Political Science College Courses, Open Enrollment - UChicago | Graham School
Source: https://graham.uchicago.edu/topic/political-science
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:13
Political Science College Courses, Open Enrollment - UChicago | Graham School
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Topic
Political Science
At the University of Chicago Graham School, we believe that the only way to solve the big problems facing society is through inquiry, dialogue, and collaboration.
We live in an era of stark political polarization, when many people feel they cannot meaningfully engage in conversations with others who belong to opposing political parties or have different views.
At the Graham School, we create an atmosphere in which students with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives can engage in open exchange.
In our political science courses, you can examine primary sources with faculty and instructors and engage in thoughtful discussions with peers. Our courses focus on a wide range of topics such as international diplomacy, the relationship between the U.S. Presidency and the other branches of government, and the ideals of liberty embedded in the U.S. Constitution.
Spotlight Programs
Weeklong Residential Program
Engage in a Week of Civic Virtue
This August, spend a week on UChicago’s Hyde Park campus to explore big ideas and lively conversations with fellow Graham students.
Graham Summer School
4 Year Certificate
Immerse Yourself in the Great Books
Explore timeless works of literature, philosophy, history, and social thought.
The Basic Program
Master’s Degree
Grow as a Thinker and Leader
Elevate your critical thinking and leadership through advanced study in the liberal arts.
Master of Liberal Arts
All Political Science Courses
Featured
In-Person • Online
Summer I
The Great Gatsby
Jennifer A. Lind
In-Person
Summer II
Fiction in the Geopolitics Classroom: Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, Graham School Class in Paris
Jennifer A. Lind
Online
Summer I
Music and Protest
Online
Summer I
Why Companies Behave Badly
What is Political Science?
Political science is a social science that investigates and theorizes about politics. Students in Graham School political science courses explore aspects of politics and government through reading primary texts, discussing political theories, and exploring the impacts that politics has on society. Courses may examine topics like election structure and civic participation, the impact of economic policy, or the way laws are passed or interpreted.
Political Science Instructors
Jennifer A. Lind
Open Enrollment Instructor
In our increasingly siloed, stridently opinionated world, Graham’s commitment to encouraging civil discourse and attracting students of distinct and varied backgrounds and viewpoints has made the classes I’ve taken revelatory.
Gary Shapiro
CER ‘19
What I love most about teaching at the Graham School is that it is like eating at the chef’s table: there are no barriers between students and instructors. We are all peers, indeed, friends learning alongside each other.
Jennifer Lind, MLA’22
Graham School instructor
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Graham School’s political science offerings.
Will the content of these courses be biased toward one political party or ideology?
The content of these courses is focused on exploring topics through the lens of primary texts written by people from a variety of political affiliations. The University of Chicago is committed to promoting free expression and open discourse, welcoming all viewpoints in our classrooms. We encourage students to participate in respectful discussions in which all can share their perspectives.
UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?
Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their background in the study or practice of politics.
What’s it like to take a course in a Socratic seminar format?
You’ll come to each session prepared to engage in lively, respectful discussions about the assigned reading. With a small group of peers and your instructor, you’ll examine fundamental questions through the lenses of multiple disciplines and lived experiences.
Are these offerings online or in person?
The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
Do I have to complete an application?
No application is required for Basic Program courses or open enrollment courses. There is a required application for the Master of Liberal Arts.
Political Science News
Apr 2, 2026
Articles
Reflecting on 250 Years of U.S. Foreign Policy
A conversation with John J. Mearsheimer and Jennifer A. Lind on the history and founding ideas that shape U.S. relations beyond its borders.
View Now
Nov 13, 2025
Event Recap
The Backsliders: A Conversation with Susan C. Stokes
Susan C. Stokes joined us for an engaging discussion about her new book ‘The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies.’
View Now
Feb 24, 2025
Event Recap
The Future of Media in an Age of Disruption
In this conversation, we explored how the digital revolution has transformed our media landscape and examined its implications for democracy.
View Now
Questions about the Graham School? Get in touch.
Contact Us
This is the search overlay. Use the Escape key to close it.
Your Shopping Cart
Enroll Now
We use
cookies
to enhance your experience on our site.
Skip to main content
Topic
Political Science
At the University of Chicago Graham School, we believe that the only way to solve the big problems facing society is through inquiry, dialogue, and collaboration.
We live in an era of stark political polarization, when many people feel they cannot meaningfully engage in conversations with others who belong to opposing political parties or have different views.
At the Graham School, we create an atmosphere in which students with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives can engage in open exchange.
In our political science courses, you can examine primary sources with faculty and instructors and engage in thoughtful discussions with peers. Our courses focus on a wide range of topics such as international diplomacy, the relationship between the U.S. Presidency and the other branches of government, and the ideals of liberty embedded in the U.S. Constitution.
Spotlight Programs
Weeklong Residential Program
Engage in a Week of Civic Virtue
This August, spend a week on UChicago’s Hyde Park campus to explore big ideas and lively conversations with fellow Graham students.
Graham Summer School
4 Year Certificate
Immerse Yourself in the Great Books
Explore timeless works of literature, philosophy, history, and social thought.
The Basic Program
Master’s Degree
Grow as a Thinker and Leader
Elevate your critical thinking and leadership through advanced study in the liberal arts.
Master of Liberal Arts
All Political Science Courses
Featured
In-Person • Online
Summer I
The Great Gatsby
Jennifer A. Lind
In-Person
Summer II
Fiction in the Geopolitics Classroom: Graham Greene’s The Quiet American, Graham School Class in Paris
Jennifer A. Lind
Online
Summer I
Music and Protest
Online
Summer I
Why Companies Behave Badly
What is Political Science?
Political science is a social science that investigates and theorizes about politics. Students in Graham School political science courses explore aspects of politics and government through reading primary texts, discussing political theories, and exploring the impacts that politics has on society. Courses may examine topics like election structure and civic participation, the impact of economic policy, or the way laws are passed or interpreted.
Political Science Instructors
Jennifer A. Lind
Open Enrollment Instructor
In our increasingly siloed, stridently opinionated world, Graham’s commitment to encouraging civil discourse and attracting students of distinct and varied backgrounds and viewpoints has made the classes I’ve taken revelatory.
Gary Shapiro
CER ‘19
What I love most about teaching at the Graham School is that it is like eating at the chef’s table: there are no barriers between students and instructors. We are all peers, indeed, friends learning alongside each other.
Jennifer Lind, MLA’22
Graham School instructor
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Graham School’s political science offerings.
Will the content of these courses be biased toward one political party or ideology?
The content of these courses is focused on exploring topics through the lens of primary texts written by people from a variety of political affiliations. The University of Chicago is committed to promoting free expression and open discourse, welcoming all viewpoints in our classrooms. We encourage students to participate in respectful discussions in which all can share their perspectives.
UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?
Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their background in the study or practice of politics.
What’s it like to take a course in a Socratic seminar format?
You’ll come to each session prepared to engage in lively, respectful discussions about the assigned reading. With a small group of peers and your instructor, you’ll examine fundamental questions through the lenses of multiple disciplines and lived experiences.
Are these offerings online or in person?
The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
Do I have to complete an application?
No application is required for Basic Program courses or open enrollment courses. There is a required application for the Master of Liberal Arts.
Political Science News
Apr 2, 2026
Articles
Reflecting on 250 Years of U.S. Foreign Policy
A conversation with John J. Mearsheimer and Jennifer A. Lind on the history and founding ideas that shape U.S. relations beyond its borders.
View Now
Nov 13, 2025
Event Recap
The Backsliders: A Conversation with Susan C. Stokes
Susan C. Stokes joined us for an engaging discussion about her new book ‘The Backsliders: Why Leaders Undermine Their Own Democracies.’
View Now
Feb 24, 2025
Event Recap
The Future of Media in an Age of Disruption
In this conversation, we explored how the digital revolution has transformed our media landscape and examined its implications for democracy.
View Now
Questions about the Graham School? Get in touch.
Contact Us
This is the search overlay. Use the Escape key to close it.
Your Shopping Cart
Enroll Now