Political Science Department

Chair: Samson Okoth Opondo (2023-24), Stephen R. Rock (2024-25);

Professors: Richard Born, Andrew Davison, Leah Haus^b, Katherine Hite, Himadeep Muppidi, Sidney Plotkin, Stephen R. Rock, Fubing Su;

Associate Professors: Luke C. Harris, Taneisha Means, Samson Okoth Opondo^b;

Assistant Professors: Arpitha Kodiveri, Claire Sagan^a, Mallory Whiteduck;

Visiting Assistant Professor: Chibuzo Achinivu.

^aOn leave 2024/25, first semester

^bOn leave 2024/25, second semester

Political Science Major Advisers: The department.

Programs

Major

• Political Science Major

Correlate Sequence in Political Science

Four correlate sequences are available in political science: one each in American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics, and Political Theory. 6 political science units are required to complete each sequence. With the approval of the sequence adviser, up to 2 units of political science credit transferred from outside Vassar may count toward the completion of the sequence. With the approval of the sequence adviser, a maximum of 1 unit of fieldwork may count toward completion of the sequence. Up to 1 unit of work elected NRO, taken before declaring a correlate sequence, may count toward completion of the sequence. After declaring a correlate sequence, no course elected NRO may count toward completion of the sequence.

Courses

Political Science: I. Introductory

The courses listed below are introductions to the discipline of political science: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics, and Political Theory. One introductory course is required of majors. No more than two introductory courses in different subfields may be counted towards the major. Except where otherwise noted, enrollment of juniors and seniors for 100-level courses by permission of the instructor only.

Political Science: II. Intermediate

Prerequisite: Freshmen may take a 200-level course only with the permission of the instructor, which usually requires satisfactory completion of an introductory course. For sophomores, juniors, and seniors, an introductory course is recommended but not required.

Political Science: II. Intermediate A. American Politics

Political Science: II. Intermediate B. Comparative Politics

Political Science: II. Intermediate C. International Politics

Political Science: II. Intermediate D. Political Theory

Political Science: II. Intermediate: E. Other

Political Science: III. Advanced A. Optional Senior Thesis

Seminars in the 340s, 350s, 360s, and 370s are generally limited to twelve students and require permission of the instructor. Students taking seminars are expected to have taken relevant course-work at a lower level. The content of seminars can vary from year to year depending upon interests of students and instructors. Seminars might focus on topics too specialized to receive exhaustive treatment in lower-level courses; they might explore particular approaches to the discipline or particular methods of research; they might be concerned with especially difficult problems in political life, or be oriented toward a research project of the instructor. The thesis (POLI 300 , POLI 301 , POLI 302 ) and senior independent work (POLI 399 ) require permission of the instructor.

Political Science: III. Advanced B. American Politics Seminars

Political Science: III. Advanced C. Comparative Politics Seminars

Political Science: III. Advanced D. International Politics Seminars

Political Science: III. Advanced E. Political Theory Seminars

Political Science: III. Advanced F. Other

• POLI 399 - Senior Independent Work