2023-2024 BSC Catalog Updated_UG ONLY_FINAL[82]

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
121
Major Requirements
The following courses are required (12 units):
PS 101
PS 202 or PS 235
PS 238
PS 470
PS 472
SBS 204
SBS 304
five elective units in PS with at least three at the 300 or 400 level
Minor Requirements
The following courses are required (5 units):
PS 101
PS 238
three elective units in PS or SBS, two of which must be at the 300 or 400 level
(SBS 204 and SBS 304 are strongly recommended)
Normally, PS 101 will be a prerequisite for all other courses in American government,
and PS 238 will be a prerequisite for all other courses in comparative government.
Students are encouraged to take these courses during their first year. SBS 204 and SBS
304 should be taken during the sophomore year.
Teaching experience courses may not count toward the minor.
Graduation with Disciplinary Merit in Political Science
The award of disciplinary merit in political science reflects a “value added” experience
for those who seek additional work and more research experience in the discipline, and a
better understanding of political science as a profession. Receiving disciplinary merit not
only signifies success in coursework, it also rewards work in the discipline that goes
beyond minimum requirements and that shows evidence of academic rigor. Students
seeking disciplinary merit should consult with the political science faculty before the
senior year. Students with a major or minor in political science or an associated
interdisciplinary major that requires SBS 204, SBS 304, PS 470, and PS 472 are eligible
for disciplinary merit.
Candidates for Disciplinary Merit in Political Science must fulfill the following
requirements:
(1) Attain a minimum 3.500 grade point average in courses taken at Birmingham-
Southern College.
(2) Attain a minimum 3.800 average for courses in political science.
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2023-2024