Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 Catalog 
    
2013-2014 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Political Science, B.A.


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In addition to adhering to the UC Merced and School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts requirements, the Political Science major requires 48 units, some of which may simultaneously meet general education requirements. Courses in the major must be taken for a letter grade, and may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis unless the course is only offered on a pass/no pass basis.

Lower Division Major Requirements [16 Units]


Upper Division Major Requirements [32 Units]


  • Two Political Science courses from outside the primary area of focus [8 units]
  • At least three additional upper division courses in Political Science [12 units]
  • Three upper division Political Science courses from one of the following three subfields [12 units]
    • American Politics: POLI 100-127
    • Comparative Politics: POLI 130-140
    • International Relations: POLI 150-160

Transfer Students


Transfer students planning to major in Political Science should complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) at their community college. Transfer students may not be admitted to the Political Science major without specific major preparation. Please contact the Office of Admissions for current information.

Political Science Program Learning Outcomes


Upon graduation, students majoring in Political Science will be able to:

  • Understand the processes, theories, and empirical regularities of political institutions and political behavior in the student’s chosen emphasis area: American politics, comparative politics, or international relations;
  • Employ critical thinking and demonstrate social scientific literacy, including basic quantitative literacy;
  • Utilize contemporary social science research methods to conduct rigorous research on political phenomena;
  • Write effectively, particularly to convey complex concepts and information in a clear and concise manner;
  • Apply abstract theory and research methods to understand contemporary political events and public policies.

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