» Recommended Classes for First-Year Political Science Majors

Here are the classes that we recommend you take during your first year as a Political Science major at Chapman. 

For your first semester, we recommend taking 12-15 credits (most classes are 3 credits; those with labs are 4). You must be enrolled in 12 credits to be considered a full-time status student. The recommended courses below will put you at 15 credits per semester (fall and spring). 

Introductory Math Requirement

As an incoming first-year student, you must take a math assessment. If you place into Math 100 (Learning and Studying Mathematics for Understanding), then you must enroll in this course in your first year (fall or spring semester). For more information, visit our Math Assessment webpage. 

General Education Classes

You can choose a General Education (GE) class from any GE category – it’s your choice. In general, the following GE areas are recommended to begin/complete during your first year:

GE Language Study (strongly recommended)
GE Quantitative Inquiry

Note: Some GE courses may “double count” with your major or minor. Students can share up to 9 credits between major and GE requirements and can share up to 6 credits between minor and GE requirements. Visit the General Education Program site to review the GE policies and see a list of approved courses for each GE area.

You can learn more about general education on our General Education: How it Works page.

Fall Semester

POSC Majors are part of the Block Scheduling program for first-year students in the Fall 2023 semester. You will be pre-registered by the department in two POSC courses in May/June. You can then build the rest of your schedule around these required major courses.

FFC 100D - You Choose! 
Credits: 3

All first-year students at Chapman have to take First Year Foundations. The class will introduce you to college and there is a different topic for every major. As a Political Science major, you must select an FFC 100D option from the Wilkinson College - Engaging the World category. 

POSC 110, 120, or 130 (will be pre-registered in these classes) 
Credits: 6

Note: POSC is part of the Block Scheduling program. If you are a first year student, you will be pre-registered in TWO of the below POSC courses in May/June. You can then build the rest of your schedule around these required major courses.

  • POSC 110 - Introduction to American Politics (3 credits)
  • POSC 120 - Introduction to International Relations (3 credits)
  • POSC 130 - Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 credits)

GE class 
Credits: 3

GE class
Credits: 3

Note: A score of 4 or higher on the AP United States Government and Politics exam grants credit for POSC 110. A score of 4 or higher on the AP Comparative Government and Politics Exam grants credit for POSC 130. 

Spring Semester

POSC class
Credits: 3

Note: Select one from the following that you did not complete in the Fall semester to continue with your major requirements: POSC 110, 120, 130, or 212. 

  • POSC 110 - Introduction to American Politics (3 credits)
  • POSC 120 - Introduction to International Relations (3 credits)
  • POSC 130 - Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 credits)
  • POSC 212 - Introduction to Public Administration (3 credits)

POSC 200 - Introduction to Political Theory (3 credits)
Credits: 3

GE class
Credits: 3

GE class or minor exploration
Credits: 3

GE class or minor exploration
Credits: 3