B.A. in Political Science

Course Requirements

Internship

The Department of Political Science strongly encourages students to undertake internship experiences as part of their undergraduate education. Every fall, spring, and summer the department offers a twelve-week internship for students in political science, public administration, justice studies, gerontology, or other programs. Students are placed in federal, state, and local government agencies; in private sector public service organizations; and in organizations engaged in campaigns or political advocacy. To enroll in this internship, students should register for Political Science 328.

In addition, under the auspices of the Rhode Island State Internship Program, the department offers a twelve-week internship every spring semester, placing students with individual members of the Rhode Island state legislature or with members of the executive and judicial branches of state government. To enroll in this internship, students should register for Political Science 327. In cooperation with Rhode Island’s U.S. senators and representatives, several students are chosen to spend a week during the spring semester in the Washington, D.C. office of either a U.S. senator or a representative from Rhode Island.

The London Course

The London Course is the study of British politics, government, and culture, as well as urban geography and city planning in London. The course is divided into two components—a six-week proseminar at Rhode Island College during Summer Session I, followed by a three-week stay in London during July in conjunction with South Bank University. The stay in Europe includes trips to the House of Commons, Cambridge University, the Home Counties, and Paris.