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 associated with 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.
Every Fall and Spring, every Summer online
Previously: GOVT 110
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.
Every Fall and Spring, every Summer online
Previously: GOVT 200
An introductory survey of 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.
Every Fall and Spring, every Sumemr online
Previously: GOVT 120
A study of American elections, of how the electorate votes and why they vote the way they do. The course examines attitude formation and change, the impact of public opinion on public policy, the media's influence on the political opinions of US 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. Presidential elections since 1952 are covered in detail.
Every other Fall, even years
Previously: GOVT 335, COMM 335, JOUR 335
This course will consider and analyze the institutional recipes to consolidate democracy. We will examine primary ingredients including constitutions, executives, legislatures, voters/elections, political parties, and judiciaries. We will also consider the challenges to consolidation, and what can go wrong. Also, we will examine case studies that exemplify the institutions in the real-world, before applying them to a constitutional convention simulation event at the end of the course. We will consider what makes democracy something to strive for in the first place and analyze its shortcomings.
Most Interims
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.
Every other Fall, odd years
Previously: GOVT 385
An examination of the theory underlying the American Constitution and nation, as interpreted by its Founders as well as by subsequent critics and supporters.
Occasionally
Previously: GOVT 305
Because the United States has been a religiously diverse country since its founding, American law has attempted to balance competing claims of religious liberty, equality, and fairness. The first two clauses of the Bill of Rights pertain specifically to religion, yet far from settling the issues of religious liberty and religious establishment, they have sparked centuries of debate. This course examines four aspects of the interplay between law and religion in the U.S. legal context: the conceptual relationship between legal and religious authority, the constitutional tradition of religious disestablishment, the shifting bounds of free exercise of religion in U.S. law, and the option of civil disobedience when law and religion conflict.
Every Spring
Previously: GOVT 252
Students on an F-1 visa are eligible to work off campus to provide additional experience so long as the employment relates directly to the student's major area of study. The practical experience gained outside the traditional classroom supplements the theoretical and/or applied knowledge as a part of the student's coursework. The registration process for this course must be completed every term (including summers), as students must have their work authorization reissued each term to ensure continued enrollment. Jobs must be approved and verified by the International Programs Office before work may begin.
Previously: GOVT 296
Special Topics course. Repeatable if different topic. Description found at augie.edu/registrar
Previously: GOVT 297
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 crisis in American history.
Every other Spring, even years
Previously: GOVT 210
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.
Every other Fall, odd years
Previously: GOVT 220
This course will offer a general introduction to the diversity of politics in Latin America. We will consider history, politics, economics, and society, with particular emphasis on the obstacles impeding the consolidation of democratic rules and procedures. Comparative cases will be examined to introduce students to the comparative writing method. A final research paper allows students to practice this craft. Lastly, we will examine regional organizations and consider US involvement in the region. Students should discover and appraise the political diversity of Latin America, as each country is uniquely affected by politics, economy, and culture.
Every other Spring, odd years
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 on each nation's economic, political, and cultural development.
Occasionally
Previously: GOVT 215
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.
Previously: GOVT 325
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.
Every Spring
Previously: GOVT 290
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.
Occasionally
Previously: GOVT 285
This course examines many current environmental issues including: air and water; natural resources; biodiversity; food politics; indigenous rights; collective action problems; security and conflict; international accords; climate change. Environmental issues affect politics at all levels, so we will examine national, state, and local action (or inaction) in the US and abroad. We will also study how these levels of government interact with the public, the media, non-governmental organizations, and interest groups. This course considers the political challenges various stakeholders face when addressing environmental issues, and postulates how actors might overcome these challenges.
Every other Spring, odd years
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.
Occasionally
Previously: GOVT 275
Students may take internships in governmental agencies or political organizations in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the major. 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. Additional fees may apply.
Every Fall, Interim, Spring, and Summer
Previously: GOVT 395
This course provides an introduction to state and local governments. Examining political actors in relation to the rules and institutions governing their behavior, this course will also focus on policymaking at the state and local level. We will systematically and empirically study topics such as the structure and function of sub-national governments, political actors, and policy outcomes found across the fifty states and countless localities.
Every other Spring, odd years
Previously: GOVT 301
The course focuses on the causes, manifestations, and consequences of racial, ethnic, religious, nationalist, and cultural identity conflicts around the world. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of Islam in contemporary identity conflicts. Policy dilemmas raised by identity conflicts and policy options are addressed. The course pays attention 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.
Every other Fall, even years
Previously: GOVT 345
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.
Every other Spring, even years
Previously: GOVT 235
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.
Every other Fall, even years
Previously: GOVT 360
An analysis of selected Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Constitution's provisions guaranteeing political and civil rights.
Every other Fall, odd years
Previously: GOVT 370
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.
Every other Spring, even years
Previously: GOVT 320, PHIL 320
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.
Every Fall and Spring
Previously: GOVT 390
This course is an extension of GOVT 4910 for students desiring Departmental Honors designation.
Every Fall and Spring
Previously: GOVT 391