Political science is the study of governments, political thought, and behavior.
Some students study political science with an eye toward a career in public service, some to become scholars of the subject, and others to prepare for law school. This diversity reflects that fact that, of all the social sciences, political science has the least definite boundaries and the widest concerns. The Political Science Department at URI tries to give its students a basic introduction to all parts of the discipline, and allows them to explore and define their particular interests through the courses they choose to meet their requirements. With the help of their faculty advisor, students should seek a coherent program of study that shows both a general familiarity with political science and an understanding of the subfield that reflects their particular interest. American Politics typically draws on a variety of methods, including behavioral analysis, literary analysis, and mathematical modeling to analyze issues at the levels of local, state, and national government in the United States.