Politics
Explore enduring questions about freedom, justice, equality, and democracy.
Politics Degree Requirements
Politics majors explore enduring questions about freedom, justice, equality, and democracy. The Department of Politics invites students to explore these and other topics by analyzing political thought, political institutions, and political action. Students learn about conflict and cooperation not only between individuals and governments, but also among governments themselves. Students gain insight into public affairs, and develop conceptual, analytical, and communication skills that will last long after graduation.
Politics on Campus
The political engagement of our student body on campus has never been stronger. Student voting on campus ranks in the top 80 colleges for student voting, as ranked by Washington Monthly. In addition, Saint Mary’s hosts both Republican and Democrat student-led clubs that foster voting and engagement on campus, with many of our students choosing to attend protests and marches in nearby San Francisco on issues that matter to them.
Curriculum Focused on Domestic and International Politics
The department offers courses in four major subfields of politics: American Politics, Political Theory, International Relations, and Comparative Politics. We also want to convey to our students a sense of civic responsibility by providing them with opportunities for experiential learning outside the classroom. Consistent with the College’s mission, the Politics curriculum is concerned with issues of peace, social justice, and the common good, both at home and abroad.
Law & Society Minor
The Law & Society Minor is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of law and its impact on society. It is designed for students who wish to study how social forces influence the legal system and how the law affects society.
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A Peek Into Jan Term: Social Change Playlist Rocks Campus
What is music’s role in social change and political mobilization?
Social Change Playlist
Alumni
Our graduates enjoy success in government, law, journalism, teaching, labor, and a wide array of public and private sector organizations.
Alumni Success
Recent News
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The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most prolific, impactful, and internationally recognized activists and civil rights...
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With election year having finally crept up on us, political concerns have become the talk of the town. In preparation for the election, on...
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Saint Mary’s new Visiting Professor of Politics Mustafa Kirisci spoke on “What Turkey Wants: Power Struggles Over Kurds and Northern Syria”...
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Beloved Politics Professor Hisham H. Ahmed is remembered in an article in Solidarity webzine by Prof. Suzi Weissman, "In Memoriam: Hisham H....