Fields of Study
The study of Political Science at FSU is divided into five subfields.
The prefix of each course number indicates its subfield:
| CPO | Comparative Politics |
| INR | International Relations |
| POS | American Government |
| PUP | Public Policy |
| PAD | Public Administration |
Comparative Politics
Introductory course and prerequisite to upper-level courses in the field: CPO2002
Comparative politics studies the domestic politics of countries throughout the world and develops an understanding of how politics works by observing the differences and similarities among various political systems. Comparative politics is interdisciplinary because to understand the politics of a country, we must also understand something of its economy, social system, international position, history, and culture.
International Relations
(Note than only INR courses offered by Political Science count toward major/minor requirements)
Introductory course and prerequisite to upper-level courses in the
field: INR2002
International relations is the study of the political relationships among the world’s national governments. Courses in international relations look at many of the problems and issues of world politics and provide possible explanations for the events we witness. Topics include such things as the causes and effects of war and peace; the difficulties faced by nations in making agreements; the role of international organizations such as the United Nations; the formation of foreign policy; and global responses to contemporary social problems.
American Government
(Note that some courses with the POS prefix are not American Government
courses, including Research Methods, Internships, DIS courses, and Honors Work)
Introductory course and prerequisite to upper-level courses in the field:
POS1041
The study of American politics aims to answer important and enduring questions about politics and government at the local, state, and national levels. Various courses consider such topics as political participation and voting behavior; the conduct of elected politicians, both in campaigning and in governing; and institutions like interest groups, bureaucracy, and the courts. Courses use theoretical, historical, and analytical perspectives to illuminate the workings of the American political system.
Public Policy
Introductory course and prerequisite to upper-level courses in the field: PUP3002
The study of public policy focuses on what governments do, how and why they do it, and what the consequences are. Such studies may focus on governmental decisions made at any level and in any nation, and can range from studies of specific government actions or programs to more general assessments of government performance.
Public Administration
Introductory course: PAD3003 – a good first course, not prerequisite
to upper-level courses
Public administration courses are taught by the Reuben Askew School
of Public Administration. The PAD internship is the only one of their
courses that cannot count toward the political science major.
Public administration studies the role and functioning of bureaucracies
in the formulation and implementation of public policy. It looks at
the legal, financial, and managerial aspects of government activities,
with a practical and applied approach. It can be thought of as business
administration for the public sector.
Major/Minor Requirements
Academic Advising
Academic Opportunities
Undergraduate Internship