Political Science Major
Requirements
Degree Requirements
This major is available as a bachelor of arts degree only, as defined in the section on degree requirements for all majors in this catalog.
Major Requirements
42 credits
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLS 201 | AMERICAN POLITICS | 4 |
| POLS 210 | INTERNATIONAL POLITICS | 4 |
| POLS 220 | GREAT POLITICAL THINKERS | 4 |
| POLS 230 | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY | 5 |
| POLS 487 | EXPERIENCES IN POLITICS: INTERNSHIP | 4 |
| POLS 489 | SENIOR SEMINAR 1 | 4 |
| POLS 490 | SENIOR CAPSTONE 1 | 4 |
| POLS 498 | PROSEMINAR 2 | 1 |
| 12 additional POLS elective credits, including at least two 300-level courses, to reach 42 total | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 42 | |
- 1
Students must sign up for senior seminar (POLS 489) in the fall of their senior year and the senior capstone (POLS 490) in the spring of their senior year. Students wishing to study abroad or complete an internship in Washington DC during their senior year should work with their advisor during their junior year to formulate a plan to fulfill senior sequence requirements.
- 2
The proseminar consists of a one-on-one research paper tutorial supervised by a faculty advisor and is taken during the junior year. Students may register for a proseminar to accompany a 300-level course or register for the proseminar with a faculty advisor with expertise in the student's area of interest.
Student Learning Outcomes
- think critically, systematically, and creatively about political issues by employing a variety of theoretical and methodological tools;
- demonstrate a fundamental grasp of the central political problems in local, national, and global contexts;
- communicate in a clear, cogent, and literate fashion to a range of audiences, both in writing and verbally;
- apply their coursework to their own experience through January term courses abroad, internships, and/or a semester in Washington, D.C.; and
- engage productively and responsively in civic debate and discourse.
Oregon Preliminary Teaching Licensure in Social Studies
Students who are also seeking an Oregon Preliminary Teaching License must also complete a Secondary Education major with Licensure. A teaching license endorsement in Social Studies also requires a course in ethnic studies. Students should consult with their Education advisor to be sure they are meeting licensure requirements for a Social Studies endorsement with this major.
In order to complete the Secondary Education major with Licensure, students should begin taking education courses no later than their sophomore year. The student must be advised by faculty in both majors. Alternatively, students may complete a Teaching Certificate program at Linfield after degree completion. Students should seek advice from the Education Department Director if you are considering the post-graduation certificate option.
Students seeking teaching licensure may earn no grade lower than a C in both major and all licensure coursework.*
*This statement added to the catalog 12/2024, though the policy is not new.