Political science majors must immerse themselves in the study of politics while simultaneously developing a broader set of academic and intellectual skills. During the first year, students should take courses which will help them to achieve both of these goals.
Essential Courses
English Composition
All students considering a major in political science should complete English 1110.01 or 1110.02 (First Year Writing) during their first year at Ohio State. Students who test out of this course should move on to higher level writing courses. Political science majors write extensively, so it is important to master the art of college composition as quickly as possible.
A Fundamental Political Science Course
In your first year of study you will also want to start exploring your major field. We encourage you to begin by choosing a fundamental political science at the 1000 or 2000 level. These courses will expose you to the different subfields of political science and to the techniques and modes of inquiry that are used in upper-level courses. All of these courses are designed to be introductory, and so you need not feel anxious about enrolling in a 2000-level course during your first year if the subject matter interests you.
Strongly Recommended Courses
Foreign Language
All students in the College of Arts and Science are required to complete a foreign language through the 1103 level, which represents basic competence. Students who wish to continue with a language that they studied in high school will take OSU’s language placement examination and may receive credit for 1101, 1102, or 1103. We encourage political science majors to go beyond the minimum foreign language requirement so that they can gain a better understanding both of the language and of the cultural context or contexts in which it is spoken. However, students may elect to pursue a second language instead. You can decide which path to pursue in consultation with your political science advisor during your first year of study.
Historical Study
A strong foundation in the study of history and historical processes is an invaluable tool for enriching your understanding of political science and contemporary politics.
Natural Science
A core competence in the natural sciences is also desirable in a student of political science. Many pressing political issues have an important scientific dimension, which means that the findings and impact of scientific research are of central concern to political scientists. More importantly, the study of the natural sciences can deepen and sharpen your understanding of the methods of scientific observation, experimental design, and hypothesis testing that are also used in the study of political science.
Mathematics
Mathematical knowledge and skills are essential to the analysis of empirical data, which is of course a central part of political science. As you know, mathematics can become more difficult when there are long gaps between periods of study. We therefore encourage you to begin your study of mathematics, which will consist of at least one mathematics course, during your first year.
Humanities and the Arts
A complete understanding of politics depends on a broad understanding of culture, which is developed through the study of the humanities: for example, the basic philosophical questions that each generation must face anew, the verbal expression of our struggles with these questions through literature, and their visual or aural expression through the arts. We therefore strongly recommend that you take at least one course in the arts and humanities during your first year.