The Department of Political Science prepares students to think independently, respect a variety of opinions, and understand the fundamentals of political life. The Department's research and teaching cover the traditional fields of international relations, comparative politics, American politics, political theory, and research methods. In collaboration with faculty in other departments and research centers on campus, we also emphasize two cross-cutting areas: politics of identity and politics of the environment. Gifts to the Department of Political Science provide student and programmatic support, ensuring critical resources needed to succeed and contribute to the field.