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