Politics and Government
Sample a wide variety of courses - from the politics of ancient Greece to American presidential
elections, from domestic politics to international relations, from political theory to constitutional
law, from advanced to less developed countries. Learn analytical approaches to understanding how
countries acquire, distribute, protect, and manipulate the instruments of politics and government
to enhance their social, economic, and political conditions. Discover insights and limitations
of comparative, quantitative, and narrative methods of dealing with the problems of power or
acquaint yourself with the ethical implications of power.
Many politics and government majors have attended some of the country's most prestigious
law schools. Others have continued their education in outstanding graduate departments. Your
B.A. degree can also qualify you for a number of challenging positions - in state and local
governments, public interest groups, private corporations, nonprofit agencies, law offices,
teaching institutions, and media organizations.
If you major in Politics and Government, you will complete a core curriculum consisting
of courses in Politics, American Government, and Conduct of Political Inquiry. In addition,
during your senior year, you will enroll in an integrative seminar on Politics and Authority.
For your eight remaining courses, you can select from many options in five major areas of study:
- American Politics and Government
- Comparative Politics and Government
- International Politics and Government
- Normative Political Theory; and Law and Politics.
Your faculty advisor will help you plan the program that best meets your career and intellectual
goals. While all our faculty members are established scholars seeking to contribute to the store of
knowledge in a chosen field, they are primarily gifted, dedicated teachers. They will take a personal
interest in helping you develop in your chosen field.
Internships, Washington Semesters, and Study Abroad
As a junior or senior, you can gain academic credit and professional experience by signing
up for internships. Placements are available in the Connecticut offices of United States
senators and representatives, the state Legislature, secretary of the state, public defenders,
business and industry associations, private law firms, corporations, and public interest
research groups. The nation's capital can also be your backdrop for exciting class work,
seminars, and internships through the Washington Semester Program. Or travel to selected
foreign capitals to experience other governments and international relations firsthand in
the University's Study-Abroad Program.
