Hobart and William Smith Colleges

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.”

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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

Yellen Named Treasury Secretary in Biden Cabinet

Tue, 24 Nov 2020

This week, President-Elect Joe Biden announced that he will nominate Janet Yellen, former chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and recipient of the 2015 Elizabeth…

Finger Lakes Goods Internships

Tue, 10 Nov 2020

Maura McNamara ’22 and Emma Nedeau ’22 are interning this semester at Finger Lakes Goods, a new Geneva-based business owned by HWS alum Jim Cecere ’91 that sells natural goods…

Stephanopoulos Donation Adds Iconic Historical Photos to HWS Collections

Tue, 03 Nov 2020

A new gift from journalist George Stephanopoulos adds approximately 650 new items to the Collections of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, bringing depth and breadth to his 2019 donation of politically…

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 >>