Demonstrates and analyzes the reciprocal relationship between politics and popular culture, both within the United States and globally.

Introduction to the major tenets of the American political system.

The federal system and state and local governmental problems. Emphasis on Pennsylvania when possible.

Experimental

Decision making by governments in response to public problems. The policy process. Current policy issues, selected from such possible examples as education, abortion, energy and environment. Some problems of policy evaluation.

An introduction to the U.S. Constitution, with specific attention on its purpose, principles, parts, and theories of interpretation. GOVT 111 highly recommended prior to this course.

Examines the role of women in American political institutions including the legislature, executive, and judiciary, the factors which impact women’s participation in politics, and the consequences for issues which concern women such as abortion, pay equity, and paid family leave.

Introduction to the comparative analysis of government and politics through an examination of different political systems including advanced democracies and developing nations.

Study of political development in China, with an emphasis on political behavior, culture, institutions, processes and structure.

An exploration into the entire process of democratization, from the conditions that allow democracy to emerge through the stages of democratization towards the post-democratic challenges faced around the globe.

Representative philosophers and concepts in the history of Western political theory from antiquity through the 19th century.

Hnrs:Intro Political Theory

Uses literature and film to explore central topics in political theory such as capitalism, socialism, democracy and its problems, technology and its problems, etc. Prereq: ENGL 110

A study of intergovernmental relations, organizational theory, decision making, personnel, management, budgeting, program evaluation and policy analysis. Prereq: ENGL 110. Recommended: GOVT 111.

The nation-state system. Military, political, economic, organizational and legal relations among states. Power and the pursuit of national goals.

Explores the increasingly transnational nature of crime (including global crimes such as human, arms and drug trafficking), the consequent impact upon human security and sustainable development, and international legal responses. Also addresses the legal distinctions and connections between global and international crimes, the latter including terrorism and crimes against humanity. Open to all majors.

Experimental

Co-Op Ed Experience in GOVT

The origins of American political parties. The American two party system. Political parties in American campaigns and elections. The role of political parties in American governance. The role of third parties in America. Prereq: ENGL 110. Recommended: GOVT 111.

Examination of the presidency and the executive branch of national government. Emphasis on the growth and development of presidential power. Prereq: ENGL 110.

Examination of state and federal courts. Primary emphasis on federal courts and especially the U.S. Supreme Court. Recommended: GOVT 111.

A study of the organization, rules and procedures of the Senate and House of Representatives and extensive analysis of the internal and external environment for policy making by Congress. State legislatures are also examined in the same manner. Prereq: ENGL 110. Strongly recommended: GOVT 111.

Examination of Middle Eastern politics, including the political systems of Israel, the Palestinian national movement, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria, and Iran. It assumes a comparative approach toward several regional issues, such as terrorism, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Islamic fundamentalism and the peace process. The impact of national, economic, gender and religious perspectives upon the region’s politics will also be addressed. GOVT 221 recommended.

Study of political development across East Asia, with an emphasis on political behavior, culture, institutions, processes and structure.

Government and politics of Canada and an examination of how its geography, history, economics and culture have affected its governance. Consideration of major policy issues and their impact on Canada’s future. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110 and junior status.

This course will examine political thinkers from Machiavelli to Nietzsche. Among others, it will explore the thought of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Hume, etc. The course will explore questions regarding human nature, the ideal state, the tensions between principles of freedom and equality, critique of existing systems, etc. Prereq: GOVT 111, Prereq/Coreq: GOVT 231.

Examines the principles and ideologies found in current politics. Includes an examination of progressivism, communism, conservatism, multiculturalism, etc.

Study of the history and development of democracy in an American setting. Emphasis on different and often conflicting versions of democratic theory and practice. Prereq: ENGL 110

Study of the dynamics of human settlement patterns in the country and abroad. Examines public policy alternatives regarding land use and development patterns. Introduces methods and techniques used in designing settlement systems and studies values reflected in human settlement patterns. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110 and junior status.

Classical sources and recent developments in international law. Evaluation of law in the context of world politics. Recommended: GOVT 251.

H:International Law

Study of various intergovernmental and nongovernmental associations representing a number of multinational groupings serving humanitarian, economic and security functions. Emphasis on organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union. Recommended: GOVT 251.

Institutional and historical overview of American foreign policy. Formal, informal and institutional sources of foreign policy. Emphasis on post-WWII presidential administrations. Recommended: GOVT 111 or GOVT 251.

Hnrs:American Foreign Policy

Provides a multi-perspective and global exploration into why there is no such thing as a “natural” disaster. The political, economic, social and environmental sources of vulnerability to such events will be explored along with the role disasters play in some of the 21st century’s most pressing global policy challenges. Open to all majors. Prereq: ENGL 110, COMM 100 and Junior Class Standing. Students who completed GOVT 408.02: Disasters and Global Politics in Fall 2019 are not eligible to earn credit for this course.

Examination of the role of racial and ethnic minority groups in American politics and government. Focus on political resources and political status of ethnic minority groups in America, ethnic minority group representation and participation in American politics, the racial divide in American public opinion, racial politics in America’s cities and strategies of ethnic minority political empowerment. Prereq: GOVT 111.

Experimental

Co-Op Ed Expereince in GOVT

Knowledge and application of the Scientific Method in political research. Focus on empirical research, explanation and causation, measurement, hypothesis testing, and the challenges of conducting politcal research.

Analysis of critical problems in the discipline. Research and preparation of a written report. Seminar may be taken for credit more than once, provided content is different each time.

Focus on the allocation of power between branches and among levels of government, as interpreted through significant cases of the U.S. Supreme Court. Prereq: GOVT 111. Recommended: GOVT 314.

Focus on individual rights and liberties protected by the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, as interpreted through significant cases of the U.S. Supreme Court. Prereq: GOVT 111. Recommended: GOVT 314.

This course will take one work of fiction, a particular author/writer, or a number of different works of fiction which are thematically connected, and examine the political, social, and cultural questions and issues embedded in these works. Political philosophy asks central questions about human life- what makes us human; what, if anything, makes the best state; how can humans live together while being individuals in their own right, etc. Well crafted works of political fiction are often the best gateway to politics since they use a fictional reality to develop abstract concepts. In fact, some of the best works of political philosophy is fiction. Instructors will choose works of fiction which, juxtaposed with political writings, speeches, articles, and texts, enable students to identify and answer the great political questions of generations. Prereq: C- or higher GOVT 111 and GOVT 231

An institutional, historical and contemporary overview of American foreign policy in the Middle East. While key events and political processes equated with the post-World War II period will be examined, the focus of GOVT 455 will be on current US interests and polices within the region. Past events will be utilized to underscore their contemporary political relevance to US policymakers.Specifically, American policy vis-a-vis Israel, the Palestinian national movement, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Syria will be explored in detail.

Explores the complex landscape of international humanitarian assistance, including its political, economic, governance and ethical challenges, as well as its historical evolution. It will prepare students for direct entry into a related field, post-graduate study or becoming an international aid or development volunteer. Prereq: ENGL 110, GOVT 251 OR INTL 201 and Junior class standing or permission of instructor.

Experimental

Honors Course

For further information on independent study, see the Special Academic Opportunities section.

Departmental Honors

Co-Op Ed Experience in Government, Policy and Law

Goethe Institut