political science research areas

Political Science Research Paper Topics

800 Political Science Research Paper Topics

Political science is a dynamic field that offers a multitude of avenues for exploration and inquiry. Whether you are passionate about the intricacies of American politics, fascinated by global affairs, or interested in the intersection of politics with social issues, there’s a wealth of research opportunities awaiting you. This comprehensive list of political science research paper topics has been meticulously curated to help students like you find inspiration and direction for your academic endeavors. Spanning various categories, these topics encompass both foundational principles and contemporary issues, ensuring a diverse range of subjects for your research. As you navigate this extensive collection, let your intellectual curiosity guide you towards a research topic that resonates with your interests and academic goals.

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African Politics

• The Role of Youth Movements in African Politics
• Assessing the Impact of Neocolonialism on African Nations
• Conflict Resolution Strategies in African States
• Corruption and Governance Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Women’s Participation in African Political Leadership
• Comparative Analysis of Post-Colonial African Constitutions
• Environmental Policies and Sustainability in African Governments
• The African Union’s Role in Regional Stability
• Ethnic Conflict and Politics in East Africa
• Human Rights Violations and Accountability in African Nations
• The Influence of International Aid on African Politics
• Media Censorship and Press Freedom in African Nations
• Ethnicity and Identity Politics in West Africa
• Healthcare Access and Quality in African Countries
• Indigenous Governance and Rights in African Societies
• Political Economy and Resource Allocation in Oil-Producing Nations
• The Impact of Globalization on African Economies
• The Legacy of Apartheid in South African Politics
• The African Diaspora’s Influence on Homeland Politics
• Environmental Conservation and Natural Resource Management in Africa

American Politics

• The Role of Third Parties in American Elections
• Analyzing the Influence of Lobbying on U.S. Policy
• The Impact of Social Media on Political Campaigns
• Immigration Policies and the American Dream
• Gerrymandering and Its Effects on Electoral Outcomes
• The Role of the Electoral College in Presidential Elections
• Gun Control and Second Amendment Debates
• Healthcare Policy and Access in the United States
• Partisanship and Polarization in American Politics
• The History and Future of American Democracy
• Supreme Court Decisions and Their Political Implications
• Environmental Policies and Climate Change in the U.S.
• Media Bias and Political Discourse in America
• Political Conventions and Their Significance
• The Role of Super PACs in Campaign Financing
• Civil Rights Movements and Their Impact on U.S. Politics
• Trade Policy and Global Economic Relations
• National Security and Counterterrorism Strategies
• Populism and Its Influence on American Politics
• Electoral Reform and Voting Rights in the United States

Asian Politics

• China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Global Politics
• Democracy Movements in Hong Kong and Taiwan
• India’s Foreign Policy and Regional Influence
• The North Korea Nuclear Crisis
• Environmental Challenges in Southeast Asian Nations
• Ethnic Conflict and Identity Politics in South Asia
• Economic Growth and Inequality in East Asian Countries
• ASEAN’s Role in Regional Security
• Japan’s Approach to Pacifism and Defense
• Cybersecurity and Cyber Warfare in Asia
• Religious Extremism and Political Stability in the Middle East
• China-India Border Dispute and Geopolitical Implications
• South China Sea Disputes and Maritime Politics
• The Rohingya Crisis and Humanitarian Interventions
• Political Reform and Authoritarianism in Central Asia
• Technological Advancements and Political Change in Asia
• The Belt and Road Initiative and Its Impact on Asian Economies
• Environmental Conservation Efforts in Asian Nations
• Geopolitical Rivalries in the Indo-Pacific Region
• Media Censorship and Freedom of Expression in Asia
• Comparative Politics
• Comparative Analysis of Political Regimes: Democracies vs. Authoritarian States
• Theories of State Formation and Governance
• Electoral Systems Around the World
• Social Welfare Policies in Western and Non-Western Societies
• The Role of Civil Society in Political Change
• Political Parties and Their Impact on Governance
• Analyzing Political Culture in Diverse Societies
• Case Studies in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
• Federal vs. Unitary Systems of Government
• Gender and Political Representation Across Countries
• Immigration Policies and Integration Strategies
• Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination Movements
• Environmental Policies and Sustainability Practices
• Populist Movements in Contemporary Politics
• The Impact of Globalization on National Identities
• Human Rights Violations and Accountability Mechanisms
• Comparative Analysis of Welfare States
• Ethnic Conflict and Power Sharing Agreements
• Religious Diversity and Its Political Implications
• Social Movements and Political Change Across Regions
• Constitutions and Constitutionalism
• The Evolution of Constitutional Law: Historical Perspectives
• Judicial Review and Constitutional Interpretation
• Federalism and State Powers in Constitutional Design
• Comparative Analysis of National Constitutions
• Human Rights Provisions in Modern Constitutions
• Constitutional Amendments and Reform Efforts
• Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
• Constitutional Design in Post-Conflict Societies
• Constitutionalism and Indigenous Rights
• Challenges to Constitutional Democracy in the 21st Century
• Constitutions and Cultural Pluralism
• Environmental Provisions in Constitutions
• The Role of Constitutional Courts in Political Systems
• Social and Economic Rights in Constitutions
• Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law
• The Impact of Technological Advancements on Constitutional Governance
• Constitutional Protections for Minority Rights
• Constitutional Referendums and Public Participation
• Constitutional Provisions for Emergency Powers
• Gender Equality Clauses in National Constitutions
• Democracy and Democratization
• The Role of Civil Society in Democratization
• Democratic Backsliding: Causes and Consequences
• Comparative Analysis of Electoral Systems and Democracy
• The Impact of Media on Political Awareness and Democracy
• Political Parties and Their Role in Democratic Governance
• Women’s Political Participation and Representation in Democracies
• Democratic Transitions in Post-Authoritarian States
• Youth Movements and Their Influence on Democratization
• Populism and Its Effect on Democratic Norms
• Comparative Analysis of Direct vs. Representative Democracy
• Democratization and Economic Development
• Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Democratization
• The Role of International Organizations in Promoting Democracy
• Religious Diversity and Democracy in Multiethnic Societies
• The Challenges of Democratic Consolidation
• Media Freedom and Democratization in the Digital Age
• Human Rights and Democratic Governance
• Democratization and Conflict Resolution in Divided Societies
• Civil-Military Relations in Emerging Democracies
• Assessing the Quality of Democracy in Different Countries

Political Corruption

• The Impact of Corruption on Political Stability
• Corruption and Economic Development: A Comparative Analysis
• Anti-Corruption Measures and Their Effectiveness
• Corruption in Public Procurement and Government Contracts
• Political Scandals and Their Influence on Public Opinion
• The Role of Whistleblowers in Exposing Political Corruption
• Corruption and Its Impact on Foreign Aid and Investments
• Political Patronage and Nepotism in Government
• Transparency and Accountability Mechanisms
• Corruption and Environmental Exploitation
• Cultural Factors and Perceptions of Corruption
• Corruption in Law Enforcement and the Judiciary
• The Role of Media in Investigating Political Corruption
• Corruption and Political Party Financing
• Comparative Analysis of Corruption Levels in Different Countries
• Ethnicity and Corruption: Case Studies
• Political Corruption in Post-Conflict Societies
• Gender, Power, and Corruption
• Corruption and Human Rights Violations
• Strategies for Combating Political Corruption

European Politics

• The European Union’s Role in Global Governance
• Brexit and Its Implications for European Politics
• European Integration and Supranationalism
• Euroscepticism and Anti-EU Movements
• Immigration and European Identity
• Populist Parties in European Elections
• Environmental Policies in European Countries
• The Eurozone Crisis and Economic Governance
• EU Enlargement and Eastern European Politics
• Human Rights and European Integration
• Nationalism and Secession Movements in Europe
• Security Challenges in the Baltic States
• EU-US Relations and Transatlantic Cooperation
• Energy Policies and Dependency on Russian Gas
• The Common Agricultural Policy and Farming in Europe
• European Social Welfare Models and Inequality
• The Schengen Agreement and Border Control
• The Rise of Far-Right Movements in Western Europe
• EU Environmental Regulations and Sustainability
• The Role of the European Court of Justice in Shaping European Politics
• Comparative Analysis of Federal Systems
• Fiscal Federalism and Taxation in Federal States
• Federalism and Ethnic Conflict Resolution
• The Role of Governors in Federal Systems
• Intergovernmental Relations in Federal Countries
• Federalism and Healthcare Policy
• Environmental Federalism and Conservation Efforts
• Federalism and Immigration Policies
• Indigenous Rights and Self-Government in Federal States
• Federalism and Education Policy
• The Role of Regional Parties in Federal Politics
• Federalism and Disaster Response
• Energy Policy and Federal-State Relations
• Federalism and Criminal Justice Reform
• Local Autonomy and Decentralization in Federal Systems
• The Impact of Federal Systems on Economic Development
• Constitutional Reform and Changes in Federalism
• Federalism and Social Welfare Programs
• The European Model of Federalism
• Comparative Analysis of Dual and Cooperative Federalism
• Foreign Policy
• Diplomatic Strategies in International Relations
• The Influence of Public Opinion on Foreign Policy
• Economic Diplomacy and Trade Negotiations
• The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Foreign Policy
• Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping Efforts
• International Human Rights Advocacy and Foreign Policy
• Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy
• Nuclear Proliferation and Arms Control
• Cybersecurity and Foreign Policy Challenges
• Climate Diplomacy and Global Environmental Agreements
• Refugee and Migration Policies in International Relations
• The Impact of International Organizations on Foreign Policy
• Energy Security and Geopolitical Strategies
• Regional Alliances and Security Agreements
• Terrorism and Counterterrorism Strategies
• Humanitarian Interventions and Responsibility to Protect
• The Role of Intelligence Agencies in Foreign Policy
• Economic Sanctions and Their Effectiveness
• Foreign Aid and Development Assistance
• International Law and Treaty Negotiations
• Gender and Politics
• Gender Representation in Political Leadership
• The Impact of Women’s Movements on Gender Policy
• Gender-Based Violence and Political Responses
• Intersectionality and Identity Politics in Gender Advocacy
• Gender Mainstreaming in Government Policies
• LGBTQ+ Rights and Political Movements
• Women in Conflict Resolution and Peace Negotiations
• The Gender Pay Gap and Labor Policies
• Female Political Empowerment and Quotas
• Masculinity Studies and Political Behavior
• Gender and Environmental Justice
• The Role of Men in Promoting Gender Equality
• Gender Stereotypes and Political Campaigns
• Reproductive Rights and Political Debates
• Gender, Race, and Political Power
• Feminist Foreign Policy and Global Women’s Rights
• Gender and Healthcare Policy
• Gender Disparities in Education Access
• Gender, Technology, and Digital Divide
• Patriarchy and Its Effects on Political Systems
• Globalization and Politics
• The Impact of Globalization on National Sovereignty
• Trade Agreements and Their Political Implications
• Globalization and Income Inequality
• Environmental Policies in the Globalized World
• Cultural Diversity in a Globalized Society
• Globalization and Labor Movements
• Global Health Governance and Pandemics
• Migration and Political Responses to Globalization
• Technology and Global Political Connectivity
• Globalization and Political Populism
• Human Rights in a Globalized Context
• Globalization and the Spread of Political Ideas
• Global Supply Chains and Political Vulnerabilities
• Media and Information Flow in Global Politics
• Globalization and Terrorism Networks
• Transnational Corporations and Political Influence
• Globalization and Political Identity
• The Role of International Organizations in Managing Globalization
• Globalization and Climate Change Politics
• Globalization and Post-Pandemic Political Challenges
• Political Ideologies
• Liberalism and Its Contemporary Relevance
• Conservatism in Modern Political Thought
• Socialism and Its Variations in Different Countries
• Fascism and the Rise of Far-Right Ideologies
• Anarchism and Political Movements
• Marxism and Its Influence on Political Theory
• Environmentalism as a Political Ideology
• Feminism and Its Political Manifestations
• Populism as an Emerging Political Ideology
• Nationalism and Its Role in Contemporary Politics
• Multiculturalism and Political Pluralism
• Postcolonialism and Its Impact on Global Politics
• Postmodernism and Its Critique of Political Discourse
• Religious Political Ideologies and Fundamentalism
• Libertarianism and Minimalist Government
• Technological Utopianism and Political Change
• Eco-Socialism and Environmental Politics
• Identity Politics and Intersectional Ideologies
• Indigenous Political Thought and Movements
• Futurism and Political Visions of Tomorrow

Checks and Balances

• The Role of the Executive Branch in Checks and Balances
• Congressional Oversight and Accountability
• The Separation of Powers in Parliamentary Systems
• Checks and Balances in Local Government
• Media and Public Opinion as Checks on Government
• Bureaucratic Agencies and Their Role in Oversight
• The Balance of Power in Federal Systems
• The Role of Political Parties in Checks and Balances
• Checks and Balances in Authoritarian Regimes
• The Role of Interest Groups in Government Oversight
• The Influence of Lobbying on Checks and Balances
• The Role of the Courts in Presidential Accountability
• Checks and Balances in Times of National Crisis
• The Use of Veto Power in Checks and Balances
• Checks and Balances and the Protection of Civil Liberties
• The Role of Whistleblowers in Exposing Government Misconduct
• Checks and Balances and National Security Policies
• The Evolution of Checks and Balances in Modern Democracies
• Interest Groups and Lobbies
• The Influence of Corporate Lobbying on Public Policy
• Interest Groups and Campaign Finance in Politics
• Advocacy Groups and Their Impact on Legislative Agendas
• The Role of Unions in Interest Group Politics
• Environmental Organizations and Lobbying Efforts
• Identity-Based Interest Groups and Their Political Power
• Health Advocacy Groups and Healthcare Policy
• The Influence of Foreign Lobbying on U.S. Politics
• Interest Groups and Regulatory Capture
• Interest Groups in Comparative Politics
• The Use of Social Media in Interest Group Campaigns
• Gun Control Advocacy and Interest Group Dynamics
• Religious Organizations and Political Lobbying
• Interest Groups and Human Rights Advocacy
• Farming and Agricultural Interest Groups
• Interest Groups and Education Policy
• LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Political Representation
• Interest Groups and Criminal Justice Reform
• Veterans’ Organizations and Their Political Clout
• Interest Groups and Their Role in Shaping Public Opinion
• International Relations
• Theories of International Relations: Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism
• Power Politics and International Security
• The Role of Diplomacy in Conflict Resolution
• Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism in International Relations
• International Organizations and Their Influence on World Politics
• Global Governance and Challenges to Sovereignty
• Humanitarian Interventions and the Responsibility to Protect
• Non-State Actors in International Relations
• International Law and Its Application in Conflict Zones
• Arms Control Agreements and Nuclear Proliferation
• International Trade Agreements and Economic Diplomacy
• International Environmental Agreements and Climate Change
• Cybersecurity Threats in the Digital Age
• Refugee Crises and Forced Migration on the Global Stage
• Geopolitics of Energy Resources
• Peacekeeping Operations and Conflict Prevention
• Global Health Diplomacy and Pandemic Response
• The Role of Intelligence Agencies in International Relations
• The Changing Dynamics of U.S.-China Relations

International Security

• Cybersecurity Threats and Global Security
• Arms Control and Nuclear Non-Proliferation
• Regional Conflict and Security Implications
• Humanitarian Interventions and Security Dilemmas
• Intelligence Sharing and National Security
• Environmental Security and Resource Conflicts
• Non-State Actors in Global Security
• Maritime Security and Freedom of Navigation
• The Role of International Organizations in Global Security
• Military Alliances and Collective Defense
• Space Security and Militarization of Outer Space
• Cyber Warfare and State-Sponsored Hacking
• Security Challenges in Post-Conflict Zones
• Refugee Crises and Security Implications
• Emerging Technologies and Security Risks
• Energy Security and Geopolitical Tensions
• Food Security and Global Agricultural Policies
• Biological and Chemical Weapons Proliferation
• Climate Change and Security Threats

Latin American Politics

• Populism in Latin American Politics
• Drug Trafficking and Security Challenges
• Political Instability and Regime Changes
• Indigenous Movements and Political Representation
• Corruption Scandals and Governance Issues
• Environmental Politics and Conservation Efforts
• Social Movements and Protests in Latin America
• Economic Inequality and Poverty Reduction Strategies
• Human Rights Violations and Accountability
• The Role of the United States in Latin American Politics
• Regional Integration and Trade Agreements
• Gender Equality and Women in Politics
• Land Reform and Agrarian Policies
• Indigenous Rights and Land Conflicts
• Media Freedom and Political Discourse
• Migration Patterns and Regional Impacts
• Authoritarian Regimes and Democratic Backsliding
• Drug Legalization Debates in Latin America
• Religious Influence in Politics
• Latin American Diplomacy and International Relations
• Law and Courts
• Judicial Independence and the Rule of Law
• Constitutional Interpretation and Originalism
• Supreme Court Decision-Making and Precedent
• Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility
• Criminal Justice Reform and Sentencing Policies
• Civil Rights Litigation and Legal Activism
• International Law and Its Application in Domestic Courts
• Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
• The Role of Judges in Shaping Public Policy
• Access to Justice and Legal Aid Programs
• Gender Bias in Legal Systems
• Intellectual Property Rights and Legal Challenges
• Immigration Law and Border Control
• Environmental Law and Sustainability
• Corporate Governance and Legal Compliance
• Privacy Rights in the Digital Age
• Family Law and Custody Disputes
• Law and Technology: Legal Issues in AI and Robotics
• Legal Education and Training of Lawyers
• Legal Pluralism and Customary Law Systems
• Legislative Studies
• The Role of Legislative Bodies in Policy-Making
• Parliamentary Systems vs. Presidential Systems
• Legislative Oversight and Government Accountability
• Party Politics and Legislative Behavior
• Committee Structures and Decision-Making Processes
• Electoral Systems and Their Impact on Legislation
• Minority Rights and Representation in Legislatures
• Lobbying and Interest Group Influence on Legislators
• Legislative Ethics and Codes of Conduct
• The Evolution of Legislative Bodies in Modern Democracies
• Legislative Responses to Crises and Emergencies
• Legislative Innovations and Reforms
• Legislative Responsiveness to Public Opinion
• Legislative Term Limits and Their Effects
• Gender Parity in Legislative Representation
• Legislative Coalitions and Majority Building
• Legislative Role in Budgetary Processes
• Legislative Oversight of Intelligence Agencies
• Subnational Legislatures and Regional Autonomy
• Comparative Analysis of Legislative Systems

Middle Eastern Politics

• The Arab Spring and Political Transformations
• Sectarianism and Conflict in the Middle East
• Authoritarianism and Political Repression
• The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Peace Efforts
• Oil Politics and Resource-Driven Conflicts
• Terrorism and Insurgency in the Middle East
• Foreign Interventions and Proxy Wars
• Human Rights Abuses and Accountability
• Religious Politics and Extremism
• Migration and Refugees in the Middle East
• Women’s Rights and Gender Equality
• Political Islam and Islamist Movements
• Water Scarcity and Regional Tensions
• Media and Censorship in Middle Eastern States
• Kurdish Politics and Autonomy Movements
• Sectarianism and Its Impact on State Structures
• Economic Challenges and Youth Unemployment
• Environmental Issues and Sustainability
• Iran’s Role in Regional Politics
• Middle Eastern Diplomacy and Global Relations

Nation and State

• National Identity and Its Influence on Statehood
• Secession Movements and the Question of Statehood
• Stateless Nations and the Right to Self-Determination
• State-Building in Post-Conflict Zones
• Failed States and International Interventions
• Ethnic Nationalism and Nation-Building
• Federalism and Devolution of Powers
• State Symbols and Nationalism
• Nationalism and Economic Policies
• Colonial Legacy and the Formation of Nations
• Territorial Disputes and State Sovereignty
• Ethnic Minorities and Their Political Rights
• Globalization and the Erosion of Statehood
• Nationalism in the Era of Transnationalism
• Nationalist Movements and Regional Autonomy
• The Role of Education in Shaping National Identity
• National Symbols and Their Political Significance
• Migration and Its Impact on National Identity
• Cultural Diversity and Nation-Building Challenges
• The Role of Language in Defining Nationhood

Political Behavior

• Voter Turnout and Political Participation Rates
• Political Socialization and Civic Engagement
• Partisan Loyalty and Voting Behavior
• Political Trust and Public Opinion
• Political Apathy and Its Causes
• Political Mobilization Strategies
• Protest Movements and Activism
• Electoral Behavior and Decision-Making
• Political Communication and Information Sources
• Political Social Networks and Online Activism
• Political Behavior of Youth and Generational Differences
• Political Behavior of Minority Groups
• Gender and Political Participation
• Social Media Influence on Political Behavior
• Public Opinion Polling and Its Impact
• Political Psychology and Behavioral Analysis
• Political Behavior in Non-Democratic Systems
• Voting Behavior in Swing States
• Political Behavior in Times of Crisis
• Political Behavior Research Methodologies

Political Change

• Regime Change and Democratization
• Revolution and Political Transformation
• Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconciliation
• Political Leadership and Change Initiatives
• Nonviolent Movements and Political Change
• Social Movements and Policy Reforms
• The Role of Technology in Political Change
• Political Change in Authoritarian Regimes
• Youth-Led Political Change Movements
• Resistance Movements and Their Strategies
• Cultural Movements and Political Change
• Environmental Movements and Policy Impact
• Economic Crisis and Political Change
• International Influence on Political Change
• Indigenous Movements and Political Empowerment
• Women’s Movements and Gender-Driven Change
• Grassroots Movements and Local Governance
• The Impact of Global Events on Political Change
• Political Change and Human Rights
• Comparative Studies of Political Change

Political Communication

• Media Influence on Political Attitudes
• Political Advertising and Campaign Strategies
• Political Rhetoric and Persuasion Techniques
• Social Media and Political Discourse
• Political Debates and Public Perception
• Crisis Communication and Political Leadership
• Media Ownership and Political Influence
• Propaganda and Information Warfare
• Fact-Checking and Media Accountability
• News Framing and Agenda Setting
• Political Satire and Public Opinion
• Political Communication in Multicultural Societies
• Crisis Communication and Government Response
• Public Relations and Political Image Management
• Political Talk Shows and Public Engagement
• The Role of Polling in Political Communication
• Speechwriting and Political Oratory
• Media Literacy and Critical Thinking
• Political Communication Ethics and Responsibility
• Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Political Communication

Political Concepts

• Democracy: Theories and Applications
• Justice and Fairness in Political Systems
• Power and Authority in Governance
• Liberty and Individual Rights
• Equality: Political, Social, and Economic Dimensions
• Citizenship: Rights and Responsibilities
• Sovereignty and the State
• Representation and Political Legitimacy
• Political Obligation and Consent
• Rights vs. Welfare: A Philosophical Debate
• The Common Good in Political Philosophy
• Social Contract Theories and Political Order
• Freedom of Speech and Political Discourse
• Political Ideals and Utopian Visions
• The Ethics of Political Decision-Making
• Anarchy and Political Order
• Nationalism and Patriotism as Political Concepts
• Political Realism vs. Idealism
• Human Dignity and Political Values
• Multiculturalism and Cultural Diversity in Politics

Political Economy

• Economic Policies and Political Decision-Making
• The Impact of Global Trade Agreements on National Economies
• Income Inequality and Political Consequences
• Taxation Policies and Political Debates
• Political Influence on Central Banks
• Economic Growth vs. Environmental Sustainability
• Government Regulation of Financial Markets
• Economic Crises and Political Responses
• Populism and Economic Policies
• Economic Development and Political Stability
• Corruption and Economic Performance
• Political Economy of Resource-Rich Nations
• International Trade Wars and Political Tensions
• Fiscal Policies and Government Budgets
• Labor Market Policies and Political Alignment
• Economic Ideologies and Political Parties
• Globalization and Income Redistribution
• Economic Populism and Public Opinion
• Economic Forecasting and Political Decision-Making
• Comparative Studies of Political Economies

Political Parties

• Party Systems and Electoral Politics
• Party Platforms and Policy Agendas
• Coalition Politics and Party Alliances
• Third Parties and Their Influence
• Party Funding and Campaign Finance
• Political Party Polarization
• Party Identification and Voter Behavior
• Party Primaries and Candidate Selection
• Populist Parties and Their Impact
• Minor Parties and Representation
• Party Discipline and Legislative Behavior
• Party Systems in Non-Democratic States
• Party Leadership and Ideological Shifts
• Party Membership and Activism
• Youth Participation in Political Parties
• Party Conventions and Political Strategy
• Party Mergers and Dissolutions
• Ethnic and Religious Parties in Multi-Cultural Societies
• Popularity of Anti-Establishment Parties
• Comparative Studies of Political Party Systems

Political Psychology

• Political Attitudes and Ideological Beliefs
• Personality Traits and Political Preferences
• Political Socialization and Identity Formation
• Political Trust and Distrust
• Group Psychology and Political Behavior
• The Role of Emotions in Political Decision-Making
• Cognitive Biases and Political Judgment
• Political Persuasion and Communication
• Political Polarization and Social Identity
• Fear and Political Behavior
• Voter Apathy and Psychological Factors
• Motivated Reasoning in Politics
• Political Stereotypes and Prejudices
• Political Leadership and Charisma
• Political Participation and Civic Psychology
• Mass Movements and Crowd Psychology
• Political Stress and Mental Health
• The Psychology of Political Extremism
• Political Tolerance and Intolerance
• Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Political Psychology

Political Theory

• Theories of Justice and Equality
• Democratic Theory and Political Legitimacy
• Social Contract Theories in Political Philosophy
• The Ethics of Political Leadership
• Political Authority and Obedience
• Rights and Liberties in Political Theory
• Political Utopias and Ideal Societies
• Power and Its Distribution in Political Thought
• Political Liberalism vs. Communitarianism
• The Role of Consent in Governance
• Political Anarchism and Stateless Societies
• The Philosophy of Political Revolution
• Political Philosophy and Human Rights
• Theories of Political Representation
• Feminist Political Theory and Gender Equality
• Cosmopolitanism and Global Justice
• Political Conservatism and Traditionalism
• Postmodernism and Deconstruction in Political Theory
• Critical Theory and Social Change
• Comparative Political Theories

Politics and Society

• The Societal Impact of Welfare Policies
• Environmental Policies and Sustainable Societies
• Social Movements and Their Political Goals
• Education Policies and Social Equity
• Healthcare Policies and Public Health
• Criminal Justice Policies and Social Inequality
• Immigration Policies and Integration Challenges
• Social Media and Political Activism
• Identity Politics and Social Cohesion
• Economic Policies and Income Distribution
• Civil Society and Political Engagement
• Social Capital and Political Participation
• Family Policies and Social Values
• Multiculturalism and Cultural Diversity
• Social Inclusion and Exclusion in Politics
• Urbanization and Political Dynamics
• Social Stratification and Political Behavior
• Aging Populations and Policy Implications
• Social Norms and Political Change
• Cross-Cultural Studies of Politics and Society

Politics of Oppression

• Political Repression and Human Rights Violations
• The Role of Mass Media in Oppression
• Authoritarian Regimes and Dissent
• Gender-Based Oppression and Activism
• State Surveillance and Privacy Rights
• Indigenous Rights and Anti-Oppression Movements
• Political Exile and Dissident Communities
• Censorship and Freedom of Expression
• Political Violence and Resistance
• Ethnic Conflict and Oppressed Minorities
• The Psychology of Oppression and Compliance
• Political Persecution and International Responses
• Refugees and Asylum Politics
• Oppression in Cyber-Space
• Socioeconomic Oppression and Inequality
• Historical Perspectives on Political Oppression
• Anti-Oppression Legislation and Human Rights Advocacy
• Discrimination and the Law
• The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Oppression
• Comparative Studies of Oppressive Regimes

Public Administration

• Bureaucratic Accountability and Transparency
• Public Sector Reform and Modernization
• Administrative Ethics and Integrity
• Performance Measurement in Public Administration
• E-Government and Digital Transformation
• Public-Private Partnerships in Service Delivery
• Administrative Decision-Making and Policy Implementation
• Leadership and Change Management in the Public Sector
• Civil Service Systems and Human Resource Management
• Administrative Law and Legal Challenges
• Emergency Management and Crisis Response
• Local Government and Municipal Administration
• Public Budgeting and Financial Management
• Public Administration and Social Welfare Programs
• Environmental Administration and Sustainability
• Healthcare Administration and Policy
• Public Diplomacy and International Relations
• Administrative Responsiveness and Citizen Engagement
• Public Administration in Developing Nations
• Comparative Public Administration Studies

Public Policy

• Policy Analysis and Evaluation
• The Role of Think Tanks in Policy Formulation
• Policy Implementation Challenges and Solutions
• Policy Advocacy and Lobbying
• Healthcare Policy and Access to Medical Services
• Education Policy and Curriculum Development
• Social Welfare Policies and Poverty Alleviation
• Environmental Policy and Conservation Efforts
• Technology and Innovation Policy
• Immigration Policy and Border Control
• Security and Defense Policy
• Transportation and Infrastructure Policy
• Energy Policy and Sustainability
• Foreign Aid and Development Policies
• Taxation Policy and Revenue Generation
• Criminal Justice Policy and Sentencing Reform
• Trade Policy and Economic Growth
• Drug Policy and Harm Reduction Strategies
• Social and Cultural Policy Initiatives
• Comparative Policy Studies

Race/Ethnicity, and Politics

• Racial Discrimination and Political Activism
• Ethnic Conflict and Identity Politics
• Minority Rights and Representation
• Racial Profiling and Policing
• Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity
• Indigenous Rights and Autonomy Movements
• Racial and Ethnic Voting Patterns
• The Role of Race in Political Campaigns
• Immigration Policies and Racial Implications
• Intersectionality and Multiple Identities
• Ethnic Diversity and Social Cohesion
• Slavery, Colonialism, and Historical Injustices
• Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare
• Education and Racial Achievement Gaps
• Media Representation and Stereotyping
• Hate Crimes and Extremist Movements
• Reparations and Compensation for Historical Wrongs
• Cultural Appropriation and Identity Politics
• Multiculturalism and Integration Policies
• Comparative Studies of Race and Politics

Religion and Politics

• The Role of Religious Institutions in Politics
• Religious Freedom and Secularism
• Faith-Based Advocacy and Social Change
• Religion and International Relations
• Religious Extremism and Terrorism
• Religion and Gender Equality
• Religious Minorities and Discrimination
• Political Parties and Religious Affiliation
• Religion and Environmental Ethics
• Interfaith Dialogue and Peacebuilding
• Religious Ethics and Public Policy
• Religion in Education and Curriculum Debates
• Charitable and Faith-Based Organizations
• Religious Symbols and Public Spaces
• Sacred Texts and Political Interpretations
• Pilgrimage and Political Pilgrimage
• Religion and Human Rights
• Religious Conversion and Apostasy
• Faith and Political Leadership
• Comparative Studies of Religion and Politics

Electoral Systems

• The Impact of Electoral Systems on Representation
• Proportional Representation vs. First-Past-the-Post
• Gerrymandering and Electoral Manipulation
• Electronic Voting and Election Security
• Ranked Choice Voting Systems
• Voter Turnout and Participation Rates
• Minority Representation in Electoral Systems
• Campaign Finance and Electoral Outcomes
• Voter Registration and Access to Voting
• Electoral Reforms and Political Parties
• Voting Behavior and Demographic Patterns
• Gender and Electoral Politics
• Electoral Systems in Post-Conflict Nations
• Hybrid Electoral Systems
• Electoral Justice and Redistricting
• Political Parties and Coalition Building
• Election Observation and International Standards
• Electoral Systems and Ethnic Conflict
• Voter Suppression and Disenfranchisement
• Electoral Systems in Non-Democratic Regimes

Rights and Freedoms

• Freedom of Speech and Censorship
• Civil Liberties in Times of Crisis
• Religious Freedom and Freedom of Worship
• LGBTQ+ Rights and Advocacy
• The Right to Protest and Assembly
• Racial Profiling and Discrimination
• Right to Bear Arms and Gun Control
• Refugee Rights and Asylum Seekers
• Indigenous Rights and Land Sovereignty
• Rights of the Accused and Due Process
• Access to Healthcare as a Human Right
• Education as a Fundamental Right
• Economic Rights and Income Inequality
• Children’s Rights and Child Protection
• Disability Rights and Accessibility
• Prisoner Rights and Criminal Justice Reform
• Freedom of the Press and Media Ethics
• Comparative Human Rights Frameworks

Science/Technology and Politics

• Cybersecurity and Election Interference
• Surveillance Technologies and Privacy
• Artificial Intelligence in Governance
• Internet Regulation and Net Neutrality
• Space Exploration and International Cooperation
• Ethical Implications of Biotechnology
• Climate Science and Environmental Policy
• Digital Diplomacy and International Relations
• Technology in Disaster Management
• Data Protection and Online Privacy
• Social Media and Political Influence
• Bioethics and Genetic Engineering
• Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence
• Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation
• Ethical Dilemmas in Scientific Research
• Quantum Computing and National Security
• Robotics and the Future of Labor
• E-Government Initiatives and Digital Services
• Environmental Ethics and Sustainability
• Technology Transfer in Developing Nations

War and Peace

• Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy
• Peacebuilding and Post-Conflict Reconstruction
• Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Agreements
• Nuclear Deterrence and Arms Races
• Cyber Warfare and International Law
• Refugee Crises and Forced Displacement
• United Nations Peacekeeping Missions
• War Crimes and International Tribunals
• Security Alliances and Collective Defense
• Civil Wars and State Fragmentation
• Weapons of Mass Destruction and Global Security
• Peace Accords and Conflict Resolution
• Conflict Journalism and Media Coverage
• Civilian Protection and Human Rights in Conflict Zones
• The Ethics of Humanitarian Aid
• Regional Conflicts and Regional Organizations
• Conflict-Induced Migration and Refugee Policies
• The Role of Religion in Peace and Conflict

This comprehensive list merely scratches the surface of the intriguing topics available within the realm of political science. From the intricacies of constitutional law to the dynamics of Asian politics and the complexities of comparative analysis, the field of political science offers a rich tapestry of subjects for your research pursuits. We encourage you to explore these topics, refine your interests, and embark on an academic journey that not only expands your knowledge but also contributes to the broader discourse on politics and governance. As you navigate this list, remember that the key to a successful research paper is your passion for the subject matter. Choose a topic that resonates with you, and let your curiosity drive your exploration of political science research paper topics.

Browse More Political Science Topics:

• African Politics and Society
• American Politics and Society
• Asian Politics and Society
• Culture, Media, and Language
• European Politics and Society
• Federalism and Local Politics
• Institutions and Checks and Balances
• International Security and Arms Control
• Latin American Politics and Society

The Range of Political Science Research Paper Topics

Introduction

Political science, the systematic study of politics and government, provides valuable insights into the complex world of governance, policy-making, and international relations. For students of political science, selecting the right research paper topic can be the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of these intricate issues. This page serves as a comprehensive guide to the rich array of Political Science Research Paper Topics available, offering a detailed overview of the field and highlighting its significant contributions to society.

Exploring Political Science

Political science plays a pivotal role in deciphering the dynamics of the modern world. By analyzing the behavior of individuals, groups, and institutions in political settings, it seeks to unravel the complexities of governance and decision-making. This discipline’s significance extends far beyond the classroom, as it directly informs public policy, governance structures, and international relations.

The research conducted within political science serves as the foundation for crafting effective policies and addressing pressing global challenges. Governments and organizations worldwide rely on the expertise of political scientists to provide evidence-based recommendations and solutions. Whether it’s designing social welfare programs, analyzing international conflicts, or studying voter behavior, political science research is at the forefront of shaping the way societies function.

The Essence of Political Science

Political science is the intellectual foundation of modern political analysis and policy-making. It serves as a bridge between theory and practice, helping individuals understand not only the “what” but also the “why” and “how” of political phenomena. By examining political behavior, institutions, and ideologies, this field equips students with the tools to navigate the complexities of governance and to critically evaluate the policies that shape our lives.

One of the defining features of political science is its interdisciplinary nature. It draws from various disciplines, including history, economics, sociology, psychology, and philosophy, to offer a holistic understanding of political processes. For students passionate about examining the social and political forces that shape our world, political science is a vibrant and intellectually rewarding field of study.

The Relevance of Political Science Research

Political science research is not confined to academic ivory towers; it has a profound impact on society. The evidence-based insights generated by political scientists guide governments, inform public discourse, and influence policy decisions. Research on topics such as voting behavior helps in understanding democratic processes, while studies on international relations contribute to strategies for peacekeeping and diplomacy.

Political scientists also play a crucial role in examining and addressing contemporary global challenges. They explore topics such as climate change, migration, and human rights, offering valuable insights that can shape policies and international cooperation. The relevance of political science research extends to issues of governance, accountability, and the promotion of democratic values.

Range of Research Paper Topics

Within the vast realm of political science, there exists a diverse range of research paper topics that cater to different interests and perspectives. These topics encompass various subfields, each shedding light on distinct aspects of political behavior, institutions, and ideologies. Here, we delve into some of the intriguing areas that can serve as the foundation for your research endeavors:

Democracy and Democratization : The study of democratic systems and processes is a cornerstone of political science. Research in this area may explore topics such as the challenges of democratization in emerging nations, the role of media in shaping public opinion, or the impact of electoral systems on representation.

Political Corruption : Understanding and combating political corruption is critical for the integrity of governments worldwide. Research topics may range from analyzing corruption’s economic and social consequences to exploring strategies for prevention and enforcement.

Globalization and Politics : In an increasingly interconnected world, globalization profoundly influences political dynamics. Research in this area can examine issues like the impact of globalization on national sovereignty, the role of international organizations, or the ethics of global trade.

Political Ideologies : The realm of political ideologies delves into the philosophies and belief systems that underpin political movements and parties. Topics may include the examination of specific ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, or socialism, and their historical evolution.

Science/Technology and Politics : The intersection of science, technology, and politics is a fertile ground for research. This area covers topics like the influence of digital platforms on political discourse, ethical considerations in artificial intelligence, and the role of technology in election campaigns.

War and Peace : The study of international conflict and peacekeeping efforts remains a central concern in political science. Research may focus on issues like the causes of armed conflicts, peace negotiation strategies, or the ethics of humanitarian interventions.

Religion and Politics : Religion’s impact on political behavior and policies is a subject of ongoing debate. Research in this area can explore the role of religious institutions in politics, the influence of faith on voting patterns, or interfaith relations in diverse societies.

Race/Ethnicity, and Politics : The intersection of race, ethnicity, and politics raises critical questions about representation and equality. Research topics may encompass racial disparities in political participation, the impact of identity politics, or the dynamics of minority-majority relations.

Public Policy and Administration : The field of public policy and administration involves the study of how policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated. Topics may include healthcare policy, environmental regulations, or the role of bureaucracy in shaping public programs.

International Relations : International relations examine interactions between states and the complexities of the global order. Research topics may focus on diplomacy, international organizations, global conflicts, or the challenges of international cooperation.

Human Rights and Justice : The study of human rights and justice explores ethical dilemmas and legal frameworks. Research may encompass issues like refugee rights, humanitarian law, or the role of international courts in addressing human rights abuses.

Environmental Politics : In an era of environmental challenges, political science research on environmental politics is vital. Topics may cover climate change policy, sustainable development, or the politics of natural resource management.

Evaluating Political Science Research Topics

As students explore these diverse topics, it’s essential to consider various factors when choosing a research paper topic. Here are some key considerations:

• Personal Interest : Select a topic that genuinely interests you. Your passion for the subject matter will fuel your research efforts and maintain your motivation throughout the project.
• Relevance : Consider the relevance of your chosen topic to current political debates, policies, or global issues. Research that addresses pressing concerns often has a more significant impact.
• Feasibility : Assess the availability of data, research materials, and access to experts or primary sources. Ensure that your chosen topic is researchable within your constraints.
• Originality : While it’s not necessary to reinvent the wheel, aim to contribute something new or offer a fresh perspective on existing debates or issues.
• Scope : Define the scope of your research clearly. Determine whether your topic is too broad or too narrow and adjust it accordingly.
• Methodology : Think about the research methods you’ll use. Will you conduct surveys, interviews, content analysis, or use historical data? Ensure that your chosen methods align with your topic.
• Ethical Considerations : Be mindful of ethical considerations, especially when dealing with sensitive topics or human subjects. Ensure that your research adheres to ethical standards.

Political science, as a multifaceted discipline, holds immense relevance in today’s world. Its research not only informs governance and policy-making but also empowers individuals to engage critically with the complex political issues of our time. The spectrum of Political Science Research Paper Topics is vast, reflecting the diversity of political phenomena and ideas.

As students embark on their research journeys in political science, they have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to our understanding of governance, society, and international relations. By choosing topics that resonate with their interests and align with the pressing issues of the day, students can truly make a difference in the field of political science.

In closing, we encourage students to explore the wealth of Political Science Research Paper Topics, delve deep into their chosen areas of study, and harness the power of knowledge to effect positive change in the political landscape.

Choosing Political Science Research Paper Topics

Selecting the right research topic is a crucial step in the journey of academic inquiry. It sets the tone for your entire research paper, influencing its direction, depth, and impact. When it comes to political science research paper topics, the stakes are high, as the field encompasses a wide range of subjects that can shape our understanding of governance, policy-making, and international relations. In this section, we’ll explore ten valuable tips to help you choose political science research paper topics that align with your interests, resonate with current debates, and provide ample research opportunities.

10 Tips for Choosing Political Science Research Paper Topics:

• Follow Your Passion : Begin your quest for the right research topic by considering your interests. Passion for a subject often fuels motivation and ensures your engagement throughout the research process. Whether it’s human rights, international diplomacy, or environmental policy, choose a topic that genuinely excites you.
• Stay Informed : Keep abreast of current political events, debates, and emerging issues. Reading newspapers, academic journals, and reputable websites can help you identify contemporary topics that are both relevant and research-worthy. Being informed about current affairs is essential for crafting timely and impactful research.
• Explore Gaps in Existing Literature : Conduct a thorough literature review to identify gaps or areas where further research is needed. This not only helps you understand the existing discourse but also provides insights into unexplored avenues for your research. Building on or critiquing existing research can contribute significantly to the field.
• Consider Policy Relevance : Think about the practical relevance of your chosen topic. How does it connect to real-world policy challenges? Research that addresses pressing policy issues tends to have a more substantial impact and can attract the attention of policymakers and practitioners.
• Delve into Comparative Studies : Comparative politics offers a wealth of research opportunities by allowing you to examine political systems, policies, or issues across different countries or regions. Comparative studies can yield valuable insights into the impact of context and culture on political outcomes.
• Narrow or Broaden Your Focus : Be mindful of the scope of your research topic. Some topics may be too broad to cover comprehensively in a single paper, while others may be too narrow, limiting available research material. Strike a balance by defining your research question or problem statement clearly.
• Consult Your Professors and Peers : Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your professors or peers. They can offer valuable insights, suggest relevant literature, and help you refine your research question. Collaboration and mentorship can significantly enhance your research experience.
• Evaluate Feasibility : Assess the feasibility of your chosen topic. Consider the availability of data, research materials, and access to experts or primary sources. Ensure that your research is doable within your constraints, including time and resources.
• Embrace Interdisciplinary Perspectives : Political science often intersects with other disciplines, such as sociology, economics, or environmental science. Explore interdisciplinary angles to enrich your research. Collaborating with experts from related fields can lead to innovative insights.
• Ethical Considerations : When selecting a research topic, be mindful of ethical considerations, especially if your research involves human subjects or sensitive issues. Ensure that your research adheres to ethical standards and obtains the necessary approvals.

Choosing the right political science research paper topic is a dynamic process that requires reflection, exploration, and critical thinking. By following these ten tips, you can navigate the landscape of political science topics with confidence. Remember that your research topic is not set in stone; it can evolve as you delve deeper into your studies and gain new insights.

As you embark on your research journey, keep in mind that the topics you choose have the potential to contribute to our understanding of the political world, inform policy decisions, and shape the future of governance. Embrace the opportunity to explore, question, and discover, for it is through research that we illuminate the path to progress in the field of political science.

Choose your topics wisely, engage in meaningful inquiry, and let your passion for political science drive your pursuit of knowledge.

How to Write a Political Science Research Paper

Writing a research paper in political science is a distinctive journey that allows you to explore complex issues, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to the body of knowledge in the field. Effective research paper writing is not only about conveying your ideas clearly but also about constructing a compelling argument supported by rigorous evidence. In this section, we’ll delve into ten valuable tips that will help you craft high-quality political science research papers, enabling you to communicate your findings effectively and make a meaningful impact.

10 Tips for Writing Political Science Research Papers:

• Thoroughly Understand the Assignment : Before you start writing, carefully read and understand your assignment guidelines. Clarify any doubts with your professor, ensuring you have a clear grasp of the expectations regarding format, length, and content.
• Choose a Strong Thesis Statement : Your thesis statement is the heart of your research paper. It should be clear, concise, and arguable. Ensure that it presents a central argument or question that your paper will address.
• Conduct In-Depth Research : A robust research paper relies on well-sourced evidence. Explore academic journals, books, reputable websites, and primary sources related to your topic. Take detailed notes and keep track of your sources for accurate citations.
• Structure Your Paper Effectively : Organize your paper logically, with a coherent introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section should flow smoothly, building upon the previous one. Use headings and subheadings to guide your reader.
• Craft a Captivating Introduction : Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide context for your research. It should introduce your thesis statement and outline the main points you will address.
• Develop a Compelling Argument : Present a clear and well-reasoned argument throughout your paper. Each paragraph should support your thesis statement, with evidence and analysis that reinforces your position.
• Cite Your Sources Properly : Accurate citations are crucial in political science research papers. Follow the citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) specified in your assignment guidelines. Pay careful attention to in-text citations and the bibliography.
• Edit and Proofread Diligently : Writing is rewriting. After completing your initial draft, take the time to revise and edit your paper. Check for clarity, coherence, grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Consider seeking feedback from peers or professors.
• Stay Objective and Avoid Bias : Political science research requires objectivity. Avoid personal bias and ensure that your analysis is based on evidence and sound reasoning. Acknowledge counterarguments and address them respectfully.
• Craft a Strong Conclusion : Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in the conclusion. Discuss the implications of your research and suggest areas for future study. Leave your reader with a lasting impression.

Writing a political science research paper is not just an academic exercise; it’s an opportunity to engage with critical issues, contribute to knowledge, and develop essential skills. By applying these ten tips, you can navigate the complexities of research paper writing with confidence.

As you embark on your journey to craft high-quality papers, remember that effective communication is the key to making a meaningful impact in the realm of political science. Your research has the potential to shape discussions, influence policies, and contribute to our collective understanding of the political world.

Embrace the writing process, celebrate your achievements, and view each paper as a stepping stone in your academic and intellectual growth. Whether you’re exploring global diplomacy, dissecting political ideologies, or analyzing policy decisions, your research papers can be a force for positive change in the world of politics.

As you tackle the challenges and opportunities of political science research, remember that the knowledge you gain and the skills you develop are valuable assets that will serve you well in your academic and professional journey. Write with passion, rigor, and integrity, and let your research papers be a testament to your commitment to advancing the field of political science.

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political science , the systematic study of governance by the application of empirical and generally scientific methods of analysis. As traditionally defined and studied, political science examines the state and its organs and institutions. The contemporary discipline , however, is considerably broader than this, encompassing studies of all the societal, cultural, and psychological factors that mutually influence the operation of government and the body politic .

Although political science borrows heavily from the other social sciences , it is distinguished from them by its focus on power —defined as the ability of one political actor to get another actor to do what it wants—at the international, national, and local levels. Political science is generally used in the singular, but in French and Spanish the plural ( sciences politiques and ciencias políticas , respectively) is used, perhaps a reflection of the discipline’s eclectic nature. Although political science overlaps considerably with political philosophy , the two fields are distinct. Political philosophy is concerned primarily with political ideas and values, such as rights, justice , freedom, and political obligation (whether people should or should not obey political authority); it is normative in its approach (i.e., it is concerned with what ought to be rather than with what is) and rationalistic in its method. In contrast, political science studies institutions and behaviour, favours the descriptive over the normative, and develops theories or draws conclusions based on empirical observations, which are expressed in quantitative terms where possible.

Although political science , like all modern sciences, involves empirical investigation, it generally does not produce precise measurements and predictions. This has led some scholars to question whether the discipline can be accurately described as a science. However, if the term science applies to any body of systematically organized knowledge based on facts ascertained by empirical methods and described by as much measurement as the material allows, then political science is a science, like the other social disciplines . In the 1960s the American historian of science Thomas S. Kuhn argued that political science was “pre-paradigmatic,” not yet having developed basic research paradigms , such as the periodic table that defines chemistry . It is likely that political science never will develop a single, universal paradigm or theory, and attempts to do so have seldom lasted more than a generation, making political science a discipline of many trends but few classics.

Modern university departments of political science (alternatively called government or politics at some institutions) are often divided into several fields, each of which contains various subfields.

• Domestic politics is generally the most common field of study; its subfields include public opinion , elections , national government , and state, local, or regional government.
• Comparative politics focuses on politics within countries (often grouped into world regions) and analyzes similarities and differences between countries.
• International relations considers the political relationships and interactions between countries, including the causes of war , the formation of foreign policy , international political economy , and the structures that increase or decrease the policy options available to governments. International relations is organized as a separate department in some universities.
• Political theory includes classical political philosophy and contemporary theoretical perspectives (e.g., constructivism, critical theory, and postmodernism).
• Public administration studies the role of the bureaucracy . It is the field most oriented toward practical applications within political science and is often organized as a separate department that prepares students for careers in the civil service .
• Public law studies constitutions , legal systems, civil rights , and criminal justice (now increasingly its own discipline).
• Public policy examines the passage and implementation of all types of government policies, particularly those related to civil rights, defense, health, education , economic growth , urban renewal , regional development, and environmental protection.

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Politics Student Handbook

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The Politics department represents four major fields of political science in the United States: political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and global politics. Research and teaching in politics at The New School for Social Research are informed by historical, comparative, and theoretical frameworks that bring people together across these fields.

Historical understanding and comparative referents provide an indispensable base for judgments about contemporary political issues and problems. As political life entails concerns about cultural horizons and forms of inequality, students are encouraged to learn and use a wide range of theoretical approaches, including feminist thought, critical theory, and cultural studies.

Most members of the faculty and many of our students pursue projects that span across the conventional fields of political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and global politics. Important topics such as immigration and citizenship, gender and politics in democratic regimes, and the nature and prospects of international justice often cannot be placed in one of these four fields.

For this reason, courses offered by the Department of Politics are organized by fields that describe the main areas of the faculty's research (these fields do not appear on students' transcripts or diplomas):

• Democracies in theory and practice
• Institutions, policy, and governance
• International politics
• Political development in historical perspective
• Political thought and its history
• Politics in economic and social context

Democracies in Theory and Practice

Studies of democracy aim to understand the basic claims made on behalf of democratic actors and the main problems that such claims must attempt to resolve. Analyses of democracy are now framed in part by the broad expansion of democratic institutions in many parts of the world. We seek to compare democratic practices and institutions in newly emerging democracies with those in countries where democratic political life is more established. Some faculty and students have analyzed recent transitions to democracy, as in Latin America and South Africa. Others have focused on limits to democracy (such as those arising from severe social inequities) in countries where democratic institutions have long been in place. Yet other members of the department focus on basic theoretical problems about democracy in light of dramatic recent changes.

Identities, Culture, and Politics

Courses focused on identities and culture in politics take several forms. We examine the nature of social identities and consider how these identities become politically important. We analyze the claims of different groups for recognition and justice. And we consider how conflicts between groups can be managed in more and less democratic ways. Courses in this area include both empirical and theoretical inquiries, and the latter are both explanatory and normative.

Institutions, Policy, and Governance

Courses in this area aim to understand the origins and dynamics of different kinds of political institutions. The study of institutions concerns their practical effects, in large part via explicit policies. It is linked with the study of how governance occurs and power is exercised. Thus, courses in this area link studies of institutional form, policies, and modes of decision-making to normative debates about fair and democratic procedures. To address these issues means paying special attention to states in their historical and contemporary forms.

International Politics

The courses in this group link the study of comparative politics with international relations and international political economy and include the United States within a comparative and international framework. The study of international relations has undergone major changes in the last two decades. New theoretical debates have emerged and empirical subjects have become more diverse, due to the end of the Cold War and the upsurge in new forms of internationalization. Several members of the Department of Politics are now engaging with the international dimension of problems that they initially studied within the boundaries of other fields. Several have examined the political dimension of international movements of people through immigration, labor migration, and the creation of refugee populations. Others have studied relations between states amid increased levels of political and economic transactions. A key question is how commitments to democracy and social welfare within countries can be reformulated and fulfilled in a new international setting. 

Political Development in Historical Perspective

These courses provide an analysis of politics that is historically grounded and broadly comparative. Within this area, the study of the political development of the United States has a large role. Courses examine such topics as the historical origins of the nation-state as a form of political organization, the transformations of political life that occurred during and after the rise of representative forms of government, and the emergence and reshaping of dominant conceptions of citizenship.

Political Thought and Its History

As political thought is part of history, rigorous historical knowledge is required to analyze the history of political thought critically and imaginatively. Such knowledge is also important for understanding the main themes and arguments of contemporary political theory. Students are encouraged to address questions that have been the subject of significant empirical research and to make use of that research in their inquiries. They are also encouraged to gain familiarity with basic theoretical themes in other social science disciplines and to explore the social and cultural dimensions in the tradition of political thought.

Politics in Economic and Social Context

To define politics as a field means that political relations have their own distinctive dynamics, irreducible to other social relations. Yet relations between politics and social and economic life remain important for theoretical and practical reasons. Courses in this group draw on and develop several traditions of inquiry that combine different disciplines, especially political economy and political sociology. Courses address contemporary issues that arise where political life intersects with other areas of society - for example,  the relationship between social and economic inequality and politics, the proper range of democracy in institutions outside the polity per se, the nature and effects of civil society in different countries, and the relationship between economic growth, social development, and democratization.

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Undergraduate and graduate students collaborate with faculty on internationally recognized research in the department’s six specialty areas: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public policy, and research methods.

American Politics

Faculty and students in American politics are making significant theoretical, empirical and methodological contributions to the field. Our faculty have particular expertise in national-level institutions, political behavior and public policy. In research courses, students examine the politics of all branches of the U.S. government as well as political campaigns and communication.

Recent faculty research in this area has covered gender and political campaigns, partisan gerrymandering and immigration policies. They have authored many nationally acclaimed books in the field and their research routinely appears in the discipline's top journals.

Faculty in This Area

• Steven J. Balla
• Brandon Bartels
• Sarah A. Binder
• Michael Hankinson
• Danny Hayes
• Eric D. Lawrence
• Forrest Maltzman
• Ethan Porter
• Jasmine Smith
• Robert P. Stoker
• Andrew I. Thompson
• Paul Wahlbeck
• Julian Wamble
• Christopher Warshaw

Comparative Politics

The comparative politics field combines attention to theoretical issues with a grounding in the politics of specific countries and regions. Related courses examine issues such as political violence, nation-building and development, and authoritarianism.

The primary theoretical interests of our faculty include democratization and related issues of political change and post-communist transitions; political economy of both the advanced industrialized countries and the developing world; comparative public policy; ethnic politics or nationalism; and women in politics. Our faculty also specialize in geographical interest, with experts on Latin America, Western, and Central Europe, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and East, Southeast, and South Asia. Our faculty and students conduct frequent trips abroad for field research and conferences.

Faculty in this area have published books with prestigious presses such as Cambridge, Cornell, Oxford, and Princeton, and their articles have appeared in World Politics, Comparative Politics, Comparative Political Studies, and many more scholarly journals.

• Celeste Arrington
• Alasdair Bowie
• Nathan J. Brown
• Alicia Cooperman
• Bruce J. Dickson
• Harvey B. Feigenbaum
• Omar García-Ponce
• Henry E. Hale
• Stephen B. Kaplan
• Eric Kramon
• Janet I. Lewis
• Cynthia McClintock
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• Kimberly J. Morgan
• Harris Mylonas
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In the international relations focus, 15 faculty members lead students to examine the problems and possibilities of our age. A 2018 survey conducted by Foreign Policy magazine, in collaboration with the Teaching, Research, and International Policy project at the College of William & Mary, ranked GW 17th in the world for Ph.D. programs preparing graduates for an academic career in international relations.

Faculty in this area have experience with theoretical and methodological eclecticism and problem-oriented research. Faculty research represents a wide range of methodological approaches (including case studies, formal models, surveys, and quantitative analysis), across specialty areas including regional security architectures, global governance, preemption and deterrence, internet politics, wars of choice, identity politics, and human rights.

• Michael Barnett
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• Jeffrey Ding
• Alexander B. Downes
• Martha Finnemore
• Eric Grynaviski
• James H. Lebovic
• Yonatan Lupu
• Mike Mochizuki
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Political Theory

The department focuses on both the history of political and social thought and contemporary debates within political theory and social science. Our greatest strengths are in modern and contemporary thought, especially democratic and liberal theory, and continental and critical theory.

Recent research has focused on the origins of liberalism and arguments for toleration, the idea of the enemy, and the aesthetic and cultural dimensions of politics. We see a political theory as integrally engaged with concrete problems, and we understand our research to have implications for contemporary thinking about questions of justice, freedom, human rights, group identity, education, and the role of scholars in addressing these questions.

• Elisabeth Anker
• Ingrid Creppell
• Samuel Goldman
• Lucia M. Rafanelli
• William Winstead

Public Policy

Public policy faculty have a wide range of research interests, from decision making in the executive branch and the ways Congress interacts with public policy to federal funding for higher education and the politics of urban areas. Collaborating with faculty in related fields in the department and around the university, the public policy faculty offer students both broad analytical training and specific guidance in the making of public policy in many areas of American politics.

Related coursework includes Executive Branch Politics, Military Effectiveness, and Politics and Organizations.

Research Methods

The field of the political methodology is growing rapidly, enhancing the quality of empirical research and making important methodological contributions both within political science and beyond. Due to the broad applications of the field, research methods align closely with the other departmental focus areas.

Research methods are applied throughout both undergraduate and graduate coursework. Faculty methodological interests cover research design, generalized linear models, game theory, network analysis, survey design, lab and field experiments, causal inference, qualitative methods, and multilevel modeling. In related research courses, students learn about building surveys and experiments, political inquiry, and empirical political analysis.

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The mission of the undergraduate program in Political Science is to provide students with a solid grasp of the American political system and other political systems within the context of global forces, international conflicts, social movements, ideological systems and diversity.

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The Top 10 Most Interesting Political Science Research Topics

Coming up with good political science research topics may seem like a daunting task. Whether you’re interested in foreign policy, international conflict, or immigration policy, it is worthwhile to take some time to research and find out which topics are currently relevant before diving into research. You want a topic that is manageable and meaningful. After all, you are going to invest a good deal of time and effort in answering the central questions of your project.

In this article, we will show you ten examples of political science research topics for bachelor’s degree students. We also show you how to craft political science research questions that work. With this list of currently relevant political science research paper topics, you can be sure you’ll work on something meaningful and relevant.

Find your bootcamp match

What makes a strong political science research topic.

A strong research topic is original and relevant. It builds on previous studies published by reputable sources. It’s broad enough to be relatable but narrow enough to be unique. To get some ideas, you can explore the most recent topics published in Cambridge University Press’s American Political Science Review . It covers all areas of political science, from American politics to foreign relations.

Ask teachers from your academic department what they are currently writing about. Talk to your academic advisor if you can’t find a strong topic. Finally, make sure that your topic follows the guidelines set by your teacher.

Tips for Choosing a Political Science Research Topic

• Pick a meaningful topic. The research will be more enjoyable if you find it personally interesting. For instance, if immigration policy is a topic of personal value to you, you can center your research topic around it and this will help you stay engaged in your research.
• Discuss research ideas with classmates. They can help you find insight from a fresh perspective.
• Make sure your topic has a manageable size. One of the major requirements for choosing a topic is making sure that it will be manageable. Explore some key questions in your chosen field until you narrow your own topic down to something you can take on successfully.
• Use reputable sources. Choose authoritative articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Make sure you choose the ones relevant to your topic, whether that is democratic governments, the political behavior of a particular group, or a particular authoritarian regime.
• Join the current scholarly debate. Make your topic part of cutting-edge research. Discussing things like current forms of government or current political events will help you ensure your chosen topic will contribute to salient issues of political theory as well as critical policy debates.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic is a focused area of study in a scientific field or subfield. The goal of the research question is to narrow down that area even further. By answering the research question, you contribute to understanding the topic. The research question guides your research and writing, leading you to make a contribution to that particular topic and field.

How to Create Strong Political Science Research Questions

Gather information on your topic to get familiar with the current research. Find an interesting aspect to explore. Identify the gaps in the research mentioned in articles about your topic. Now, try to find a question that would address that gap.

Start your question with what, why, when, or how. The question must be clear and focused. You can also use guides to develop a research question by narrowing the topic to help you get started.

Top 10 Political Science Research Paper Topics

1. building government capacity to address global environmental challenges.

Complex tradeoffs are part of environmental policy, especially in the 21st Century. Green technology investments can boost the economy and create jobs. But workers in the oil and coal industry will lose them. This is all part of an ongoing discussion about environmental protection and the political attitudes of different groups towards green policies.

The public will support climate policy only if the costs are fairly distributed. Governments have to generate transparent policies to earn the trust of the citizens. This controversial topic demands a good deal of research, an understanding of environmental policy, an analysis of policy outcomes, and the development of new political theories.

2. Influence of Social Movements and Advocacy Groups on Policymaking

The government often makes its policies behind closed doors. In response, social movements organize to get access to and take part in policymaking. Every representative democracy needs the participation of social movements and advocacy groups. They help to hold the American government accountable, ensuring the human rights of citizens are protected.

Social movements and advocacy groups have a powerful influence on public opinion, and can influence the political participation of specific groups. American politics has to consider their ideas to improve political attitudes. Political science researchers have to expand on this topic to understand collective action.

3. Effect of an Interdependent World on the Roles of Governments and Institutions

Many of the policy challenges at a domestic level are now global, and political leaders know this. Governments need policies to regulate institutions, promote international cooperation, and lessen political disputes. They need to train their workforce with a global mindset. This also has a direct impact on political campaigns and electoral politics.

As globalization influences the political development of all nations, government employees are now working on an international stage. They need knowledge of international relations to share knowledge and collaborate. Policymaking for an interdependent world is a relevant political science topic.

4. Prosperity and Equality Through Public Policy

The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging the financial stability of many families. Technological disruptions cause unexpected changes in the international markets. Clearly, we cannot take for granted the economic resilience of the country. The government uses economic policy to protect prosperity and equality. Economic development is a major topic in political science research.

5. Factors Influencing Policymaking Around Taxes, Regulation, and Trade

Tax policy affects economic development and social progress. Economic reform is part of the international conversation on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development . Trade regulation and immigration policies are frequently discussed in political science research, making them a great topic for any aspiring political scientist.

6. Influence of Gender, Race, Class, and Other Aspects of Identity on Policymaking

Diversity and intersectionality are becoming necessary topics in modern politics. Educational institutions and public companies are adopting equity and inclusion goals. The expectations for incorporating diversity in policymaking are higher than ever. Policymaking to prevent discrimination and create the grounds for fair immigration policy is a highly relevant topic.

7. The Role of Government in Providing Affordable Healthcare

Universal Health Coverage (UHU) is a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative to provide global access to healthcare services. The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving this goal.

The COVID-19 pandemic made clear the need for international cooperation in health. International relations theories have to change to make UHU possible. Global health policymaking is a pressing research topic in modern politics.

8. Mitigating Cyber Breaches And Security Challenges Through Policymaking

Countries are adopting cyber security strategies through policymaking. Some of them have a dedicated agency for cyber security. Worldwide, information and technology assets are growing in importance. Cyber security is now part of contemporary world politics and the economic development of nations.

Cyber regulation comes with a whole new set of policymaking challenges that contemporary world politics needs to tackle. It involves international cooperation and coordination. Policymaking to neutralize cyber threats is a growing topic in modern politics research.

9. Harnessing Data for Good Governance

Partnerships between public institutions and private companies facilitate the use of big data. This comes with several institutional challenges, like combining data sources. Regulating data access and addressing privacy concerns will need extensive policymaking. Modernizing data governance is a current topic in political science research.

10. Regulating Disinformation In the United States Through Public Policy

Americans are turning to social media and biased websites to make sense of politics. The proliferation of misinformation is fueling division and polarization, and can depress public confidence and discourage political participation. Regulating disinformation through public policy is becoming an urgent topic.

Regulating freedom of speech is not common in the American political tradition. Political scientists use cost-benefit analysis to find balanced solutions for these complex problems. There are growing opportunities for research on the topic of misinformation regulation and the role of government in the digital age.

Other Examples of Political Science Research Topics & Questions

Political science research topics.

• Ethnic Conflict Between Americans and Arab-Americans in the United States
• Telecommunications Policies in China
• The Supreme Court and Reproductive Rights
• The Evolution of Affirmative Action Initiatives
• The Development of a Constitutional Right of Privacy

Political Science Research Questions

• How can public leaders balance political realities and policy priorities?
• What developments in science and technology are changing political attitudes?
• Will public-private partnerships change the approach of government to public problems?
• How do policymakers navigate the tensions between private power and democratic values?
• How can public policymaking integrate a human rights perspective?

Choosing the Right Political Science Research Topic

It is important to know how to choose a research topic if you want to pursue a political science degree . The right political science research topic is engaging and manageable. Choose a topic that is interesting to you. It will keep you engaged and motivated during the research process. Keep in mind that your initial research topic might change. As your expertise grows, your topic will become more precise.

Political Science Research Topics FAQ

Political science is a field of knowledge that studies political phenomena. American politics, political theories, and international politics are common topics in political science. Political scientists use comparative politics and policy analysis to improve public problems.

Political science research is important because it improves public policies and can lead to necessary legal reform. It helps citizens understand American politics and foreign policy issues. Research in political science improves international cooperation and global environmental policies, and helps us make sense of major world events.

Yes, you can get a political science degree online. You can get a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in political science without going to college. There are several online political science degree options from good universities. With a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED), you can get a political science associate degree in two years.

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With a degree in political science, you can get a job as a legislative assistant or a campaign manager. Social media managers for political institutions are also in demand. With a graduate degree in political science, you can become a policy analyst or an urban planner. Political scientists can work in either academia or the private sector.

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• > Journals
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• > Volume 50 Issue 4
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Trends in political science research and the progress of comparative politics.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 October 2017

• Supplementary materials

This article illustrates major trends in political science research and frames the progress of research agendas in comparative politics. Drawing on the titles and abstracts of every article published in eight major political science journals between 1906 and 2015, the study tracks the frequency of references to specific keywords over time. The analysis corresponds to and complements extant descriptions of how the field has developed, providing evidence of three ‘revolutions’ that shaped comparative politics—the divorce of political science from history during its early years, a behavioral revolution that lasted until the late 1960s, and a second scientific revolution after 1989 characterized by greater empiricism. Understanding the development of the subdiscipline, and viewing it through the research published in political science over the last 100 years, provides useful context for teaching future comparativists and encourages scholars to think more broadly about the research traditions to which they are contributing.

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• Volume 50, Issue 4
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• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S104909651700110X

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What is Political Science?

Political science focuses on the theory and practice of government and politics at the local, state, national, and international levels. We are dedicated to developing understandings of institutions, practices, and relations that constitute public life and modes of inquiry that promote citizenship.

Some of the major subfields are described below.

Political Theory

Political theory is concerned mainly with the foundations of political community and institutions. It focuses on human nature and the moral purposes of political association. To clarify these concepts, political theorists draw on enduring political writings from ancient Greece to the present and on various writings by moral philosophers. Political theory also focuses on empirical research into the way political institutions function in practice. Here political theorists subject beliefs about political life found in important political writings to re-examination in the light of ongoing human behavior. In either case, political theory seeks to ultimately deepen political thinking and to spur citizens to responsible and creative political action.

POL S 201, Introduction to Political Theory, provides students with an overview of the main lines of thought in political theory. Advanced courses focus on given concepts, topics, and thought in political theorizing.

Comparative Politics

Comparative politics is a broad field with a variety of approaches and goals. Some scholars and researchers compare contemporary political systems in order to judge which types best provide particular values: order, equality, freedom, or economic security and well-being for their citizens. Others suggest that the main purpose of comparative politics is to provide an understanding of how and why different societies develop different kinds of political institutions. Still others use comparative politics as a way of discovering general laws and theories that will explain human political behavior and its variability.

Comparative politics courses are of two basic types. One offers comparisons of a particular set of problems or institutions in a number of different countries. The second type offers in-depth analyses of the basic political institutions and processes of a single country or group of countries in a world region.

Most students will want to begin their study of comparative politics with the Introduction to Comparative Politics (POL S 204), which combines the two main approaches by including comparative discussions of particular problems, issues, processes, and institutions in a wide variety of political settings as well as in-depth readings and lectures on some of the major countries in the contemporary world.

International Relations

The field of international relations is concerned with developing an understanding of why states and non-state international actors, like the United Nations and multinational corporations, interact as they do. International relations is a diverse field both in terms of what kinds of behavior are studied and how they are studied. International conflict, particularly war, continues to be an important focus of the field. Why do wars start? Who wins and why? How can wars be prevented? What is the role of international law and organizations? As the world has become more interdependent, scholars have become more aware of the importance of international economic activity. As a result, scholars are analyzing world trade, communications, development, foreign investment, and international finance. How states make foreign policy decisions is another important area of study. National security policy, nuclear deterrence, arms control and defense spending decisions are typical examples of foreign policy decisions.

POL S 203, International Relations, introduces the student to International politics. This is the foundation for a wide variety of offerings at the 300 and 400 levels, such as American foreign policy, global environmental politics, international political economy, and international conflict.

American Government and Politics

Students of American government and politics seek an understanding of politics as practiced in the United States. In addition to courses on the American presidency, the U.S. Congress, and the courts, the department offers specialized courses on such topics as the political role of mass media, the politics of race and ethnicity, constitutional law, policy formation, state politics, and American political thought.

Some of the broad questions that concern students in this field are: How and why did American political institutions, ideas, and practices develop as they have? How does one go about evaluating them? Are American political institutions, ideas and practices unique, or are they similar to other societies? How might American politics be improved?

POL S 202, Introduction to American Politics, is recommended preparation for most other courses in American Politics. To acquire first-hand experience with the American political system, students are encouraged to participate in academic internships in Washington D.C., Olympia, or Seattle.

Political Methodology

The subfield of political methodology is concerned with the philosophical bases of political science, social science, empirical research design and analysis, and practical field research experience.

Courses in the political methodology field cover philosophical issues regarding the possibility of a science of politics, the similarities and differences between political science and other social sciences, alternative modes of explanation, and the truth of knowledge claims. They also examine the formulation of experimental and non-experimental research designs for making causal inferences about political processes and behavior and explore the. use of statistics, mathematics and computers for the analysis of political data generated by such research designs. Students are also provided an opportunity to conduct individual and group research projects through seminars. The political methodology faculty have current research and teaching interests in such diverse topics as mass media, feminist theory, language politics, political economy, rational choice theory, and public policy.

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The Baldy Center for Law & Social Policy has been advancing interdisciplinary legal scholarship at UB since 1978.

UBRI brings together robust capacities and notable achievements in planning, policy analysis, public process, urban design and communications across a wide array of relevant topics.

The NCGIA was founded in 1988 as a National Science Foundation for research in geographic information and its related technologies.

While faculty members in the Department of Political Science have developed teaching and research programs that straddle several subfields of the discipline, we have relatively well-defined strengths in four subfields of political science:

American Politics

One of our department’s strengths is in the study of the domestic politics of the U.S.A., alone and in comparative perspective.  A number of faculty members in the department specialize in the field of American politics. Our faculty in this subfield focus on (among other things) the organization of legislative bodies at the national and state level, the study of public opinion, the electoral process and political campaigns, political communication, election administration, Presidential-legislative relations and voting behavior.

Comparative Politics

Our department has traditionally been strong in the study of comparative politics, a subfield defined both by its methods (comparisons) and by virtue of its focus on the politics and government of countries other than the U.S. Research programs in the department focus on, among other things, comparative political economy, civil unrest and political violence, conflict management, comparative political behavior, political parties and elections and the politics of subnational diversity. Europe and Anglo-American democracies (especially Canada) are among the geographic areas of particular interest in the department.

International Relations

Our department is well-known for its contributions in the field of international relations. Several faculty have developed active teaching and research programs that focus on such topics international conflict and conflict processes, deterrence, terrorism, international organizations, international political economy, and trade, sanctions and foreign aid. Several faculty members have interests in formal modeling and game theory.

Several members of our faculty have active research programs in the field of public law and judicial politics. Of particular interest are applications of computational text analysis to the study of legal and judicial reasoning, civil rights and housing policy. Adding to our capabilities in the field is our close relationship with UB’s Law School and the Baldy Center for Law & Social Policy.

"The department is diverse in terms of research focus and this is really helpful for students who are still trying to figure out their research interests. It has created a culture where you can find adequate support for your work, unique as it might be." – Samaila Adelaiye, PhD student

"Polarized: Making Sense of a Divided American" by Prof. James E. Campbell was recently released in paperback.

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Call numbers for political science topics.

Below is a list of Library of Congress call number classes to locate Political Science books in the Golda Meir Library. These books are located on the West Wing of the 2nd Floor .

J = Political Science

J General legislative and executive papers

JA Political science (General)

JC Political theory

JF Political institutions and public administration

JJ Political institutions and public administration (North America)

JK Political institutions and public administration (United States)

JL Political institutions and public administration (Canada, Latin America, etc.)

JN Political institutions and public administration (Europe)

JQ Political institutions and public administration (Asia, Africa, Australia, Pacific Area, etc.)

JS Local government. Municipal government

JV Colonies and colonization. Emigration and immigration. International migration

JX International law, see also JZ and KZ

JZ International relations

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This database provides abstracts and indexing of the international literature of political science and international relations, along with complementary fields, including international law and public administration/policy. The database provides abstracts of journal articles and citations to book reviews drawn from over 1,500+ serials publications and also provides abstracts of books, book chapters, dissertations and working papers.

CIAO, Columbia International Affairs Online provides research in the field of international affairs, including full-text documents such as working papers and policy briefs. CIAO is also widely-recognized source for teaching materials including original case studies written by leading international affairs experts, course packs of background readings for history and political science classes video.

• Public Administration Abstracts Public Administration Abstracts includes bibliographic records covering essential areas related to public administration, including public administration research, public administration theory, and other areas of key relevance to the discipline. Records are selected from many of the top titles within the discipline, including Public Administration Review, Public Administration Quarterly, and International Journal of Public Administration.

Social Science Research Network (SSRN) is devoted to the rapid worldwide dissemination of social science research and is composed of a number of specialized research networks in each of the social sciences. The SSRN eLibrary consists of two parts: an Abstract Database containing abstracts on scholarly working papers and forthcoming papers and an Electronic Paper Collection currently containing downloadable full text documents.

The Homeland Security Digital Library provides quick access to important U.S. policy documents, presidential directives, and national strategy documents as well as specialized resources such as theses and reports from various universities, organizations and local and state agencies. The resources are reviewed and selected by a team of homeland security researchers and organized in a unique homeland security taxonomy.

Border and Migration Studies Online provides historical context and resources, representing both personal and institutional perspectives, for the growing fields of border(land) studies and migration studies, as well as history, law, politics, diplomacy, area and global studies, anthropology, medicine, the arts, and more.

This database has full text for over 400 military related periodicals and general interest magazines. It also contains primary documents in U.S. history and international history.

• SocArXiv Open archive of the social sciences that provides a free, non-profit, open access platform for social scientists to upload working papers, preprints, and published papers, with the option to link data and code. SocArXiv papers are moderated before appearing.

Provides access to journal articles, books, images, and primary sources. Contents include the Artstor image collection, archival and current scholarly journal content, and historical documents.

Academic Search Complete is a comprehensive scholarly, multi-disciplinary full-text database, with more than 7,000 full-text periodicals, including nearly 6,000 peer-reviewed journals. In addition to full text, this database offers indexing and abstracts for more than 11,000 journals and a total of more than 11,600 publications including monographs, reports, conference proceedings, etc. The database features PDF content going back as far as 1887, with the majority of full text titles in native (searchable) PDF format. Searchable cited references are provided for more than 1,000 journals.

Web of Science includes citations from the Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Sciences Citation Index, Arts & Humanities Citation Index, BIOSIS Citation Index, Zoological Record, Current Contents Connect, Data Citation Index, and the Derwent Innovation Index. Our Web of Science subscription includes articles published from 1987 to the present; updated weekly. Useful For: systematic reviews, Highly Cited papers, citation metrics

Exploring Race in Society contains scholarly journals and essays that provide researchers with a deeper understanding of how current issues stem from actions and policies of the past. Each topic includes an overview article and three essays suggesting potential solutions. Solutions essays are written by a diverse group of writers representing the fields of academia, journalism, medicine and other disciplines working to address issues related to race.

Ethnic NewsWatch incorporates both current Ethnic NewsWatch and Ethnic NewsWatch: A History, providing a full-text collection of more than 2.5 million articles from over 330 titles, from 1959 to current. Ethnicities include: African American/Caribbean/African; Arab/Middle Eastern; Asian/Pacific Islander; European/Eastern European; Hispanic; Jewish; Native People.

GenderWatch is a repository of important historical perspectives on the evolution of the women's movement, men's studies, the transgender community and the changes in gender roles over the years. Publications include scholarly journals, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, regional publications, books and NGO, government and special reports.

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Comprehensive database of legal materials, including cases, statutes, and regulations of the U.S. government and the various state governments; includes the legal encyclopedia American Jurisprudence 2nd and American Law Reports; case law from 1789 to present; current statutes and regulations.

Offers extensive access to legal and government materials. Includes Federal Register, U.S. Statutes at Large, U.S. Reports, state session laws, and more. Explore HeinOnline Subject Guides

• ProQuest Congressional ProQuest Congressional provides access to historical and current Congressional information and publications on all aspects of legislation dealing with life and public policy. Topics include scientific undertakings, historical events, social welfare, economic conditions, communication policies, and an endless array of other subjects. The database indexes and provides full-text for Congressional Committee Prints, House and Senate Documents and Reports (Congressional Serial Set), Hearings, and Legislative Histories. It also provides member and committee information and political news, as well as access to the Code of Federal Regulations, Federal Register, and the Congressional Record (1985-present).
• Congress.gov Great source for in-progress bills, as well as an annotated constitution, committee reports, congressional records, and more. USA.gov is similar, but includes links to department, agency, and other branch's websites.
• GovTrack GovTrack.us tracks the United States Congress and helps Americans participate in their national legislature. We publish the status of federal legislation, information about your representative and senators in Congress including voting records, and original research on legislation.
• LegiScan LegiScan launched to support the release of the national LegiScan data service, providing the nation's first impartial real-time legislative tracking service designed for both public citizens and government affairs professionals across all sectors in organizations large and small.
• Supreme Court Database The Supreme Court Database is the definitive source for researchers, students, journalists, and citizens interested in the U.S. Supreme Court. The Database contains over two hundred pieces of information about each case decided by the Court between the 1791 and 2021 terms.
• Indian Law Research Guides, National Indian Law Library The National Indian Law Library (NILL) of the Native American Rights Fund is a law library devoted to federal Indian and tribal law. NILL maintains a unique and valuable collection of Indian law resources and assists people with their Indian law-related research needs.

Free public access to official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government.

Wisconsin Resources

• Wisconsin State Legislature Official website of the Wisconsin State Legislature, including documentation for the current legislature, proposed bills, state statutes, administrative rules, the state constitution.
• Wisconsin State Law Library The Wisconsin State Law Library exists to serve the legal information needs of the officers and employees of this state, attorneys and the public by providing the highest quality of professional expertise in the selection, maintenance and use of materials, information and technology in order to facilitate equal access to the law.
• Milwaukee Charter and Code of Ordinances - City Clerk's Office Milwaukee city charter and searchable code of ordinances

Highlighted Political Science Journals

Browse Political Science journals in Browzine .

• Annual Review of Political Science The Annual Review of Political Science covers significant developments in the field of Political Science including political theory and philosophy, international relations, political economy, political behavior, American and comparative politics, public administration and policy, and methodology. Volume 25 (2022) has been converted from gated to open access through Annual Reviews' Subscribe to Open program, with all articles published under a CC BY license.
• Politics & Gender Politics & Gender is an agenda-setting journal that publishes the highest quality scholarship on women, gender, and politics. It aims to represent the full range of questions, issues, and approaches on gender and women across the major subfields of political science, including comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and U.S. politics.
• American Journal of Political Science The American Journal of Political Science (AJPS) is committed to significant advances in knowledge and understanding of citizenship, governance, and politics, and to the public value of political science research. As the official journal of the Midwest Political Science Association, AJPS publishes research in all major areas of political science including American politics, public policy, international relations, comparative politics, political methodology, and political theory.
• Comparative Political Studies Comparative Political Studies (CPS) offers scholarly work on comparative politics at both the cross-national and intra-national levels. Dedicated to relevant, in-depth analyses, CPS provides the timeliest methodology, theory, and research in the field of comparative politics.
• Foreign Policy Analysis An official journal of the International Studies Association. Publishes research on the processes, outcomes, and theories of foreign policy.
• Journal of Politics The Journal of Politics is a leading general-interest journal of political science and the oldest regional political science journal in the United States. The scholarship published in The Journal of Politics is theoretically innovative and methodologically diverse, and comprises a blend of the various intellectual approaches that make up the discipline. The Journal of Politics features balanced treatments of research from scholars around the world, in all subfields of political science including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and political methodology.
• Political Research Quarterly Political Research Quarterly is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research on all aspects of politics. Among the leading generalist journals of political science, PRQ seeks to publish significant contributions to knowledge which engage readers across multiple fields of scholarship, as well as exceptional contributions within specialized fields.
• Contemporary Political Theory Coverage reaches beyond philosophy and political science to include relevant research in geography and anthropology; women’s studies and gender studies; cultural studies and economics; literary theory and film studies; and more.
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FSU | Department of Political Science

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Department of Political Science

College of Social Sciences and Public Policy

Research Areas

American politics.

Students who pursue doctoral studies in American Politics will have the opportunity to work with leading scholars of elections, political participation, mass behavior, media and politics, political attitudes, political psychology and political institutions. Some of the topics scholars area actively working on include: the effects of the information environment on political knowledge and attitudes, the effects of issue framing and awareness on policy choice, the role of negative advertisement on political attitudes and voter turnout, the role of political sophistication and emotions on attributions of responsibility (credit or blame) for government action, the effect of political connectedness and dual nationality on Latinos’ political attitudes, the influence of social networks on collective action and political violence, and, more generally, how the political environment interacts with personal characteristics to shape political attitudes.  We are also well known for our strength in the study of comparative state politics and political institutions, with particular strengths in the study of state legislatures and state-level public policy.  The department has ample funding to conduct field and laboratory experiments in upcoming elections and would welcome graduate student involvement in these studies.

Public Policy

Political science students concentrating in Public Policy at Florida State have the opportunity to work with numerous faculty with broad interests and research approaches. Together, our policy scholars conduct research on topics such as collective action, the relationship between public opinion and public policy, regulatory policy and enforcement, legislative-bureaucratic relations, fiscal federalism/intergovernmental relations, and policy innovation and diffusion – using empirical and formal methods as diverse as econometric models, game theory, computational models/computer simulation, geographic information systems, experiments, quasi-experiments and surveys.  Their work focuses on topics relating to welfare, health care, aging, the environment, urban policy, state policy, taxation and budgeting. 

Behavioral Game Theory

In recent years, our strength in the area of behavioral game theory and experimental research has grown tremendously.  FSU has committed new faculty lines and research resources to expand our capabilities in these exciting areas. Students and faculty in all fields with interests in these areas have access to state of the art research labs dedicated to experimental research in the social sciences.

Comparative Politics

We have a unique and exciting Comparative Politics program at FSU.  Our comparative faculty view comparative politics in terms of substantive questions (executive-legislative relations, party systems etc.) rather than the study of specific countries or regions. Virtually our entire comparative politics faculty shares a common interest in the study of political institutions of one variety or another – they focus on developing and evaluating theoretical claims concerning the effects of institutions on political outcomes, institutional design, and institutional change. One area of particular strength focuses on how institutions affect democratic performance as measured by citizen representation, democratic consolidation, government accountability and legitimacy, and material well-being. Other areas of institutional analysis on which the comparative politics faculty at Florida State focus include coalition politics and the government formation process, agency design and environmental policy, the relationship between perceptions and institutional performance, and the effect of electoral rules on party systems.  Because many of the institutions mentioned above rarely change in any given country, much of the research conducted by our comparative politics faculty is what we call “large-N, cross-national research”. In other words, they compare institutions in large numbers of countries.  This emphasis on large-N cross-national research is one of the ways that we are different from comparative programs elsewhere.

International Relations

In International Relations, we have strengths in two substantive areas of inquiry: Conflict and International Political Economy (IPE). FSU has a decades long tradition of producing excellent conflict research. All of our conflict scholars are members of the Peace Science Society, the Conflict Processes Section of the American Political Science Association, and the Scientific Study of International Processes section of the International Studies Association. As such, students who study conflict at FSU will work with faculty who will help them plug into the top networks of IR scholars studying conflict. Our faculty is well suited to helping students develop research agendas focused on the following topics: Civil War, Ethnic Conflict, Terrorism, War and Militarized Disputes, Interstate Rivalry, Conflict Resolution, Human Rights, Protest, Dissent, and Repression.  Few departments have an established pedigree in IPE scholarship, and FSU has a core of faculty dedicated to the pursuit of this line of research.  Students can expect top notch research training in this area.  We have a proven track record of success in placing students with interests in International Relations at top research and liberal arts programs throughout the country

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Fields of Study

Teaching and coursework at the undergraduate level is organized according to the usual disciplinary subfields of American Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, and World Politics. At the graduate level, the department also offers two additional subfields, Mass Political Behavior and Political Methodology. Within Comparative Politics, the department has strong programs in Latin American politics and in European politics. 

While it is also possible to divide faculty research interests into the six subfields, the important questions, theories, and insights about political interaction transcend rigid boundaries. Accordingly, many of the faculty's areas of expertise cross these subfield boundaries as well. Details of each area of specialization are available by browsing through the various fields of study listed to the right.

American Politics

Faculty in the department focus on research projects that shed light on core questions about political processes, behavior, institutions, and public policy in the context of American politics . 

Comparative Politics

Research and teaching in the department emphasize a truly comparative perspective on politics that cuts across the usual disciplinary sub-fields as well as world regions.

The study of political theory at Pitt focuses on ethical problems in domestic and international politics including concepts such as justice, authority, liberty, and equality.

The study of world politics in Pitt’s Political Science program combines the benefits of resource-rich areas studies with theoretical and empirical rigor.

The University of Pittsburgh is one of only a handful of universities in the United States that offers graduate students the opportunity to specialize in the subfield of Mass Political Behavior . 

Researchers apply a variety of advanced, sophisticated techniques and methods  that are carefully designed to suit the special features of political data.

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Additional questions.

If you have further questions, please contact   Lisa Berry​ .

Phone : 302-831-2355 Fax : 302-831-4452

From the Director of Graduate Programs

Our graduate program in political science reflects changes in the discipline, shifts in the political landscape, and the additional new faculty who have expanded the depth and breadth of our offerings. We currently offer a Ph.D. specializing in four of the major subfields of political science:  American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory . Within each of these fields we offer coursework as well as faculty mentorship, encouraging students to get grounding in the traditional subfields as well as designing a research program drawing from our different faculty strengths. Within and across subfields we have clusters of faculty specializing in global governance, political psychology, political behavior, quantitative​ and qualitative methodology, security studies, critical theory, constructivism, and gender and politics. Our department complements training inside the department with interdisciplinary ties to the Department of Women and Gender Studies , Department of Communication , Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences ​, Africana Studies​ , the Center for Global and Area Studies​ and others.

We also provide students with access to a variety of methodological skills through coursework inside and outside the department, in addition to off-campus opportunities such as attending the​  ICPSR  at the University of Michigan and the  Institute for Qualitative and Multi-method Research  at Syracuse University.

Our program is a Ph.D. program, with students earning an M.A. along the way. Ph.D. students pursue two subfields of Political Science. Each subfield offers students opportunities to explore in depth complex theoretical, conceptual, and practical questions related to particular issues, and to develop specific research interests under the guidance of distinguished faculty.

Approximately 50 graduate students from all over the United States and the world are currently enrolled in our graduate program. Our faculty provide close advising and mentoring to our graduate students who find a collegial atmosphere in the department. Through colloquia, seminars and an annual spring speaker series, we offer a stimulating intellectual environment. In addition, we provide our advanced graduate students with opportunities to teach their own courses. Finally, we encourage our advanced graduate students to present their research at conferences and to publish their scholarship in peer-reviewed journals.

We are excited about the growth and new directions in graduate education in our department and at our University, and we encourage you to explore our website to learn more about our program. ​

Please contact me with any questions.

Joanne Miller, Ph.D. Professor and Director of Graduate Studies [email protected]

Our graduate program

Political Science and International Relations (PhD)

The Department of Political Science and International Relations currently offers a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degree, which consists of coursework during the first six semesters followed by dissertation research and writing. Students earn an M.A. as part of their Ph.D.​ studies.  

The program prepares students for occupations related to several aspects of political science, but primarily for joining the professoriate, as college and university professors. 

Field Descriptions

American politics.

The American politics field broadly encompasses institutions (including Congress, the presidency, and the courts), mass behavior (including public opinion and political participation) and political organizations (like parties and interest groups). Our research program and courses are theoretically driven, but also offer opportunities for students and faculty alike to engage in applied politics. We have particular strengths in the study of political psychology, gender and politics, and race and ethnic politics.

Comparative Politics

Comparative Politics as a sub-field is a wide and diverse area of study that deals with politics beyond the U.S. It embraces a range of methodological and theoretical approaches. At the University of Delaware, our comparative politics faculty conduct research in gender and politics in Africa, governance in Africa, comparative political economy with a focus on Europe, populism in Latin America, regionalism in Asia, religion and politics in the Middle East, and ethnic conflict.

International Relations

International Relations (IR) is the study of international and transnational politics broadly understood.   Work in the IR subfield is attentive to exchanges and processes among states, peoples, corporations and other economic activity, organizations, transnational actors and movements, as well among the global, regional, and local levels of politics. The IR faculty at the University of Delaware conduct research in areas of historical IR and the historical evolution of the international system; normative IR theory; conflict and peace-building; international security; security studies; political economy; gender and IR; human rights and human security; and global, regional, and transnational governance.  

Political Theory and Law

The subfield of Political Theory consists of offerings in political theory and law. The political theory subfield focuses on the conceptual frameworks we use to understand, explain, and evaluate our political world. Our faculty includes specialists in both theory and law, many of whom overlap with other subfields in the discipline and who have interdisciplinary ties with fields including Legal Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Sexuality and Gender Studies, and Islamic Studies. Our department includes the study of both the history of ideas and contemporary political and social theory, with strengths in critical theory, modern and postmodern political theory, feminist and queer theory, democratic theory, and Islamic political thought. 

Supporting tomorrow's leaders, scholars and innovators

The University of Delaware holistically supports its graduate students, beginning with their health and wellbeing . Benefits include a subsidized health plan and physical and behavioral health services. UD fosters a culture of academic excellence , with committed faculty and staff and access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technology. UD prioritizes professional development with job training, internships and industry partnerships. Graduates further enhance their professional growth and visibility with opportunities to work on interdisciplinary research teams, present their work at conferences and publish in academic journals. Visit the links below to learn how UD is supporting society’s future leaders, scholars, and innovators.

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Political Science Courses

Current undergraduate courses .

Click on the COURSE SCHEDULE HERE to see which courses are being offered by semester. 

Click on the links below in the table of contents to jump to the courses offered in a particular field of Political Science. 

Table of Contents:

American politics courses, comparative politics courses, international relations courses, political theory courses, political methodology courses  , variable courses, honors courses, american politics , politsc 1100 - introduction to american politics.

Introduction to American politics, the institutions and processes which create public policy, the strengths and weaknesses of the American political systems.

POLITSC 1165 - Introduction to Politics

Introduction to politics and political science: power, democracy and authoritarianism, political participation, the state, political institutions, subfields of the discipline, and political research methodology. 

POLITSC 2110 - American Government Culture and Behavior

Focuses on political elites, theories of American Democracy, development of institutions, and importance of mass political behavior and organized interests. GE theme citizenship for a diverse and just world course.

POLITSC 2120 - Follow the Science: The Politics of Health

In the 20th Century, chronic conditions became the leading killers of Americans and the federal government came to play a much more expansive role in health, including the approval of treatments, regulation of harmful substances, promotion of healthy habits, and funding healthcare. Students will survey these developments and apply the resulting insights to contemporary health policy debates. GE theme citizenship for div and just world and health and well-being course.

POLITSC 2145 - Native American Politics

Overview of the politics and governance of Native Americans. Topics include diversity of political structures designed by Indigenous peoples in North America, their dynamic relationships with the US federal government, the major historical events relevant to Native politics, and salient contemporary issues in Native American politics. GE theme citizenship for div and just world course.

POLITSC 2150 - Voters and Elections

Students will engage in an in-depth study of the mechanics of democracy. Students will take a close look at various forms of voting and representation around the world and examine the motivation and tactics of elite actors (candidates, reporters, interest groups, political parties, media personalities, etc.) and the voting public. GE social science indivs and groups course. GE theme citizenship for a diverse and just world course.

POLITSC 3115 - Introduction to the Policy Process

Introduction to the workings of policy-making processes within governments, and the use of social science reasoning to evaluate and improve the content of policies. 

POLITSC 3147 - Intersectionality and Identity Politics

This course addresses American racial and gender politics based on relevant research. In particular, it focuses on research and theories centered on different facets of race, gender, and intersectionality in the United States.GE foundation race, ethnicity and gender div course.

POLITSC 3160 - Political Polarization & the Culture War

Course examines causes and implications of political polarization in the United States.

POLITSC 3170 - Political Psychology

Introduces students to political psychology, its development from parent disciplines, its topics and problems, its research results and methods, and their applications to current affairs.

POLITSC 4110 - The American Presidency

An examination of the American presidency, emphasizing the contemporary role of the president, the institutionalized presidency, and theories of presidential behavior. 

POLITSC 4115 - Bureaucracy and Public Policy

An examination of bureaucracies as political institutions, and a consideration of their role in several areas of public policy implementation. 

POLITSC 4120 - U.S. Congress

Analysis of legislatures and legislators, with a focus on the U.S. Congress and some attention to state legislatures and representative assemblies in other countries.  

POLITSC 4123 - Political Crisis and Reform

A survey of previous episodes of major reform in American politics, focusing on strategies used by reformers, evaluating the policy and political impact of their reforms, and applying lessons from these cases to contemporary political problems.

POLITSC 4125 - American State Politics

Comparative analysis of politics in the American states.

POLITSC 4126 - Ohio Politics

Examination of state politics with special reference to Ohio. 

POLITSC 4127 - Governing Urban America

This course will examine the major problems facing urban communities in the 21st Century; the economic, social, and political forces that have historically shaped - and continue to influence - their development; the role of government in addressing urban problems; and the major participants and stakeholders in city politics.

POLITSC 4130 - Law and Politics

Analysis of the roles of judges and lawyers as participants in the American political process; analysis of courts as political institutions. 

POLITSC 4131 - American Supreme Court

This course focuses on the U.S. Supreme Court as an institution and emphasizes the ways in which its formal and informal norms and structures shape the nature and content of the law the Court makes.

POLITSC 4135 - American Constitutional Law

Assessment of the contemporary realities of U.S. governmental authority as interpreted by the judiciary; emphasis on judicial review, case and controversy requirements, and legislative and executive power. 

POLITSC 4136 - Civil Liberties

An examination of civil liberties decisions by American courts, their legal and political bases, and their effects on government and society. 

POLITSC 4137 - The Politics of Legal Decision Making

An examination of the literature relating social-science theories and research to the law, focusing on the criminal justice system.  

POLITSC 4138 - Women and the Law

An examination of the legal status of women and the ways in which law affects the situation of women in American society. 

POLITSC 4139 - Gun Politics

Examination of the arguments and issues surrounding gun control in the United States.

POLITSC 4140 - Black Politics

Economic, political, and social constraints on the development of black political power; the efforts made by black people in recent times to organize for effective political action.

POLITSC 4143 - Race, Ethnicity, and American Politics

The goal of this course is to explore, discuss, and better understand the relationship between perceptions of racial identity, attributions of racial difference, and politics, broadly defined

POLITSC 4150 - American Political Parties

Theories of political parties, party organization, individual voting behavior, nomination and electoral politics, the party in government. 

POLITSC 4152 - Campaign Politics

The organization and strategy of American political campaigns; practical politics seen in the light of knowledge about political behavior and public opinion. 

POLITSC 4160 - Public Opinion

Origins and nature of political attitudes; the content of public opinion; the public's influence on policy-making. 

POLITSC 4164 - Political Participation and Voting Behavior

A study of political participation and its correlates, determinants of the vote decision, and analysis of recent American elections. 

POLITSC 4165 - Media and American Politics

This course presents the modern study of the media and it role in the American political system, including supply and demand pressures and how they affect media content, its effects on citizens, and the emerging role of social media in politics.

POLITSC 4170 - Gender and Politics

An examination of women's participation in political activity, including changes over time in women's political roles and comparison with the roles of men. 

POLITSC 4175 - Women, Government, and Public Policy

An examination of policymaking on gender-related issues and the impact of women in government.

POLITSC 4891 - Topics in American Politics

Comparative politics, politsc 1200 - introduction to comparative politics.

Introduction to modern nation-states outside the United States: problems of state- and nation-building, representation, conflict, and making of government policy in selected countries.

POLITSC 3220 - Politics of the Developing World

A general introduction to the theoretical and substantive literature dealing with the historical development and contemporary characteristics of the new states of Asia and Africa.

POLITSC 3225 - Post-Conflict Reconstruction

Examines why some countries recover quickly from war while other countries remain poor and undeveloped. Examines current explanations of post-conflict development; provides background knowledge and tools to evaluated explanations. GE social science human, natural, and economic resources and diversity global studies course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.

POLITSC 3240 - Political Violence

This course will expose students to major theoretical debates and broad empirical patterns of intrastate conflict during the post-World War II era.

POLITSC 3245 - Radicalization, Deradicalization, Countering Violent Extremism

Students will gain in-depth knowledge about the multifaceted processes of radicalization and deradicalization and the various approaches to both that have been developed in countering violent extremism policies.

POLITSC 3260 - Global Politics of Health and Disease

Introduces students to the global politics of health and disease by examining the conceptual history, organizational actors, practice, and issues of global health politics through interdisciplinary texts in international relations, global health, and health policy.

POLITSC 3280 - Politics of Markets

Introduction to the interaction between politics and markets, in theory and in practice. We study how markets are embedded in political and social institutions, and how political systems and markets are organized across time and space. 

POLITSC 3290 - Comparative Public Policy

This course serves as an introduction to public policy in comparative perspective; its focus is on wealthy democracies. The first part of the course explores broad theories about how and why public policy differs so dramatically across countries. The second part of the course focuses on cross-national differences across specific policy domains.

POLITSC 4200 - Politics of Modern Democracies

A survey of the basic institutions and politics of modern democracies, with emphasis on representativeness and democratic stability.

POLITSC 4210 - Politics of European Integration

A survey of the politics of European integration since the Second World War; topics include theories of political integration, institutions of the EU, its policies and decision making, common currency, and internal and external relations.

POLITSC 4218 - Russian Politics

Survey of the politics of Russia and the former soviet states with emphasis on democratization, economic reform, institutional development, elites, mass behavior, and ideology.

POLITSC 4240 - Latin American Politics

A study of political processes, institutions, and groups in Latin America, with emphasis on constitutional, geographical, social, and economic environments in which they operate.

POLITSC 4242 - Incomplete Democracies

Explores various forms of violence including electoral violence and political assassination, organized crime, police brutality, and other human rights abuses in Latin America.

POLITSC 4249 - Domestic Politics of International Conflict

Examination of war and the impact of domestic politics on the war-making decision; influence of domestic institutions and public opinion on leaders' ability/willingness to wage war.

POLITSC 4250 - African Politics

An introductory survey of Sub-Saharan African politics from the pre-colonial period to the contemporary era. It will examine the common themes, issues, and trends that shape politics and development across forty-nine countries. Students will gain an understanding of how context shapes political behavior and how historical and political forces have influenced African politics.

POLITSC 4270 - The Canadian Political System

The Canadian political system, including institutional, behavioral, socio-economic, cultural, and ideological components, often in comparison with the United States' political system.

POLITSC 4282 - The Politics of Income Inequality

Introduces fundamental politics of income inequality and redistribution, including social policy development, re-distributional policy differences between countries, and popularity of differing welfare programs.

POLITSC 4285 - The Comparative Politics of the Welfare State

Analyzes different kinds of welfare capitalism including social, economic, and political considerations shaping welfare policy; and contemporary welfare reform as an exercise in reallocation, reorganization, and budget-cutting.

POLITSC 4892 - Topics in Comparative Politics

International relations, politsc 1300 - global politics.

Cooperation and conflict in world politics. Covers basic theories of international relations and key issues, including security, political economy, international organizations, and the environment. 

POLITSC 2300 - American Foreign Policy

The role of the United States in world politics since the Second World War, emphasizing structural change in economic and political-military relations. 

POLITSC 2367 - Contemporary Issues in American Politics

Discussion of and critical writing about controversies in contemporary American politics; aimed at fostering analytical abilities in reading comprehension, oral, and written expression.

POLITSC 3310 - Defense Policy and National Security

This course addresses some of the basic issues surrounding national security policy. The primary focus is on policy issues related to the use of force between and within countries. The goal of the course is to provide the analytical tools and factual knowledge that are necessary to identify and assess current and future threats to national security.

POLITSC 3380 - Political Analysis of International Economic Relations

Examines the relationship between political and economic events in the international system; topics include global interdependence, inequality, scarce resources, and periphery nation strategies. 

POLITSC 4300 - Theories of International Relations

Various theories of world politics, such as realism, liberalism, long cycles, domestic and bureaucratic politics, and decision-making level theory.

POLITSC 4305 - International Theory

Politsc 4310 - security policy.

National security and military policy issues and trends since 1945; covers containment, deterrence, Vietnam, nuclear weapons, terrorism, and globalization.

POLITSC 4315 - International Security and the Causes of War

Examines various issues regarding international conflict and cooperation, including theories of strategic interaction and the causes of war.

POLITSC 4318 - The Politics of International Terrorism

Examines international terrorism's concepts and actors, the motivations and causes of terrorism, the experience of the United States, and tensions between freedoms and security.

POLITSC 4320 - Strategies for War and Peace

Examination of how political leaders make decisions, emphasizing such issues as leaders' reasoning processes and the impact of public opinion and foreign policy bureaucracies.

POLITSC 4326 - Russian Foreign Policy

Basic concepts about, and choices in, Russian foreign policy; development and presentation of patterns of relations with key nations; major problems in future relationships.

POLITSC 4327 - Politics in the Middle East

Politics of Arab-Israeli relations, Persian Gulf, Islamic fundamentalism, and oil; processes of change and their effects on governments and international relations.

POLITSC 4330 - Global Governance

Examination of emergence and form of global governance, including questions of legitimation, democratization, and enforcement; as well as collective security, humanitarian intervention, and proliferation.

POLITSC 4331 - The United Nations System

Activities and potential of the United Nations system in promoting economic well-being, environmental management, resource sharing, social justice, and control of violence.

POLITSC 4332 - Politics of Globalization

Examines globalization's origins, impacts on human welfare, and political conflicts that arise from it, including actions of governments, multinational corporations, and the anti-globalization movement.

POLITSC 4335 - International Environmental Politics

Theories and debates over sustainable development, environment, and security, and effectiveness of international regimes with a focus on international fisheries management and global climate change.

POLITSC 4381 - Comparative International Political Economy

A survey of foreign economic policies followed by European and other advanced industrial economies since the Napoleonic Wars, with a special emphasis on Britain, France, Germany, the United States, and Japan.

POLITSC 4385 - Quantitative Studies of International Conflict

Acquaints students with the quantitative literature on conflict and war.

POLITSC 4893 - Topics in International Politics

Political theory , politsc 2400 - introduction to political theory.

An introduction to the field of political theory through classic and contemporary texts and selected case studies.

POLITSC 3420 - Political Theories of Democracy

An examination of theories of democracy, focusing on normative and descriptive dilemmas such as participation versus liberty in democratic societies. 

POLITSC 3430 - Political Theories of Freedom

Provides an overview of the various ways in which the value of human freedom has been understood and pursued in political life. 

POLITSC 3440 - Political Theories of Justice

Focuses on debates among political theorists about the meaning of justice; "What is justice?" and "How might we order our world justly?" 

POLITSC 3450 - Ethics and Public Policy

Contemporary approaches to public policy evaluation and their ethical foundations, including efficiency, security, rights, welfare, and equity. 

POLITSC 3460 - Global Justice

Examines the idea of justice between states and among the people of the world. What would a just world look like? How should we live in our unjust world? Current debates about war, the environment, diversity and poverty will be considered.

POLITSC 4455 - Human Rights

Examines human rights, including the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights; coercive enforcement of rights; as well as hunger, violence, persecution, and economic rights.

POLITSC 4465 - Feminist Political Theory

Examines concepts in feminist political theory including the articulation of feminism, the subjects of feminist theory, the relation of race, class and sexuality to gender experience, and the use of feminist theory to transform conceptions of justice.

POLITSC 4894 - Topics in Political Theory

Politsc 5411 - justice, sin, and virtue: ancient & medieval political thought.

This course focuses on foundational texts in western political thought: from ancient Athens, republican and imperial Rome, the Christian middle ages, and the Italian Renaissance. These works deal with themes that remain central in modern political life, including social justice, political action and religious faith, and the struggle between civic virtue and self-interest.

POLITSC 5412 - Life, Liberty, and Property: Early Modern Political Thought

Why do we have government? What are the proper limits of its authority? What should we do when its demands conflict with our moral or religious beliefs? These questions lie at the center of early modern political thought, and gave rise to the idea of the social contract.

POLITSC 5413 - Democracy, Equality & Revolution: 19th Century Political Thought

This course examines some of the earliest and most influential attempts to wrestle with the practical implications of living in a world where people were not only considered equal in theory, but were becoming equal in fact. Topics of discussion will include the relationship between liberty and equality, individualism and conformity, alienation and exploitation, and morality and power.

POLITSC 5414 - Liberalism, Totalitarianism, and Empire: 20th Century Political Thought

The 20th century was a time of unprecedented transformations: world wars, genocide, the collapse of colonialism and the spread of capitalism. This course examines the political theories that contributed to these developments as well as efforts to understand these changes.

Political Methodology 

Politsc 3500 - political games: rational choice theory and the study of politics.

Are political outcomes and institutions the result of decision-making by rational, self-interested political actors? This course explores how the assumption of individual rationality has shaped the field of political science.

POLITSC 3549 - Survey Research in Political Science

The conducting of public opinion polls.

POLITSC 3596 - Nationalism and Ethnicity

Explores socio-political identities, especially ethnicity and nationality, from a comparative perspective. Drawing upon theories from political science, psychology, anthropology, sociology, and economics, we will study the origins and characteristics of these identities, as well as their consequences for democracy, economic development, and violent conflict. GE soc sci indivs and groups and cross-disciplinary seminar course. GE foundation social and behavioral sci course.

POLITSC 4553 - Game Theory for Political Scientists

Provides entry-level understanding of the basic concepts of game theory and how these concepts are applied to the study of political phenomena.

POLITSC 4597.02 - Political Problems of the Contemporary World

Critical political problems of industrialized and developing societies, including governmental legitimacy, conflict and violence, social welfare, equality, and economic development.

POLITSC 4597.03 - Gender and Democracy in the Contemporary World

Highlighting perspectives from various contexts across the globe, this course explores issues of gender and democracy in the contemporary world.

Variable Courses 

Politsc 1910 - introduction to the politics of identity.

This course is designed to introduce students to the continued significance of race, gender, and ethnicity in American society with a focus on identity. Examines how various identities and combinations of identities (namely race, ethnicity, and gender) are associated with sociopolitical experiences and attitudes. GE foundation race, ethnicity and gender div course.

POLITSC 3001 - Economy, Polity, and Community

Examines how different ways of thinking about human nature shape our understanding of philosophy, politics, and economics. 

POLITSC 3002 - Tradition, Progress, and Utopia

Examines how different ways of thinking about social and political change shape our understanding of philosophy, politics, and economics.

POLITSC 3191 - Political Science Internship

Politsc 3780 - data literacy and data visualization.

Introduction to the tools of data analysis in political science, with an emphasis on data visualization. GE data analysis course. GE foundation math and quant reasoning or data analysis course.

POLITSC 3785 - Data Science for the Social and Behavioral Sciences

Introduction to new issues in data science, including big data, machine learning, network interdependencies, and automated extraction of meaning from widely varied sources of data.

POLITSC 3798 - Field Research Methods for Politics & Development in Africa: Education Abroad in Malawi

This education abroad course focuses on research methodologies used to understand political and economic outcomes in Africa. The course will be especially useful for undergraduate students who plan to conduct research or design programs and interventions in the developing world.

POLITSC 3905 - Political Manipulation

Examines how political actors manipulate the rules and the salience and availability of information to shift political outcomes in their favor. 

POLITSC 3910 - Identity Politics

Explores who controls the meaning of identity in society; examining identity from the perspective of liberal, sociological, and social psychological, structuralist, and institutionalist theories. 

POLITSC 3912 - Political Leadership

Establishment of a working definition of political leadership, investigation of recruitment of leaders, analysis of major functions political leaders perform, and assessment of consequences of political leadership. 

POLITSC 3950 - Careers in Political Science

Designed to help students explore different career paths related to Political Science, engage with professionals working within a range of careers, and build a portfolio in preparation for entering the job market.

POLITSC 4191 - Internship

Politsc 4780 - thesis research colloquium, politsc 4781 - data analysis in political science i.

Covers basic techniques for analyzing data in political science.

POLITSC 4782 - Data Analysis in Political Science II

Covers advanced techniques for analyzing data in political science.

POLITSC 4784 - Complexity Science and the Study of Politics

Familiarize students with agent-based models and complexity science to better understand political behavior.

POLITSC 4920 - Politics in Film and Television

Political films and TV shows often convey an understanding of the political world. How films portray the political process may influence society's attitudes toward politicians and government. Students will compare the portrayal of politics in films and TV to the reality as understood through political science. This is not part of the Film Studies major and does not count toward requirements.

POLITSC 4940 - The Politics of Immigration

Provides overview of international migration phenomenon: patterns of international migration, reasons for immigration, acceptance of immigrants by governments and public, dynamics of anti-immigrant sentiment.

POLITSC 4999 - Undergraduate Thesis Research

Politsc 5000 - quantum mind and social science.

Examines the growing, if still speculative, possibility that consciousness and therefore society are macroscopic quantum mechanical phenomena. If that's right, today's social sciences are based upon a fundamental mistake since they assume that human beings are classical machines. Replacing classical assumptions in social science with quantum ones would be a revolution in thought.

POLITSC 5797 - Study at a Foreign Institution

Politsc 1100h - introduction to american politics.

Introduction to American politics, the institutions and processes which create public policy, and the strengths and weaknesses of the American political systems.

POLITSC 2400H - Introduction to Political Theory

Politsc 3310h - honors defense policy and national security.

This course addresses some of the basic issues surrounding national security policy. The primary focus is on policy issues related to the use of force between and within countries. The goal of the course is to provide the student with the analytical tools and factual knowledge that they will need to identify and assess current and future threats to national security.

POLITSC 3780H - Data Literacy and Data Visualization

Most social science debates can be addressed with data, and sources of data are growing exponentially. This course introduces students to tools of data analysis and principles behind their use in the context of social-science applications.

POLITSC 4127H - Governing Urban America

This course will examine the major problems facing urban communities in the 21st century; the economic, social, and political forces that have historically shaped--and continue to influence--their development; the role of government in addressing urban problems; and the major participants and stakeholders in city politics.

POLITSC 4132H - Supreme Court Decision Making

Study of explanations for Supreme Court decisions; use of those explanations and independent research to predict justices' positions in current cases. 

POLITSC 4135E - American Constitutional Law

Politsc 4139e - gun politics, politsc 4245h - democratic erosion.

How do democracies become less democratic? This course will explore the causes and consequences of democratic breakdown in countries around the world and over time.

POLITSC 4385E - Quantitative Studies of International Conflict

Politsc 4420h - debating democracy.

Intensive examination of theories of democracy, focusing on normative and descriptive dilemmas such as participation versus liberty in democratic societies.

POLITSC 4553H - Game Theory for Political Scientists

Politsc 4597.02h - political problems of the contemporary world, politsc 4784e - complexity science and the study of politics, politsc 4893h - honors seminar in international politics.

Intensive study of selected political science topics and issues in a seminar format; topics vary.

POLITSC 4894H - Honors Seminar in Political Theory

Politsc 4920h - politics in film and television.

Political films and TV shows often convey an understanding of the political world. How films portray the political process may influence society's attitudes toward politicians and government institutions. Students will compare the portrayal of politics in films and TV to the reality as understood through political science. This is not part of the Film Studies major and does not count toward requirements.

POLITSC 4999H - Honors Thesis Research

Honors thesis research with thesis adviser. Minimum of two semesters required of candidates for BA with distinction in political science.