible for enrollment should openings occur. This list will be used by the department ONLY IF room becomes available for the course. If this should occur, students on the wait list will be notified by e-mail.
Should a course fill to capacity prior to the creation of a waitlist for that course, students are encouraged to continue to watch CAESAR in case someone drops the course.
Also note: During freshman fall registration in early September, there will be no waitlists generated when courses reach maximum capacity. Students must choose another open class since add/drop is immediately following freshman registration time. During add week all department waitlists are null and all students are allowed to enroll in any open courses on Caesar.
HONORS PROGRAM
23. Is a senior thesis required for the major?
No. You may write a thesis as part of the optional honors program.
24. Where do I get an application for the honors program?
You can find applications on the department website: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/how_to_apply.html.
25. I haven’t completed my methods or research seminar requirement. Can I still apply to the honors program?
Yes, you can apply. Completion of these courses counts in your favor in the application, but it is not determinative. Other factors such as topic, GPA, and a faculty recommendation will be weighed as well. Note, however, that most projects will utilize methods that are taught in the methods class and your 395 class can be a good stepping stone to developing a thesis topic.
26. I am studying abroad during fall quarter of my senior year. Can I still write an honors thesis?
No. You must be in residence during fall and winter quarters of your senior year.
27. Does my recommendation for the honors program need to come from my potential advisor?
No. Best is a recommendation from a faculty member who knows your work, though it is good to discuss your project both with your recommender and with a faculty member who has expertise in the subject.
28. Do I have to arrange an advisor for my thesis?
No. The department will assign you an advisor. We will take into account your preferences and the availability of faculty members with expertise on your topic in making these assignments.
29. Can the senior thesis classes, 398-1,2, count towards the major?
No, these classes do not count towards the major, but they do count towards graduation. Students in the honors program therefore typically take 3 classes during the fall and winter quarters and the honors thesis counts as their fourth class.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
30. How do I arrange an independent study? When is it appropriate to do so?
Independent study (POL SCI 399) provides an opportunity to work closely with a faculty member on a topic of mutual interest. Independent study is usually open only to majors who have made substantial progress in the major. The purpose of an independent study is (a) to investigate topics not covered by regular courses in the curriculum, or (b) to explore the subject matter of regular courses in greater depth, or (c) to conduct an independent research project.
Independent study classes are arranged by finding a faculty member in political science willing to supervise the student’s project. Before approaching a faculty member to request an independent study, you should prepare a proposal that outlines the topic, describes your preparation for pursuing the topic, lists tentative readings that you expect to cover, and describes the nature of written work you plan to complete. With regard to preparation, you should have taken all of the courses that provide background for the topic you have chosen. For example, if you want to do research on Congress, you should have taken POL 325 – Congress and the Legislative Process. The better prepared you are and the more carefully worked out is your proposal, the more likely you are to find a sponsoring faculty member.
COURSES FROM OUTSIDE THE DEPARTMENT (Study Abroad, Internships, Transfer Credit)
31. Can I get credit toward the major for an internship program?
The Political Science Department has no internship program and does not typically give credit for internships. Internships on political campaigns or in politicians’ offices are increasingly popular with students, because they provide valuable work experience and useful knowledge about professional opportunities. However, they seldom entail the acquisition of new knowledge of political science equivalent to a 300-level course in the department.
The standing exception to this rule is the Chicago Field Studies program. Students can receive one credit towards the major for Field Studies in Social Justice, Civic Engagement, and Community Research, and for Legal Field Studies. We do not award credit for Business Field Studies or Field Studies in the Modern Workplace.
In some instances, a student might arrange an independent study in conjunction with an internship in which a research project is undertaken that draws on the internship experience. In such a case, credit would be awarded for the work completed in the 399, not merely for the practical experience of the internship. Each case must be weighed individually, however. If you have an internship opportunity for which you would like to receive major credit, you should consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies well in advance of the start of the program. A final decision about political science credit cannot be made until you have completed the internship.
32. How do I receive credit for courses from Study Abroad?
Before leaving for study abroad, you should meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies for approval. Though the Director does not preapprove courses for credit, you can discuss which courses may receive credit. The department typically looks favorably on courses taught in departments of political science or by trained political scientists. Courses like Politics of Spain or the Political Economy of South Africa are usually counted as 300-level credit in political science.
The department allows a maximum of 2 credits in political science and 3 credits for related courses to count towards the major. Minors may receive only 1 credit from study abroad.
After completing your study abroad program, bring a syllabus from your class and other course materials along with a Petition for Credit for Courses Taken Abroad form (http://www.weinberg.northwestern.edu/advising/studyabroad/PetitionforCredit.pdf) to the Director of Undergraduate Studies in order to receive credit.
An exception to these rules are study abroad programs run directly by Northwestern, including the European Union Studies Program in Paris. All courses taken in these programs can be counted towards the major and they do not require a Petition for Credit from Study Abroad.
33. What is the process for achieving approval for courses taken at other U.S. universities?
Consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies about getting approval for these courses. A syllabus and completed work are typically necessary to receive credit.
34. C an I take Political Science courses offered in Summer Session or the evening program?
Courses taken in Northwestern’s Summer Session automatically count toward the requirements of the Political Science Major and Minor. However, courses offered by the School of Continuing Studies' evening program are not generally acceptable toward the Department's requirements. Exceptions to this policy will only be considered in rare cases of hardship and with the express consent of the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
RESEARCH
35. How can I pursue research in political science?
The department has several options for pursuing research. All students are required to take a methods course which teaches them how to do research and a research seminar (395) which culminates in a long research paper. Ambitious students should also apply to the honors program where they can pursue a research project under the mentorship of a faculty member over the course of two quarters.
Students may also consider pursuing research through an independent study with a faculty member. Finally, many faculty members hire research assistants and these positions often progress into independent research. Students should consult with individual faculty members if interested.
There are several opportunities for funding these research projects – for travel, data purchase, or other expenses. The department awards Ginsberg funding. Larger sums are available from the Provost’s Office (URGs – Undergraduate Research Grants) and the Office of Fellowships.
CAREERS
36. What careers does a political science major qualify me for?
Graduates of the department work in a wide variety of careers. Though the department does not provide vocational training, many courses are helpful in providing background for careers in law, public service, survey research, work in NGOs, and political consulting.
MISCELLANEOUS
37. How do I calculate my GPA in political science?
Your GPA in political science only includes actual political science classes that count towards the major. It does not include related courses and freshman seminars.
38. Does the department offer a master’s degree for undergraduates.
No. Students may sign up for graduate courses with the permission of the instructor, but the Department does not offer a terminal master’s degree.