At a Glance
I’m interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?
The Scripps politics major focuses on governance both in the United States and around the world, with particular attention to institutions, relationships, and people who govern or are governed by political entities.
Here, we study relationships of power and control over limited resources. We also ask normative questions concerning the nature of various institutions: How should governments and institutions be run and who should be in charge? Should certain institutions exist? Who benefits from specific policies and procedures? How do we better understand structural processes and institutional practices as they impact our everyday lives?
What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?
We recommend that you take any of the following courses during your first year at Scripps:
- POLI 120 SC: Introduction to US Politics
- POLI 100 SC: Introduction to Global Politics
- POLI 110 SC: Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POLI 150 SC: Introduction to Public Policy
- POLI 130 SC: Introduction to Political Economy
- POLI 140 SC: Introduction to Political Theory
If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?
No, the politics major does not have a specific sequence. However, you’ll be required to complete three introductory courses out of our six subfields, two courses that relate to two of those subfields, a research methods course, and a senior thesis over the course of your time at Scripps.
Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?
Yes! Common pairings include psychology, economics, and writing and rhetoric.
Program Information
Dual and Double Majors in Politics
Dual and double programs combining politics with a wide range of other majors are possible, but require early planning and careful selection of courses. A double major requires that the student complete all requirements for each program, including senior seminar and senior thesis, but may have two courses that overlap. A dual major allows the student to combine majors in completing one senior seminar and one senior thesis.