Hi, I'm Professor Elisabeth Jay Friedman from the Politics Department. On behalf of our faculty, welcome to the major. I am here to help you select your classes.

A student typically registers for 16-18 credits per semester.  Four, 4 credit courses and perhaps 1 or 2 credits of extracurricular activities.

If you are entering the Politics major in the Fall, you will take Politics 100, Introduction to Politics: Ideas and Institutions.  If you are entering the Politics major in the Spring, you will take Politics 110, Introduction to Politics: Change and Conflict.  You will take the other introductory course in your second semester on campus.

If you are a transfer student who has already taken two or more introductory courses in Politics, you should consult with the department before determining which introductory course is right for you.

For your next course, you should register for a writing course. Developing good writing and speaking skills is essential to your success in the classes you will take at USF.  You should know which class to register for. If you do not, please review the chapter on Rhetoric and Composition.

Here are some options for your remaining classes:
A first year seminar or a transfer year seminar: These seminars serve as a great introduction to the academic environment at USF.  These seminars will fulfill a Core requirement. 
A foreign language: As a Politics major, you are required to take three semesters of a foreign language. I recommend that you start early to complete this requirement.  If you have any questions about language requirements or placement tests, please contact the Modern and Classical Languages Department.
You can enroll in Public Speaking which is an important course to take early in your college career.  This course fulfills your Core A1 requirement.  Do not take this course if you are going to take Rhetoric and Composition 130/131, Written and Oral Communication as this course has an oral component that will fulfill your public speaking requirement.
Or, you can choose another core course such as History, Literature, Math, Science, Philosophy, Theology & Religious Studies, Ethics, or Visual and Performing Arts. 
 There are also many 1-2 credit courses that you may like to consider. 
A College success course
A Physical activity course
A Computer Science course
You can get involved in play production
Or you can join a choir or vocal group
Once you have selected your classes, your schedule should resemble something like this.
1. POLS 100 Introduction to Politics: Ideas and Institutions
2. RHET 110: Written Communication I
3. Freshman Seminar
4. Core course or Foreign Language course
Or, for Transfers:
1. POLS 100 Introduction to Politics: Ideas and Institutions
2. RHET 250: Academic Writing at USF
3. Transfer Seminar
4. Core course or Foreign Language 
If you are a transfer student, you may have completed some of these courses. It is important for you to review your degree evaluation to determine which courses you need to complete. 

Spend some time navigating the Schedule of Classes to familiarize yourself with the layout.  Look for courses that you would like to register for, including specific sections. Spend some time doing this to find a schedule that works for you. You should also have an alternate list of classes in case some are closed. 

If you have any questions, please contact us.
politics@usfca.edu
415.422.5820

Once you have completed the quiz, you will be eligible to sign-up for classes when registration opens.  After you register we will review the classes you have selected.  If necessary, we will recommend course adjustments. 
We look forward to meeting you during Orientation.  During Orientation we will review the major requirements and you will have the opportunity to meet faculty and fellow students.  
Welcome to USF!