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WebTychoGovernment and Politics
Courses in government and politics (designated GVPT) may be applied as appropriate, for example, toward:
- the general education requirement in the behavioral and social sciences;
- a major or minor in political science;
- a major in social science; and
- electives.
A survey of the basic principles of political science. Topics include the relationship of political science to the other social sciences; the concepts of modern democracy, political ideology, and political socialization; the function of public opinion, mass media, interest groups, and political parties; the basic institutions of government and the separation of powers; and the role of international relations and globalization.
An introduction to political philosophy. Discussion covers the classic contrast between the philosophies of Plato and Machiavelli concerning the problem of justice and power and the philosophical foundations of liberalism, socialism, and conservatism. Other topics include the political ideas of John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Stuart Mills, Karl Marx, and Edmund Burke.
A comprehensive study of government in the United States, including the basic principles of American government and political culture and a cross-cultural examination of institutions, processes, and public policies.
A study of the major factors underlying international relations, the methods of conducting foreign relations, the foreign policies of the major powers, and the means of avoiding or alleviating international conflicts. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 200 or GVPT 300.
Recommended prerequisite: GVPT 100. An introduction to the study of the administrative process in the executive branch. The concepts and principles of administration are examined, then placed in the context of their relationship to public policy. Analysis covers organizational structure and theory and the behavior of participants in the administration of policy.
A survey and an analysis of the leading ideologies of the modern world. Topics include anarchism, communism, socialism, fascism, nationalism, and democracy.
Recommended prerequisite: GVPT 100. A study of governmental problems of international scope. Topics include causes of war, problems of neutrality, and propaganda. Assignments include reports on readings from current literature.
Recommended prerequisite: GVPT 100. An exploration of fundamental moral and legal issues concerning war.
Recommended prerequisite: GVPT 100. A survey of contemporary issues of military strategy and international security. The processes of formulating defense-related political and economic policy are examined. Topics include nuclear war and conventional (limited) warfare, insurgency by guerrillas, arms control and disarmament, and the possibilities for moderation of war.
(Formerly GVPT 401A.) An examination of the development of global terrorism and its impact on modern civilization. The course provides an understanding of the threat of terrorism to the international community since the attacks of September 11, 2001. The course addresses the definition of terrorism; the historical antecedents of modern terrorism; the motivations, organizations, and support networks of terrorists; and the linkages of state terrorism to global terrorism. Area surveyed include Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: GVPT 401A or GVPT 406.
Recommended prerequisite: GVPT 100 or GVPT 107. A survey of the principal political theories and ideologies from Karl Marx to the present.
Recommended prerequisite: GVPT 100. A study of the development and growth of American political concepts from the colonial period to the present.
Recommended prerequisite: GVPT 100. A survey of contemporary developments in the international politics of the Middle East. Emphasis is on the role of emerging Middle Eastern nations in world affairs.
Recommended prerequisite: GVPT 100. A study of the principles and machinery of American foreign relations. Emphasis is on the conduct of the U.S. Department of State and the Foreign Service. The major foreign policies of the United States are analyzed.
Recommended Prerequisite: GVPT 100 or GVPT 107. An examination of the various roles of the president in the political process of the United States. The president‘s involvement in legislative matters, the president‘s function in the executive branch, and the president‘s role in his or her political party are assessed.
Return to subject area index.Last updated: 17 July 2008