Program Overview

The Department of Political Science administers a major in American Politics. The undergraduate major, totaling 36 credits, serves our undergraduate students who choose Drake for the distinct experiential environment available in Des Moines and on campus, allowing consistent and meaningful participation in local, state, and national politics. The American Politics major offers students a unique learning environment that synthesizes rigorous academic study alongside practical experience and skills, exemplifying the Drake mission statement’s focus on “collaborative learning among students, faculty, and staff” and “the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation".

B.A. Degree Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
POLS 001	THE AMERICAN POLITICAL SYSTEM	3
POLS 065	COMPARATIVE POLITICS	3
POLS 110	METHODS IN POLITICS 1	3
POLS 1XX	METHODS DESIGNATED TOPICAL SEMINAR	3
Electives in Political Institutions
Select two of the following:		6
POLS 101	CONGRESS AND THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
POLS 102	THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY
POLS 103	JUDICIAL POLITICS
POLS 104	WHAT'S WRONG WITH AMERICAN POLITICS?: CONTEMPORARY DEBATES IN INSTITUTIONAL DESIGN
POLS 106	STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT
POLS 115	PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATION PROCESS
POLS 135	SUPREME COURTS & ELECTIONS
POLS 137	POLITICS & PARLIAMENTS
Advisor Approved Special Topics Course
Contemporary Public Policy Debates
Select two of the following:		6
POLS 112	WOMEN IN POLITICS
POLS 117	RACE AND AMERICAN POLITICS
POLS 120	AMERICAN PUBLIC POLICY
POLS 121	ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY
POLS 132	THE POLITICS OF INEQUALITY
POLS 133	CASE STUDIES IN COMPARATIVE AND TRANSNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
POLS 152	TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE
POLS 153	RACIAL JUSTICE & HUMAN RIGHTS
POLS 154	HUMAN TRAFFICKING
POLS 156	GLOBAL HEALTH
POLS 162	GENDER AND WAR
POLS 177	POLITICAL ECONOMY OF GLOBALIZA
POLS 178	INTERNATIONAL LAW
LPS 133	DRUGS, LAW, AND SOCIETY
LPS 137	AMERICAN INDIAN LAW AND POLITICS
LPS 138	REPRODUCTIVE LAW AND POLICY IN THE UNITED STATES
SOC 105	RACE, GENDER & POVERTY
SOC 140	YOUTH AND CRIME
SOC 145	FOOD & SOCIETY
SOC 154	POVERTY & SOCIETY
Advisor Approved Special Topics Course
Political Behavior
Select two of the following:		6
POLS 113	AMERICAN ELECTORAL PROCEDURES
POLS 114	PUBLIC OPINION
POLS 116	THE MEDIA IN MODERN POLITICS
POLS 134	COMPARATIVE POLITICAL PARTIES AND INTEREST GROUPS
Advisor Approved Special Topics Course
Professional Development/Practical Politics
Select two of the following:		6
POLS 190	WASHINGTON SEMESTER
POLS 191	WASHINGTON CENTER
POLS 193	INTERNSHIP IN POLITICS
POLS 194	INTERNSHIP IN POLITICS
Advisor Approved Special Topics Course
Total Hours		36

¹

Can substitute STAT 050, STAT 071 STATISTICS I, STAT 072 STATISTICS II

In addition to programmatic requirements, students are responsible for satisfying all requirements of the Drake Curriculum, including Areas of Inquiry (AOI).

Student must also satisfy university graduation requirements for all undergraduate students.