Political Science
Political science explores questions about power: what it is, where it comes from, who exercises it, and how it is legitimized and challenged. We work to understand how political institutions and processes developed in history, how they operate today, and how they might change in the future--here in the United States, in other countries around the world, and internationally in the global system. Key topics include democracy and authoritarianism, good governance and corruption, inequality and protest, conflict and cooperation, and war and peace.
In accordance with the mission of Barnard College, the political science department aims to create a community of teachers and students committed to intellectual discovery, rigorous analysis, and independent thought. The department's courses emphasize reflection, discussion, deliberation and intensive interactions between faculty members and students. The Barnard political science department strives to help students think clearly and methodically about the questions and issues that make up political science, equip them with the intellectual and presentational skills necessary to understand and address practical political issues as well as prepare them for a wide range of careers in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; pre-collegiate education; electoral politics; research and university and college teaching.
If you have any questions, please see the quick links below; if you are not able to find the information you need, please email polisci@barnard.edu.
Upon completion of the Barnard Political Science major, students should be able to:
Five-Year Bachelors/Master of Arts Program
The SIPA programs include the Graduate Program in Public Policy & Administration (MPA) and the Master of International Affairs Program (MIA). For information, please contact the Associate Department Chair
Course Requirements
Of the ten courses required for the Political Science major, three must be introductory courses at the 1000-level, or selected 3000-level courses, in three of the four subfields. These courses are designed to provide an introduction to the main subject matter and major theories of each subfield. They also serve to familiarize students with the analytic approaches that political scientists use. Any student taking a fourth introductory course may use that towards their elective requirement.
The Field of Political Science
Political Theory: the study of the conceptual foundations of political systems and behavior.
- Student learning outcome: after completing one or more courses in Political Theory students should have a familiarity with some of the key concepts, theories and debates that have defined thinking about politics over time.