Requirements for the Major in Political Science
Number of Units
Nine units are required, not including the SIP.
Required Courses
- POLS 105 Introduction to U.S. Politics: Theory and Practice
- POLS 106 Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POLS 107 Introduction to International Politics
- POLS 490 Contemporary Behavior, Theory, and Methodology
- ONE of the following:
- POLS 257 Justice and Political Community: Classical Political Thought
- POLS 260 Liberty, Equality, and Authority: Modern Political Thought
- POLS 263 American Political Thought
The political science department requires all majors to pass a written comprehensive examination covering the fields of U.S. politics, comparative politics, international politics, and political theory. In addition, the department strongly encourages students to complete their introductory courses prior to leaving for study abroad.
Requirements for the Minor in Political Science
Number of Units
Six units are required.
Required Courses
- POLS 105 Introduction to American Government
- Five additional political science courses
Off-Campus Credits
One Political Science course from off-campus (study abroad or transfer credit) may count for credit toward the Political Science major or minor. Students must formally petition the department for approval of the course and provide the necessary materials (e.g. syllabus, notes, papers, etc.) for review. In general, the Political Science Department will accept for credit only a course that is not offered at Kalamazoo College.
4+1 Graduate Program with Western Michigan University
4+1 graduate program with the Department of Political Science at Western Michigan. As stated in this Cooperative Agreement between Western Michigan University (WMU) and Kalamazoo College (KC), Kalamazoo College students may be able to transfer a maximum of 6 undergraduate credits (non-entry level) between KC and WMU for application toward a WMU master's degree. Additionally, KC students may also be able to obtain from WMU a maximum of 3 graduate credits by examination based on advanced level course work at KC (Senior Integrated Project). Combined, students may acquire a maximum of 9 credits that can be applied toward a master's degree from WMU.
Course Transfer
Up to six credit hours may be transferred to Western Michigan University from Kalamazoo College with the successful completion of any combination of the following courses with a grade of B or better:
- POLS 305 International Law and Organization
- POLS 310 Women, States, and NGOs
- POLS 320 Democracy and Democratic Theory
- POLS 330 The Politics of the Holocaust
- POLS 360 Domination, Liberation, and Justice: Contemporary Political Thought
- POLS 375 International Political Economy
- POLS/SEMN 410 From Social Movements to Non-Profits
- POLS 490 Contemporary Behavior, Theory and Methodology
To receive up to 3 additional credit hours at WMU as graduate level equivalents, students from Kalamazoo College will be required to submit their final writing projects for POLS 593 (SIP). WMU Department of Political Science Faculty will determine the basis for evaluation and the awarding of the credit.