The Political Science major at North Carolina Wesleyan University seeks to i) provide a detailed education in American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory, ii) create active and informed participants in the political process, iii) prepare students for service in the public and private sectors. Students are expected to develop strong critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills through a vigorous exploration of political issues, ideas, and topics. The major stresses writing and speaking skills as the means to communicate information and analysis.

Students in the Political Science program will develop a detailed education in American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. These courses are designed to prepare students for service in the public and private sectors. Students are expected to develop strong critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills through a vigorous exploration of political issues, ideas, and topics. The courses stress writing and speaking skills as the means to communicate information and analysis.

Core Requirements

American Political System (POL 112)
This course introduces students to the structure and development of the American political system, from the Constitution to the present. Students explore democratic institutions, political participation, and the ongoing challenges and debates that shape public life in the United States.

Introduction to Political Science (POL 200)
Students are introduced to the core ideas, methods, and questions that define the study of politics. The course helps students understand how political scientists examine behavior, institutions, and systems while building a foundation for future coursework in the major.

Introduction to International Relations (POL 201)
This course examines how countries interact in the global system through cooperation, conflict, diplomacy, and strategy. Students study major theories in international relations and apply them to current and historical global issues.

Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation (POL 212)
Students examine how misinformation and conspiracy theories influence political behavior and public opinion. The course also explores information literacy, media influence, and the ways political actors may shape or exploit false narratives.

The American Presidency (POL 302)
This course studies the modern presidency with attention to leadership, policymaking, political parties, and executive power. Students consider how presidents shape national priorities and respond to major political challenges.

Comparative Politics (POL 313)
Students explore how governments and political systems differ across countries and regions. The course introduces key concepts in comparative analysis and helps students think critically about power, institutions, and political change around the world.

Social Research Methods (POL 308)
This course gives students experience with the tools used to design, conduct, and evaluate social science research. Students learn how data is collected, interpreted, and used to better understand political and social questions.

Constitutional Law (POL 410)
This course introduces students to major constitutional questions and the role of the Supreme Court in American politics. Students study how constitutional interpretation influences government power, individual rights, and key legal and political debates.

Political Psychology (POL 411)
This course examines how psychological ideas help explain political behavior and decision-making. Students explore topics such as identity, ideology, partisanship, public opinion, emotion, stereotyping, and the ways people form and respond to political beliefs.