Program Overview

Politics

The Department of Politics explores many dimensions of political life, ranging from small groups to citizens’ organizations, to cities, countries, and the international system. Coursework for the politics major also involves examination of broad issues of power, conflict, peace, citizenship, representation, and justice.

crowd of women gathered for international women's march in London
The International Women’s March, January 21, 2017, London.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Marc Blecher

Program Facts

  • Program Type: Major, Minor
    • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Department: Politics

Program Director

Steve Crowley,
Professor of Politics

Contact

Quick Links

Request Info
Visit Campus
Apply

Winter Term

Oberlin’s four-week winter term in January encourages students to discover the value of self-directed education. You may pursue individual or group projects that are directly linked to your field of study or explore opportunities unrelated to your major. Complete your project on or off campus.

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student Senate, Ohio Public Interest RsearchGroup, Solarity, the Oberlin Review—these are among the more than 175 student groups and clubs available to you. From politics to faith and identity, and from special interest to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs eager for new members, new ideas, and new leadership.

Why Study Politics at Oberlin?

15 Department Faculty
3 Annual Department Awards
34 Study Away Programs

Sample Courses

  • POLT 112 - Introduction to Middle East Politics (4 credits)
  • POLT 279 - American Presidency & Presidential Power (4 credits)
  • POLT 315 - Seminar: Future of Organized Labor (4 credits)
  • POLT 411 - Practicum in Applied Research (4 credits)
Curriculum and requirements

Politics Faculty

Faculty interests span the political spectrum: comparative politics, civil rights and civil liberties, international relations of the Soviet Union, trade unions and political economy, peaceful conflict resolution, feminist theory, campaigns and elections, U.S. foreign policy, and Middle Eastern politics, among others.

Explore Faculty within Politics

Politics News

The Perfect Career Sweet Spot

November 20, 2020

When she was a student at Oberlin, Rosemary Boeglin ’14 thought a career in journalism was in her future. Today, instead of writing the news Boeglin helps to create it in her role as a rapid response spokesperson for President-elect Joe Biden.
A girl wearing glasses sitting in an audience.

Winter Term: A Plan to Improve Education for Students

September 30, 2020

Bridget Smith ’21, an education and politics major, wants to improve the educational experiences of students with special needs. That's why interning at the Monitoring and State Improvement Planning division of the Office of Special Education Program in Oberlin (OSEP) was a great fit.
A student poses in the hallway of a large building.
View all Politics news