Political Science Major
Midshipmen must select an area of concentration within the Political Science discipline: American Politics and Law, Comparative Politics, or International Relations. Individual programs should be worked out with the midshipman’s assigned academic adviser during spring semester of 3/c year.
Please download the matrices document for more information.
American Politics and Law Concentration (FPSA)
Required Courses
FP210 International Relations or FP230 Comparative Politics
FP220 Political Science Methods
FP471X Capstone Seminar
In addition to the required courses above, each midshipman must complete seven courses within the Political Science discipline. Four courses are from within their area of concentration. Out of the remaining three courses, midshipmen must take two courses from the other two areas of concentration within Political Science, and one other Political Science elective. Preference for fall enrollment in capstone seminars will be given to midshipmen who have completed at least four Political Science courses.
American Politics and Law Elective Courses
FP325 American Political Philosophy
FP326 The American Presidency
FP328 The Legislative Process
FP340 Modern Political Thought and Ideology
FP345 Environmental Politics and Security
FP350 Political Economy
FP355 Civil Military Relations
FP372 Political Parties, Campaigns and Interest Groups
FP375 Politics and the Media
FP397 Criminal law and Justice
FP403 Advanced Research Seminar in Washington
FP413 Constitutional Law: Federal System
FP414 Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
FP420 Public Policy
FP430 Political Philosophy
FP463 Special Topics in American Politics
FP485/486 A, B New Course Offering American
*Political Science majors can take courses in any order with the exception of the three required courses. Midshipmen must enroll in FP210 or FP230, and FP220 during their 3/C year. FP471X is taken during 1/C year.
Comparative Politics Concentration (FPSC)
Required Courses
FP230 Comparative Politics
FP220 Political Science Methods
FP471X Capstone Seminar
In addition to the required courses above, each midshipman must complete seven courses within the Political Science discipline. Four courses are from within their area of concentration. Out of the remaining three courses, midshipmen must take two courses from the other two areas of concentration within Political Science, and one other Political Science elective. FP210 (International Relations) can be taken as the free major elective, or as the free elective, in the FPSC majors matrix. Preference for fall enrollment in capstone seminars will be given to midshipmen who have completed at least four Political Science courses.
Comparative Politics Elective Courses
FP367 Politics of Russia and CIS
FP368 Comparative Asian Politics
FP369 Middle Eastern Politics
FP440 Politics of Central Europe
FP462 Special Topics in Comparative Politics
FP485/486 C, D New Course Offering Comparative Politics
*Political Science majors can take courses in any order with the exception of the three required courses. Midshipmen must enroll in FP210 or FP230, and FP220 during their 3/C year. FP471X is taken during 1/C year.
International Relations Concentration (FPSI)
Required Courses
FP210 International Relations
FP220 Political Science Methods
FP471X Capstone Seminar
In addition to the required courses above, each midshipman must complete seven courses within the Political Science discipline. Four courses are from within their area of concentration. Out of the remaining three courses, midshipmen must take two courses from the other two areas of concentration within Political Science, and one other Political Science elective. FP230 (Comparative Politics) can be taken as the free major elective, or as the free elective, in the FPSI majors matrix. Preference for fall enrollment in capstone seminars will be given to midshipmen who have completed at least four Political Science courses.
International Relations Elective Courses
FP310 Introduction to Global Strategic Studies
FP311 Ethics & International Relations
FP313 Science, Technology & Int’l Relations
FP314 Formulation of U.S. Foreign Policy
FP324 Latin American International Politics
FP335 Non-Democratic Politics
FP341 Political Psychology
FP356 Conflict and Peacekeeping
FP360 Middle East International Politics
FP370 Foreign Policy of Russia and CIS
FP371 Asian International Politics
FP384 Politics of Irregular Warfare
FP407 Intelligence and National Security
FP408 International Law
FP 421 National Security Policy
FP437 International Organizations
FP450 Int’l Political Economy
FP460 Class of 1960 Special Topics in Int’l Relations
FP461 Special Topics in Int’l Relations
FP485/486 I, H, New Course Offering in Int’l Relations
FP487A Olin Seminar in Security Decision-Making
*Political Science majors can take courses in any order with the exception of the three required courses. Midshipmen must enroll in FP210 or FP230, and FP220 during their 3/C year. FP471X is taken during 1/C year.
Please download the matrices document for more information.
