Major in Political Science
Students learn about political processes, governance, and theories of political life while gaining critical knowledge of political and legal systems that shape society. Our majors develop skills to make a tangible impact on the everyday lives of the people and places in their community and beyond.
Students chose our major because of the exciting and relevant course content, the quality of teaching, academic freedoms, and educational opportunities offered both inside and outside the classroom. Individual courses are demanding, but the major requires only a modest number of credits, allowing students more flexibility.
Majors are not required to specialize in any particular political science sub-field. However, our department specializations make it possible for students to create their own programs and delve deeply into a specific area of study. Majors may also choose to develop a broad understanding of local, national, and global politics by taking courses across various specializations. In this way, a specialization is possible but is never formally declared.
Students must complete at least 30 credits of POLS courses with a C or better grade in each course. At least 24 of these credits must be POLS 399 or lower, including:
- One three-credit introductory course at the 100- or 200-level
- 12 credits (4 classes) from the following:
- POLS 335: History of Political Thought (3);
- POLS 301: Hawai‘i Politics (3) or POLS 302: Native Hawaiian Politics (3);
- POLS 305: Global Politics/Comparative (3) or POLS 315 Global Politics/International Relations (3),
- and either POLS 375: Constitutional Law I: Institutional Power (3), POLS 376: Constitutional Law II: Rights and Liberties (3), or POLS 385: American Politics (3)
- POLS 390: Political Inquiry and Analysis (3)
- Nine credits (3 classes) of POLS electives
- Three credits from any other 100-level or higher, and
- Six credits from any other 300-level or higher course (excluding courses listed in the second bullet)
- At least three credits from a Capstone 400-level course (POLS 401–406) or a Graduate-level course with instructor permission
Majors must take one Capstone course (POLS 401–408, or a suitable graduate seminar) in their senior year. Students may take more than one if they choose. We encourage students to select a capstone that speaks to their goals for the future. What do you want to do with all this knowledge of politics that you have gained?
I. Research
Do you think you would like to go to graduate school, law school, or some other post-BA professional program? You will probably be asked for a writing sample as part of your application. The research experience in these capstones will enable you to write a scholarly paper of potentially publishable quality.
- POLS 404: Senior Thesis (3) – You will work with an advisor of your choice in designing and carrying out an individual research project. This is not a class; it is a one-on-one tutorial in which you, in consultation with your advisor, plan and carry out the research and writing of your paper. When you have a general idea of your topic, you need to approach a professor from the Political Science faculty and ask them to serve as your advisor. Together you will plan your research and writing schedule. Theses are commonly about 25 to 50 pages long, but this can vary with the project. You can complete your thesis within the Honors Program if you are accepted there.
- POLS 406: Senior Seminar in Political Science (3) – This class offers an advanced inquiry into a selected question or area in Political Science. Each semester's class will reflect the instructor's area of specialization. This class is capped at 20 students and is conducted like a graduate seminar, meeting once a week for 2.5 hours. You will write a significant research paper or the equivalent.
- Graduate Seminar – You can take a graduate seminar in Political Science for three credits. To select a class, it is best to approach a faculty member whom you know, and request to be admitted to their graduate seminar. You will do the assigned reading, writing and presenting that the class requires. A good seminar paper can serve as your writing sample for grad school applications.
II. Teaching
Do you think you would like to teach? You can gain experience in the classroom under the guidance of an experienced teacher.
POLS 401: Teaching Political Science (6) - The teaching experience will enable you to assist in teaching a college-level course to fellow students. The following conditions must be met:
- Students must have permission from a professor to work with them on a course. Faculty should be approached individually regarding their interest in mentoring a student through the process.
- Students must have taken the course for which they will be a teaching assistant or a commensurate course as determined by the faculty involved.
- Students must have received an A in the course.
- The professor and student will devise a set of expectations regarding the work that will be required for the course. This may include:
- Co-teaching classes with the professor
- Facilitating discussion
- Delivering a guest lecture
- Supporting study sessions and advising
- Grading tests and quizzes
- Assisting students in writing
- Other duties
- Students should attend all classes along with the professor.
- Students will not be the sole teacher in the course but will instead be mentored by the faculty instructor.
III. Community Action/Field Work
Would you like to work with a community organization, an NGO, or an activist group? Would you like to work in government or run for office? Our internships offer a range of hands-on experiences in various political organizations.
The community experience will enable students to develop significant leadership and organizational skills and participate in a political organization or community group.
- POLS 402: Legislative Internship (V) - Students are placed with a state legislator and work full–time in the legislator’s office, gaining an understanding of Hawaiʻi state politics and developing skills in policy analysis, organizational practices, and community leadership. Offered each spring. Students receive 15 credits for this full–time, funded internship.
- POLS 403: Community Internship (V) - Students spend 8–10 hours per week working with a community organization or agency, learning about local political practices and community activities. Students typically receive three credits for this internship.
- POLS 408: Congressional Fellowship Internship (6) - Students are placed in one of our four congressional offices in Washington, D.C. You will work full-time for the congressperson and earn 12 academic credits for this funded internship. The work will immerse you in the areas of constituent relations, policy research, and public service.
Students can plan/track degree progress using Program Sheet & Academic Plan and STAR Degree Check.
For inquiries on undergraduate study, see Undergraduate Advising.