Course Listing
Introduction to Political Science
GVPT 100 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: A survey of the basic principles of political science. The objective is to define the main features of primary systems of political economy to understand differing methods of governance and articulate consequences of government actions in a globally interdependent system. Topics include the relationship of political science to the other social sciences; 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.
Introduction to Political Theory
GVPT 101 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An overview of the main schools of political theory, including democracy, authoritarianism, and alternative theories. The aim is to demonstrate familiarity with important thinkers and major works in the history of political theory; use theoretical language to analyze and critique political behavior and events; identify the strengths and weaknesses of different forms of government; and demonstrate knowledge of crucial concepts (justice, power, authority, the state, social contract, etc.) and their history. Topics include the philosophical foundations of liberalism, socialism, and conservatism and the core political concepts of justice, power, and authority.
Understanding 21st-Century Global Challenges
GVPT 125 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An examination of the changing face of international affairs in a post-Cold War world and the role of the United States in the evolving international order. The aim is to recognize and explain trends in international affairs, apply theoretical frameworks in international relations, and analyze world events to explain and evaluate global developments. Focus is on the roles of key international institutions, states, nonstate actors, and globalization in the evolution of global relations since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Discussion also covers various influences on contemporary affairs, including technology, migration, disease, economic development, and terrorism. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 125 or GVPT 401.
American Government
GVPT 170 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: A comprehensive study of government in the United States, including the basic principles of American government and political culture. The aim is to explain the vertical and horizontal structure of the American government and the roles of the three federal branches, bureaucracies, and the state governments; describe the development of the American political system and its impact on the political landscape; and explain the processes of the electoral system, political parties, and interest groups to persuade and influence. Institutions, processes, and public policies are examined from a cross-cultural perspective.
International Terrorism
GVPT 199C | 1 Credit
Course Desc: An examination of the origins, theories, methods, dangers, and possible future of international terrorism. The serious nature of terrorism today and how prepared government should be to control it are addressed. Topics include the definition of terrorism; reasons for growth; terrorist groups and their grievances; supporters of terrorism; questions of moral or philosophical justification; and protection against kidnappings, skyjackings and bombings. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 199C or GVPT 401D.
The Presidential Election
GVPT 199P | 1 Credit
Course Desc: A study of the presidential election process. Topics include the influence of mass media on modern campaigns, the role of issues and ideology in the election, the intricacies of campaign financing, differences in campaign strategies, and the role of third-party or minority-party candidates during the entire election process. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 199P or GVPT 377I.
International Political Relations
GVPT 200 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: A study of the major factors underlying international relations, the methods of conducting foreign relations, and the means of avoiding or alleviating international conflicts. The objective is to interact with global communities, contribute to policy formation, analyze differing worldviews, and apply historical and cultural contexts to identify probable outcomes of disputes. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 200 or GVPT 300.
Introduction to Public Policy and Public Administration
GVPT 210 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: GVPT 100. An introduction to the study of the administrative process in the executive branch and the structure and function of the federal system. The aim is to apply the mechanisms of policy formulation to the budgetary process, analyze the nature of public personnel policy and the fundamentals of organization theory, and evaluate the impact of new technologies on public organizations. Topics include the organizational structure, the political cultural environment, intergovernmental relations, performance management, social equity, and public administration and public finance administration.
Comparative Politics and Government
GVPT 280 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An introductory study of institutional patterns and trends in a variety of countries with dissimilar governmental styles. The goal is to compare the stages of political development in the modern state system on a spectrum ranging from liberal democracies to authoritarian regimes. Discussion covers ethnic conflict and economic inequality in relation to the success and failure of governmental approaches in solving compelling issues.
Global Political Economy
GVPT 306 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: A study of the relationship between political and economic processes in international affairs. Discussion covers the effect of globalization on the global environment, the economy, world peace, the power of the nation-state, and inequality between nation-states.
International Human Rights
GVPT 308 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Recommended: GVPT 100. An examination of the principles and practices governing human rights from ancient times to contemporary international conventions and U.N. declarations. The aim is to analyze, evaluate, and discuss present national/international pushes for human rights and emancipation. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 308 or GVPT 399Y.
Korean-American Security Relations
GVPT 377B | 1 Credit
Course Desc: A study of the changing Korean-American security relationship. Topics include Korean-American relations, the U.S. involvement in Northeast Asia, and the perceptions of Koreans of their role in Northeast Asia. Some techniques of political science and international relations are covered.
U.N. Peacekeeping
GVPT 377L | 1 Credit
Course Desc: A study of the United Nations and its efforts to maintain or initiate peace in world conflicts. Topics include the Cold War, the end of that bipolar system, and current peacekeeping efforts around the globe. The effectiveness of the organization is examined. Assignments include advanced reading and research. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 199O or GVPT 377L.
Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution
GVPT 377T | 1 Credit
Course Desc: An examination of the events, personalities, and political philosophy that led to the declaration. The personalities and events that gave rise to the Grand Convention and its final product, the U.S. Constitution, are also explored.
Engaging the Legislative Process and Lobbying Techniques
GVPT 399B | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An examination of lobbying techniques. The goal is to participate in the legislative process through lobbying. Lobbying techniques are explored through the development of a lobbying campaign.
Seminar in National Security
GVPT 399O | 1 Credit
Course Desc: An overview of the different components of U.S. national security, including policy and organization. Internal and external factors affecting national security are covered.
Government and Politics of South Korea
GVPT 399P | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Recommended: GVPT 100. A study of the Korean political system and political decision making process. Topics include the system of government, the origin of governmental policies, and the role of public policies in Korean society. Discussion also covers the current government reform movement, recent political events, and how the political system can catch up with recent developments in the Korean economy.
The United Nations
GVPT 399Q | 1 Credit
Course Desc: An examination of the United Nations--its history, current status, and possible directions for the future.
The American Congress
GVPT 399S | 1 Credit
Course Desc: A study of one of the most powerful legislative bodies in the world--the American Congress. Focus is on the structure and inner workings of Congress as well as the constitutional basis for its operations. The basic rules of the electoral and legislative processes and the resources and strategies of members of Congress and other key players are also analyzed.
Law, Morality, and War
GVPT 403 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: WRTG 112 or equivalent. A study of just war traditions. The objective is to make informed decisions and analyze conflict. Discussions cover the theoretical and practical connections between law, war, and morality.
Defense Policy and Arms Control
GVPT 405 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Recommended: 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.
Global Terrorism
GVPT 406 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: WRTG 112 or equivalent. An examination of the development of global terrorism and its impact on the international community. The goal is to participate in strategy and policy formulation and implementation, evaluate threats, and assess infrastructures that support global terrorist organizations. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 401A or GVPT 406.
State Terrorism
GVPT 407 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An examination of the use of force and power (terrorism) by states against various populations to advance the interests of their civilization or state. The objective is to apply knowledge of culture, tradition, ideology, and methodology to comprehend state terrorism; analyze risk to national security; and explain how domestic climates and international relationships interact to support state terrorism. Topics include state behavior and norms; state interests, power, and force; application of power and force; and coercion within and among civilizations. Students who have completed GVPT 401B or GVPT 401C may not receive credit for GVPT 407.
Counterterrorism
GVPT 408 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An investigation of counterterrorism (including its historical context), focusing on the evaluation of threats and the formulation of defeat strategies. The aim is to evaluate response strategies, help improve offensive and defensive planning, and construct a defeat strategy for a terrorist threat. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 399H or GVPT 408.
Terrorism, Antiterrorism, and Homeland Security
GVPT 409 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An advanced examination of the impact of terrorism on the homeland security of the United States since the attacks of September 11, 2001. The objective is to more fully understand the concepts of homeland security within a federal system. Topics include the National Strategy for Homeland Security and the Patriot Act, their effect on civil liberties and civil rights, the changing face of terrorism in the United States, intelligence systems, and critical infrastructure protection. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 409 or GVPT 498X.
American Political Theory
GVPT 444 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: WRTG 112 or equivalent. A study of the development and growth of American political concepts from the colonial period to the present. The objective is to apply the rule of law to the decision- making process; interpret, apply, and synthesize the concepts of individual rights and collective responsibilities; and evaluate the interconnection between war, peace, and diplomacy.
Foreign Policy of Russia and Post-Soviet States
GVPT 451 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An overview of the foreign policy of Russia and several other former Soviet republics. Primary emphasis is on the development of contemporary Russian foreign policy. The impact of the Soviet legacy on other post-Soviet republics and the dynamics of their relations with the outside world are examined.
American Foreign Relations
GVPT 457 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: WRTG 112 or equivalent. A study of the principles and machinery of American foreign relations. The goal is to apply historical themes of American foreign policy to contemporary international relations, incorporate tenets of international law into American diplomatic approaches, and inform and influence policy making. Emphasis is on the conduct of the U.S. Department of State and the Foreign Service. Analysis covers the major foreign policies of the United States.
The Presidency and the Executive Branch
GVPT 475 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: WRTG 112 or equivalent. A study of the president's influence on legislative matters, the president's function in the executive branch (including domestic and foreign policy), and the president's role in his or her political party. The aim is to analyze contemporary uses of the presidency, evaluate an election strategy, and communicate realities of the presidential office.
Advanced Seminar in Political Science
GVPT 495 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: (Intended as a capstone course to be taken in a student's last 15 credits.) Prerequisites: WRTG 112 or equivalent and 9 upper-level credits in GVPT coursework. A study of political science that integrates knowledge gained through previous coursework and experience. The aim is to build on that conceptual foundation through integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking. Concepts and methods of political science are applied in producing a political, policy, or position paper for a project organization.
Advanced Topics in Government and Politics
GVPT 498 | 1 Credit
Course Desc: Recommended: GVPT 100. In-depth study of topics of specialized interest. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ.