The polarization of electromagnetic waves . Information is given on the methods of excitation of electromagnetic waves with linear, circular and elliptical polarization and on the quantitative characteristics of the polarization ellipse .. The method of measuring the polarization diagram, its relationship with the polarization ellipse is considered and the order of laboratory work is set out. Intended for students of day, evening and correspondence forms of education, studying the disciplines "Electrodynamics", "Technical Electrodynamics", "Electromagnetic Fields and Waves", "Electrodynamics and Radio Wave Propagation", "Electrodynamics and Microwave Technology" (directions 2007, 2008.) 2013, 2016, 201200, 550400). Prepared by the Department of antennas and operation of radio-electronic equipment and recommended for publication by the editorial and publishing board of St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation