Political Science

The Department of Political Science aims to provide students with an understanding of the important political questions that surround issues of power. We help students in the major become familiar with a range of theoretical perspectives and epistemological methods, develop the ability to analyze data critically and deconstruct texts, to conduct independent academic research, and to write clearly about significant political trends and events.

Political Science offers courses in four subfields: American Politics, Comparative World Politics, International Relations, and Political Philosophy and Theory.

Student Profile: Divya Tewari ’20

Political Science Major, Public Policy Minor

“Deciding to major in Political Science was a pivotal moment in my undergraduate career. My world has opened through diverse course content and international fellowships. With the help of faculty and a clearer understanding of my career path, I have interned at NGOs that support precarious populations. I am more critical of existing social constructs, public policies and government institutions - a necessary practice as my generation carries the torch in bringing change to an unjust world.”

Student Profile: David Ranney '21

Political Science and History Major

“The study of political science allows us to analyze the essence of human social, political and economic interaction on many levels. Course offerings like “American and Urban Politics” increased my social awareness and helped me further understand the socioeconomic conditions in which I was raised. “Comparative Politics,” “African Politics” and “International Relations” courses have augmented my understanding of the world system and the global hegemony.”

Photo Gallery

Professor of Political Science Jodi Dean speaks at The Fisher Center for the Study of Women and Men, which hosts conversations on contemporary social justice issues with experts across disciplines. The seminars, a popular staple among politically active students, create opportunities for dialogue and learning outside the classroom.

Jodi Dean, Professor of Political Science, class POL 175 â Introduction to Feminist Theory. Students will learn about feminist theory by focusing on three sites â the university, work, and culture. They will consider how feminist theory helps them analyze each site, identify problems, propose solutions, and formulate strategies for feminist change.

Assistant Professor of Political Science Rene Rojas

Associate Professor of Political Science Stacey Philbrick Yadav discusses ethnographic and interpretive approaches in political science in "Qualitative and Interpretive Research Methods."

Anthony Giovenelli '18 discusses his independent study on the 2016 Primaries with Associate Professor of Political Science DeWayne Lucas in the Cellar Pub.

Assistant Professor of Political Science Rene Rojas introduces Maya Struili âX during the annual Writing College Reception.

Meet Our Faculty

The Political Science faculty are internationally respected experts and dedicated teachers. Leaders in their fields of study, they are widely recognized for important research, publications and books. Scroll below to meet our team of scholars. Meet the entire department >

Political Science News

Policing. Protest. Post-Democracy?

Platt ’21 Starts Career at Maier Anderson

HWS Votes 2021

More Political Science News

Spotlight: Recent Grads

Rotimi Adeoye '18

Current Position: Press Secretary for Congressman Dan Kildee

Current Location: Washington, D.C.

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Spotlight: Recent Grads

Mimi Refojo '17

Current Position: Advertising Operations at TripAdvisor

Current Location: Boston, Mass.

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Sample Courses

Complete Course List

American Presidency
Examine presidential powers from both historical and contemporary perspectives by learning how to asses presidential power not only in terms of whether the presidency has the necessary resources to pursue presidential objectives, but also in terms of the potential danger that presidential power poses to broader democratic commitments.

Day on the Hill

Tours of the Secret Service, State Department, Heritage Foundation, Washington Post. Lunch at Bullfeathers with HWS alums. Panels with members from House and Senate offices, the United Nations Foundation, Daimler AG, RAINN.

Each January, the Day on the Hill program takes students inside governmental organizations, non-profits, NGOs and other Washington, D.C. institutions for three days of experiential insight into politics, policy and more. Learn More >>