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The department of Government and International Affairs offers courses covering the key fields in the discipline of political science including American Politics, Political Philosophy, Methodology, Public Administration, Law, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. Courses in Government and International Affairs are designed to: 1) provide students with a deeper understanding of political life in the United States, within different countries and among countries; 2) develop the intellectual tools of inquiry, analysis and critical judgment necessary for employment in the areas of government, law, journalism and business and required for advanced graduate study; and 3) broaden the students’ perspective of civil society and of the rights and obligations of responsible citizenship. The major combines classes taught in the liberal arts tradition with opportunities for practical internship experiences. The department emphasizes advising regarding post-graduate and professional opportunities in the major.
GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS MAJOR: 35 Credit Hours
GOVT 110 - Introduction to Government (3 cr)
GOVT 200 - American Government (3 cr)
One course from each of the following areas:
Law:
GOVT 290 - Criminal Law (3 cr)
GOVT 360 - Constitutional Law: Government Powers (3 cr)
GOVT 370 - Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties (3 cr)American:
GOVT 210 - Congress (3 cr)
GOVT 220 - The American Presidency (3 cr)
GOVT 300 - Public Administration (W) (3 cr)
GOVT 335 - Public Opinion, the Media, and Voting Behavior (3 cr)International Relations:
GOVT 235 - American Foreign Policy (3 cr)
GOVT 325 - International Law (3 cr)
GOVT 385 - International Politics (3 cr)Political Theory:
GOVT 305 - Theories of American Democracy (3 cr)
GOVT 320 - Political Philosophy (3 cr)Comparative:
GOVT 120 - Politics in a Diverse World (3 cr)
GOVT 215 - Asian Politics (3 cr)
GOVT 345 - Identity Conflict and World Politics (W) (3 cr)
No more than 3 credit hours of GOVT 395 or 396 may be used toward the electives.
GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS MINOR: 18 credit hours
Courses should include one course from four of the five broad areas of American government, comparative
government, international relations, political theory, and law.
POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY MINOR: 18 credit hours
These courses emphasize classic writings that focus upon the meaning and importance of justice and the relationship between a fulfilling, ethical human life and the political state. This minor normally can be fulfilled in one of two ways:
Track 1: (With Greek) (18 credit hours)
PHIL 220 – Our Philosophical Heritage (3 cr)
PHIL 230 – Our Philosophical Heritage II (3 cr)
GOVT 285 – The Quest for Justice (3 cr)
GOVT/PHIL 320 – Political Philosophy (3 cr)
CLAS 200 – Elementary Greek I (3 cr)
CLAS 201 – Elementary Greek II (3 cr)Track 2: (Without Greek) (18 credit hours)
PHIL 220 – Our Philosophical Heritage (3 cr)
PHIL 230 – Our Philosophical Heritage II (3 cr)
GOVT 285 – The Quest for Justice (3 cr)
GOVT/PHIL 320 – Political Philosophy (3 cr)
PHIL 300 – Contemporary Moral Issues (3 cr)
GOVT 305 – Theories of American Democracy (3 cr)
HONORS IN GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS:
A student may graduate with Honors in Government and International Affairs by: 1) possessing a college
cumulative grade point average of 3.5; 2) maintaining a department grade point average of 3.5; 3) receiving a B
or higher in one course from each of the content areas at the 300 level; and 4) earning an A grade in GOVT 390
and 391 (research seminar and honors seminar). Students should apply for admission to the honors program and
must complete 39 credit hours in the discipline.
GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COURSES:
GOVT 100 - CURRENT EVENTS (1 credit)
This course is taught by the entire Government Department faculty. Its purpose is to help students to become
better informed about current events both domestic and international. The course presupposes no prior
knowledge and promotes appreciation of different perspectives by encouraging discussion and debate among
the faculty and the students. Does not count for government major credit. Grading system: S/U grade only.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER
GOVT 110 - INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT (Area 3.3) (3 credits)
An introduction to the major concepts, theories, ideas and fields of study relating to government and
politics. The course focuses on the exploration of pertinent value questions which confront, and frequently
confound, voters and decision- makers alike. These questions are associated with certain recurrent themes
in the study of politics: citizenship and political participation, leadership and public policy, the quest for the
ideal society, the requirements of constitutional government, the nature and causes of political tyranny, the
causes and consequences of revolution, the roots of wars, the principles of world politics, and the prospects
for world peace through international law and organization.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER
GOVT 120 - POLITICS IN A DIVERSE WORLD (Area 3.6) (3 credits)
An introductory survey of the politics and of contemporary social, economic, and cultural issues in a
diverse set of countries. Particular emphasis is placed on non-Western and non-democratic political
systems. Designed to further a cross-cultural liberal arts understanding, the course highlights similarities
and differences in the domestic politics of countries around the world.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER
GOVT 190 - HUMANS IN CONFLICT: INDIVIDUAL CONSCIENCE AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY (Area 1.2) (3 credits)
An inquiry into individual moral perspectives and subsequent interpersonal relationships that both shape
and are shaped by (often) conflicting personal, social, and transcendent values. Conflicts between
individual conscience and social and legal responsibility to others are examined in detail.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER
GOVT 200 - AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (3 credits)
An analysis of the theory underlying American democracy and its relationship to the major political questions
of the day, such as the role played by citizens in influencing public policy and the responsiveness (or lack of
responsiveness) of governmental institutions. Emphasized are the court’s protection of civil liberties, the
president’s ability to lead the nation, and the rationality of the public’s voting behavior. The advantages and
disadvantages of proposed reforms of the American system of government are also examined.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER
GOVT 210 - CONGRESS (3 credits)
This course will examine the purpose, structure and effectiveness of Congress. The main question for the
course is: does Congress work? Special attention will be given to the way in which Congress has responded
to the various crises in American history.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 215 - ASIAN POLITICS (Area 3.6) (3 credits)
This course serves as an introduction to the politics of East Asia, in particular China, Japan, the Koreas, and
Taiwan. Topics include the current functioning of political institutions, with an emphasis of each nation’s
economic, political, and cultural development.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 220 - THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY (3 credits)
A critical examination of the American Presidency, with emphasis on recent revisionist approaches. Topics
include the constitutional basis of presidential power, presidential personality and style of leadership, as
well as considerations of executive staffing and presidential-congressional relations.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 235 AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY (3 credits)
A survey of the key issues, ideas, events, actors, and institutions in American foreign policy, national
security, and international economic relations. The course combines a focus on current issues with an
overview of American foreign policy since World War II.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 275 - POLITICS AND LITERATURE (3 credits)
This course explores the way in which political issues have been presented in literature. A variety of novels,
short stories, poems, and essays will be analyzed for the insights into politics that they offer.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 285 - THE QUEST FOR JUSTICE (3 credits)
What is justice? Does it exist? This course undertakes a critical examination of major theories of justice,
drawn from political philosophy, theatre and literature. Typical authors studied include Rawls, Aristotle,
Kant, Mill, Sophocles, Hawthorne and Nietzsche.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 290 - CRIMINAL LAW (3 credits)
A study of the rationale for the criminal law and punishment as well as an examination of the effectiveness
of the American justice system. Issues examined include capital punishment, the law of search and seizure,
society’s response to dangerous drugs, individual versus societal responsibility for crime, and the proper
response of a democratic people to crime and criminals.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 300 - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (W - Area 2.1B) (4 credits)
A review of the formal and informal theories which underlie current thinking in the area of public
administration. In addition, there will be an examination of the role of administration in the American
political system. Key functions such as budgeting, personnel management and decision-making are covered
as well. The role the bureaucracy plays both in implementing public policy and in the policy formulation
process itself will be examined.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 305 - THEORIES OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY (3 credits)
An examination of the theory underlying the American Constitution and nation, as interpreted by its
Founders as well as its foremost critics.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 320 - POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (3 credits)
An examination of classical and modern political theory, concentrating on selected works from each period.
Emphasis will be placed on differing interpretations of human nature, power, justice, and the best political order.
NOTES: CROSS-LISTED WITH PHIL 320
OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 325 - INTERNATIONAL LAW (4 credits)
A survey of the basic principles, issues, actors, processes, and institutions in the field of international law.
Emphasis is placed on the way in which international law affects or fails to affect the policies of states and
the behavior of governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals. International law is
analyzed both from the vantage point of nation-state centered power politics and of nation-state challenging
global trends.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 335 - PUBLIC OPINION, THE MEDIA, AND VOTING BEHAVIOR (3 credits)
A study of attitude formation, attitude change and the impact of public opinion on public policy and an
examination of how the American electorate votes and why they vote the way they do. Included is and
analysis of the media’s influence on the political opinions of the United States citizens and lawmakers, the
media’s ability to determine which political issues get placed on the public agenda, and the degree to which
these issues are presented in an unbiased and objective manner. In addition, each presidential election since
1952 will be covered in detail.
NOTES: CROSS-LISTED WITH COMM 335
OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 345 - IDENTITY CONFLICT AND WORLD POLITICS (W - Area 2.1B and Area 3.6) (3 credits)
A wide-ranging analysis and diagnosis of the causes and consequences of racial, ethnic, religious,
nationalist and cultural conflicts around the world. The role of Islam in contemporary identity conflict is
emphasized. Coverage includes gender related aspects of such conflicts and indigenous peoples’ rights
issues. Policy dilemmas raised by these conflicts and policy options are addressed. Attention is paid to such
closely related issues as genocide, “ethnic” and “religious” cleansing, crimes against humanity, terrorism
and consequent considerations of “humanitarian” and other forms of intervention.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 350 - SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS (W - Area 2.1B) (4 credits)
A course in basic social science research methods using an interdisciplinary approach. The course is
designed to introduce students to the several research methodologies and procedures frequently used within
the social sciences. Students will have an opportunity to participate in various stages of a research project
including the formulation of the research design, instrument construction, collecting data, analysis of data
and reporting the findings.
NOTE: NOTES: CROSS-LISTED WITH ECON 350, PSYC 350 AND SOCI 350
OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER
GOVT 360 - CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: GOVERNMENT POWERS (4 credits)
A study of the functioning and purpose of the Supreme Court in the American system of government.
Special emphasis will be placed on Supreme Court decisions dealing with federalism, the separation of
powers and the powers granted to the national government.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 370 - CONSTITUTIONAL LAW: CIVIL LIBERTIES (4 credits)
An analysis of selected Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Constitution’s provisions guaranteeing
political and civil rights.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 385 - INTERNATIONAL POLITICS (3 credits)
An advanced survey providing an overview of the major issues in world politics and of the key factors and
forces shaping the international scene. The course highlights the contending approaches, conceptual
frameworks and methods of analysis employed in attempts to understand international relations and world
politics past, present, and future.
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY OTHER YEAR
GOVT 390 - RESEARCH SEMINAR (W - Area 2.1B) (2 credits)
This course is designed to offer juniors and seniors the opportunity to address an important political issue
in depth by writing an extended paper under close supervision and defending it before the Department. This
class, while generally useful, is essential for students planning to attend graduate school.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: JUNIOR OR SENIOR STATUS
OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER
GOVT 391 - HONORS SEMINAR (W - Area 2.1B) (2 credits)
This course is intended to be an extension of GOVT 390 for students desiring departmental Honors
designation.
NOTES: PREREQUISITE: GOVT 390
OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER
GOVT 395, 396 - GOVERNMENT INTERNSHIP (2-4 credits)
Students may take internships in governmental agencies or political organizations in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the major in Government and International Affairs. Specific arrangements pertaining
to course number, title, and amount of credit will be determined according to the individual merits of each
proposed intern project. No more than 3 credit hours will be counted toward the major. Grading System:
S/U Only
NOTE: OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER
GOVT 197, 297, 397 - TOPICS IN GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (2-4 credits)
GOVT 199, 299, 399 - INDEPENDENT STUDY (2-4 credits)