Explore your interests in government at Lawrence.

Academic advising at Lawrence seeks to empower each student to craft and pursue a transformative liberal arts experience that prepares them for impactful and personally fulfilling lives. Faculty advisors support students in planning and achieving their educational goals, facilitate connections to campus resources and communities, and guide students to make informed decisions as they pursue their academic interests and aspirations. 

Course Planning for New and Exploring Students

Students interested in a government major or minor should start with GOVT 110: Introduction to Political Science and/or GOVT 140: Introduction to International Affairs in their first year. First-year students might also consider progressing further with GOVT 215: Democracy in Comparative Perspective or GOVT 271: Research Methods in Political Science (GOVT 110 is a prerequisite).

AP/IB Credit and Advanced Placement

Students with AP or IB credit in government will receive 6 units of GOVT credit that can be counted as a GOVT elective in the major. However, advanced placement in GOVT coursework will not be awarded.

Declare a Major/Minor

All students are expected to declare a major before the end of sophomore year. Ideally, sophomore students will declare a major (and switch to an advisor in the major) before advance registration advising begins in spring term.

DECLARE A MAJOR/MINOR

Major Advising

All students will transition to a major advisor upon declaration. The major advisor will help students plan their coursework to satisfy requirements for the major, select courses in other areas to complement the major or satisfy personal interests, and prepare for their Senior Experience. Prospective government majors can consult with any of the following government faculty about serving as a major advisor:

  • Ameya S. Balsekar, Associate Professor of Government

  • Jason Brozek, Stephen Edward Scarff Professor of International Affairs and Associate Professor of Government

  • William Hixon, Gordon R. Clapp Chair of American Studies and Associate Professor of Government

  • Arnold Shober, Professor of Government

  • Claudena Skran (she/her), Edwin & Ruth West Professor of Economics and Social Science and Professor of Government

  • Steven Wulf, Associate Professor of Government

Add a Major Advisor

Need help identifying an advisor in the major? Students can contact advising@lawrence.edu for assistance with advisor matching.

Add a Major Advisor

Minor Advising

Students do not need an official advisor for the government minor. Instead, government minors are encouraged to consult with the department chair or other government faculty for advice on course selection and satisfying minor requirements.

Additional Student Resources

If you still have questions about advising support related to the government program, we invite you to contact the department chair. 

Contact the Government Department Chair
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