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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 social and behavioral sciences;
- a major or minor in political science;
- a major in social science; and
- electives.
GVPT 100 Introduction to Political Science (3)
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.
GVPT 101 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
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.
GVPT 170 American Government (3)
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.
GVPT 200 International Political Relations (3)
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.
GVPT 210 Introduction to Public Administration and Policy (3)
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.
GVPT 240 Political Ideologies (3)
A survey and an analysis of the leading ideologies of the modern world.
Topics include anarchism, communism, socialism, fascism, nationalism, and democracy.
GVPT 401 Problems of World Politics (3)
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.
GVPT 403 Law, Morality, and War (3)
Recommended prerequisite: GVPT 100. An exploration of fundamental moral
and legal issues concerning war.
GVPT 405 Defense Policy and Arms Control (3)
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.
GVPT 406 Global Terrorism (3)
(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 upon the international community since the attacks
of September 11, 2001. Course content 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. The course survey includes Europe, Latin America, and the Middle
East. Students may receive credit for only one of the following: GVPT 401A or
GVPT 406.
GVPT 443 Contemporary Political Theory (3)
Recommended Prerequisite: GVPT 100 or GVPT 107. A survey of the principal
political theories and ideologies from Karl Marx to the present.
GVPT 444 American Political Theory (3)
Recommended prerequisite: GVPT 100. A study of the development and
growth of American political concepts from the colonial period to the present.
GVPT 455 Contemporary Middle Eastern Politics (3)
Recommended prerequisite: GVPT 100. A survey of contemporary developments
in the international politics of the Middle East. Emphasis is on the role emerging
Middle Eastern nations have been taking in world affairs.
GVPT 457 American Foreign Relations (3)
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. Analysis of the major foreign policies of
the United States is provided.
GVPT 475 The Presidency and the Executive Branch (3)
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.
Last updated: 15 August 2007