Government Course Descriptions

An introduction to the nature of contemporary politics and government. Topics drawn primarily from American national, state, and local government and politics, with other political systems introduced for comparative purposes. Emphasis on such major concepts as power, legitimacy, political culture, conflict, and rational choice and on an examination of how a political system manages problems related to political change.

An introductory study of the cultural, political, and economic interactions among states and non-state actors in global politics. Special attention is paid to key issues, including international security, foreign policy decision-making, and the role of diplomacy in promoting cooperation. Required for the interdisciplinary area in international studies.

This course applies principles of economics and political science to environmental issues, including pollution, resource limitation, and environmental degradation. It is designed to foster an understanding of the environmental policy-making and regulatory process in the United States and globally.

Advanced study, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Work with a government agency, legislative office, research institution, private employer, or other relevant organization, arranged under the direction of an instructor in the department. The academic component of the internship includes readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty supervisor, and a written report appropriate to the discipline. Course grades are based on this academic work. PREREQUISITES: At least one government course at 200-level or above and consent of instructor; To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

What activities are most appropriate for human beings? What is the purpose of political activity? What is the best practicable constitution for a political community? This course examines several philosophers’ arguments concerning the best political regime in light of their respective visions of human nature and happiness. PREREQUISITES: sophomore standing

This course combines economic theory, policy and historical accounts to understand the forces shaping Latin American economic development. Students will gain an understanding of major theories and trends in Latin American development while analyzing specific development issues, including equitable growth, agriculture, migration, gender equity, education, and health. Students will complete thoughtful critiques of readings, problem sets analyzing real data, and in-depth evaluations of specific issues. PREREQUISITES: ECON 100

This course explores a topic in American politics, comparative politics, international politics, political theory, or another government subfield which is not addressed by the Government Department's regular course offerings.

Federalism is a compromise between freedom and equality. How much authority should member states have over elections? Education? The environment? Immigration? Observers characterize federalism both as a bulwark against tyranny and a perpetrator of inequality. This course considers federalism's development in the United States and Europe, its contradictions, and its survival in a global society. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor

This course examines variations in the institutional design and practice of democracy drawing on a range of national and historical cases. Course materials will address the following questions: Are there social, cultural, or economic prerequisites for democratic stability? How and why does the design of democratic institutions vary across national borders? Why does democracy sometimes produce undesirable social, political, and economic outcomes? And why and how do democracies collapse?

A study of the development, organization, structure, and activities of American political parties, with special attention to the recruitment and selection of presidential candidates. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor

Are conflicts between identity groups inevitable? Why do outbreaks of violence and ethnic conflict occur when they do? How have governments dealt with diversity and with what consequences? Students will read both new and classic works from the literature on nationalism, identity politics, genocide and post-conflict resolution across the world. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor

This course examines the character and historical development of American political thought. Students analyze ideas about liberty, virtue, equality, authority, and community expressed in political tracts and speeches from colonial times to the present. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor

This course provides an introduction to politics in less-developed countries, paying close attention to differences within the so-called developing world and the impact of economic realities on politics. In doing so, it addresses questions about the relationship between economic development and democracy and the impact of globalization on poor countries. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing and one of GOVT 110 or GOVT 140

Social entrepreneurs all over the world adopt and implement innovative ideas in order to address some of the world's most pressing problems. In this course, students will study the many dimensions of social entrepreneurship, especially those ventures that address problems of human security. Students will work with a team to propose an entrepreneurial solution to one such problem. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor

How can cities be sustainable? The increasing urbanization of the world's population, shift to service-driven economies, and growing diversity of cities make this question pressing and complicated. This course introduces economic, environmental, and social dimensions of the urban sustainability problem and explores responses to it through a two-week December study trip to London and Amsterdam and winter term studies and poster presentations. Program fee is required. Students pay their own airfare. PREREQUISITES: An introductory course in GOVT, ECON, ENST or GLST, or consent of instructor

An examination of the historical development and contemporary characteristics of western European political systems that first compares the contemporary systems of Great Britain, France, and Germany and then focuses on challenges facing European democracies today, including environmental problems and increasing immigration. Particular attention is paid to the process of European integration and the role of the European Union. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or sophomore standing

This course provides an examination of the environment as an issue in world politics. Emphasis will be placed on the role of both state and non-state actors (i.e., the UN, NGOs) in global environmental regimes that are designed to deal with global warming, ozone depletion, and other environmental issues. Particular attention will be paid to the positions taken by both developed and developing countries. As part of the course, students will participate in a simulation of an international negotiation on an environmental issue. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing or ENST 150 or GOVT 110

Considers research approaches and methods political scientists use to create knowledge. The course will explore quantitative and qualitative techniques with theory and hands-on applications. The goal of the course is to improve students’ ability to read research critically and to make and test their own arguments in political science. Students should take this course in their sophomore or junior year. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor; seniors must obtain consent of instructor

Public economics covers a range of topics from taxation to social insurance and redistribution to homeland security. The course develops a template for framing and analyzing public policy issues that provides a basis for understanding the rationale for government intervention, the alternative policy instruments that can be used to affect economic outcomes, and the economic tools used to evaluate the effects of intervention. PREREQUISITES: ECON 100

This course covers the major concepts utilized in the field of international political economy. Major issues covered include debates about globalization, trade policy and free-trade agreements, monetary policy and currency regulation, aid and development, immigration policy and labor migration, global corporations, and international institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, and WTO. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing and ECON 100. GOVT 140 or GOVT 340 recommended.

This course seeks to provide students with a broad based understanding of economic development and the choices countries face. To obtain such an understanding, students will read the works of contemporary economists who provide a variety of approaches to poverty alleviation and the tradeoffs that must be confronted. Emphasis will be placed on close reading, class discussion, and on writing a number of papers that compare and contrast different views of economic development. PREREQUISITES: ECON 100

Analysis and interpretation of the nature, patterns, and trends of American foreign policy since World War II. Emphasis on the origins, development, and passing of the Cold War and on factors of continuing significance. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 recommended

Can a corrupt people create a just regime? What role must violence, deception, persuasion, and reflection play in promoting political justice? What are the ground and scope of citizens’ political obligations? This course studies the difficulties of creating and reforming political communities. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing

This course examines the American Constitution's structure and purposes; who may authoritatively interpret the Constitution; and legal debates that have attended American constitutional development. It focuses particular attention on competing claims about the founding; interpretive expertise and authority; the contract and commerce clauses; the separation of powers; and federalism. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing

A study of landmark 20th-century civil-rights and liberties cases in U.S. constitutional law. These cases involve critical constitutional issues concerning the nationalization of the Bill of Rights, freedom of speech and press, abortion and the right to privacy, desegregation and affirmative action. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or sophomore standing

This course addresses philosophical and legal questions about liberty and constitutional democracy. To what extent should people be free to live, speak, interact, and employ property as they please? Should the scope of individual rights be defined by legal experts, majority rule, or something else? To what extent does American constitutional law guarantee such rights? Discussions with written assignments and/or exams and evaluations of class participation. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing

The legal system is the framework that enables business to operate and also provides the boundaries and guardrails for business. An understanding of the law is not only essential in business, but it is also the context in which important ethical questions about the place of business in society are raised and resolved. This course will introduce students to the basic principles underlying the legal system and to areas of law that are particularly relevant in a business environment. Building on these foundations, students will engage with the normative, ethical questions that arise in law. The course will be taught through a combination of lecture and case discussions. There will be special focus on the development of skills of analytical reasoning, argumentation, negotiation, and persuasion. PREREQUISITES: BUEN 100: Business and Society or sophomore standing

An analysis of patterns of interactions of state and non-state actors in a system without supreme authority, focusing on alternative theoretical frameworks rather than substantive problems. Special emphasis on “realist” and “liberal” theories; the nature and uses of power in international politics; and issues of security, including conventional war, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, environmental decay, and migration. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or 140 or sophomore standing

From colonial broadsides to last night's blog, American politics has been enmeshed with mass media. Students will consider the roll of the mass media in shaping what citizens think about candidates for office, election campaigns, making of policy, and ultimately, governing. Does the mass media undermine democracy or strengthen it? PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110

An analysis of leadership in a variety of organizations, with examples drawn from politics and business. The course develops a theoretical view of leadership as a response to group dilemmas inherent in coordinating actions, eliciting effort, and developing information within organizations. Students will apply and evaluate course ideas through readings, encounters with guest speakers, and participation in case-study simulations. PREREQUISITES: Any social science course, or Business & Society, or instructor approval

An examination of the politics of the American presidency, including the constitutional foundations of the office, elections, and the president's relationships with Congress, the courts, the public, media, and the executive branch. The main theme of the course is the difficulty of assessing presidential leadership, in particular sorting the effects of presidents' individual characteristics and strategies from contextual constraints and opportunities. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 and GOVT 271, or consent of instructor

A study of the role of law in international politics. Attention to the distinctive nature of the international legal system and to the relevance of international law to the control of violence, promotion of peace, protection of human rights, and management of resources. Current problems and the outlook for the future world order are assessed. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or GOVT 140 or sophomore standing

This course covers the basics of congressional politics, including elections, the constitutional framework, committees, parties, and legislative procedures. Thematic focuses include strategies of legislative coalition building and the relative importance of partisanship, constituent pressures, and policy expertise in congressional politics. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor

This course considers economic and democratic models for structuring the collective choices that become public policy. It then explores how major American institutions balance political control and technical expertise in the design, enactment and implementation of public policy. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 271 or MATH 107 or consent of instructor

This course analyzes the central structures and processes of British politics, the important policy issues of recent years, British attitudes toward the political system, and critiques of British politics and history. Offered at the London Centre. PREREQUISITES: Must be attending the Lawrence London Centre.

Advanced study, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Work with a government agency, legislative office, research institution, private employer, or other relevant organization, arranged under the direction of an instructor in the department. The academic component of the internship includes readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty supervisor, and a written report appropriate to the discipline. Course grades are based on this academic work. PREREQUISITES: At least one government course at 200-level or above and consent of instructor; To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students considering an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing and at least one of: I&E 100 or I&E 145/GOVT 248

This course studies how political theorists responded to the emergence of open societies in the West. It focuses on the scope of personal autonomy, the consequences of commerce and luxury, the best political and economic arrangements, and other topics explored by writers from the Renaissance to the Twentieth Century. PREREQUISITES: Junior standing or consent of instructor

This course is an exploration of the politics of international security. The specific topic will vary by term, but the concepts to be covered include bargaining, diplomacy, conflict and cooperation.

Topic for

Who votes and why? How do individuals form opinions about politics? How are scientific surveys and polls conducted and what are their limitations? This course examines voting, participation, and public opinion formation (primarily in the United States) through theories of political psychology and rational choice. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 220, 360, 370, or 380

This course is designed for juniors and seniors who are completing the International Relations major. It is a career-focused course that examines the ways in which international relations is practiced on a local, national, and global scale. Activities include discussions with alumni, building connections with campus resources in graduate programs and fellowships, and the completion of a professional portfolio. PREREQUISITES: Junior standing, GOVT 340, and one additional course in IR/Comparative Politics (or consent of instructor)

The term political economy classically refers to the interface between the private and public sectors, including the regulation of market activity. This course focuses specifically on the once and future of United States antitrust regulation of Big Business, from the heyday of the Chicago meat packers to the current issues surrounding big tech, and hence is colloquially known as the “Big Seminar.” PREREQUISITES: ECON 300 and ECON 380 recommended

This course will address an advanced topic in the sub-field of Comparative Politics, such as democracy and authoritarianism, politics of the city, political participation and social movements, gender and politics, or the comparative method.

Topic for Fall 2024: Comparative Authoritarianism
PREREQUISITES: GOVT 215, or GOVT 245, or consent of instructor.
Description: This course explores the reasons for the persistence and apparent resilience of authoritarianism despite successive “waves” of democracy in the decades since World War II. Course materials will address the following questions: What are the different types of authoritarian regimes? What are the strategies authoritarian elites use to stay in power? What are the limitations of these strategies? Why do mass protests against authoritarian rulers arise when they do? How do authoritarian leaders learn from and support each other? And how do authoritarian regimes leave legacies long after they collapse?

An examination of selected aspects of environmental policy in the United States. Topics include the historical development of US environmental policy, environmental justice, urban environmental issues, connections between food systems and the environment, and the application of economic reasoning to environmental policy making. PREREQUISITES: ENST 151 and junior standing, or consent of instructor

Political scientists often interpret politics as a game between strategic actors. This course surveys applications of game theory and social-choice theory to a wide variety of political phenomena, PREREQUISITES: Junior standing or consent of instructor

An examination of the role of international organizations (IOs) in world politics, focusing on both the historical development and the contemporary functions of the United Nations and other IOs in regard to the promotion of international peace and security. Attention is also given to the role of IOs in regard to global issues such as peacekeeping, humanitarian intervention, and environmental protection and to regional organizations, especially the European Union. As part of the course, students will participate in a simulation of the United Nations. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 140, GOVT 340, or consent of instructor

Specific topics will be listed when scheduled.

Politicians and prognosticators have increasingly turned to “Big Data”, futures markets, and poll aggregation to predict political outcomes. The course will explore the theory and accuracy of these quantitative predictions, discuss contemporary issues of data quality, and suggest whether quantitative analysis of politics is more than entertainment for political junkies. PREREQUISITES: Junior standing and completion of the quantitative general education requirement, or consent of instructor

Advanced study, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Work with a government agency, legislative office, research institution, private employer, or other relevant organization, arranged under the direction of an instructor in the department. The academic component of the internship includes readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty supervisor, and a written report appropriate to the discipline. Course grades are based on this academic work. PREREQUISITES: At least one government course at the 200 level or above and consent of instructor; To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students considering an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Advanced study, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Work with a government agency, legislative office, research institution, private employer, or other relevant organization, arranged under the direction of an instructor in the department. The academic component of the internship includes readings related to the substance of the internship, discussions with the faculty supervisor, and a written report appropriate to the discipline. Course grades are based on this academic work. PREREQUISITES: At least one government course at the 200 level or above and consent of instructor; To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor

Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students considering an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.