The Department of Government and International Affairs offers a wide range of courses covering the areas of American politics, law, comparative political systems, foreign policy, international relations, and political theory. In addition, the department awards credit for off-campus internships in law, politics, and public service. Our aim is to develop in students a questioning spirit and informed perspective that will enable them to understand and interpret political affairs. Government or International Affairs provide superb preparation for those who are planning careers in law; in government service at the local, state, national, or international levels; and in journalism, business, or non-profits.
A student who elects the major in international affairs will plan, with the advisor, a program of study that may comprise a selected area or areas or a special topic of international significance.
The Government Major
The International Affairs Major
The Government Minor
Course Descriptions
The Government Major
(42 semester hours)
Required:
GOVT 109 (3) Introduction to International Politics
GOVT 122 (3) Introduction to Comparative Politics
GOVT 159 (3) Introduction to American Government
PHIL 129 (3) Introduction to Political Philosophy
Senior Exercise:
GOVT 452 (3) Senior Seminar
Choose 3 of the following 300-level courses:
GOVT 303 (3) The American President
GOVT 322 (3) The Conduct of United States Foreign Policy
GOVT 339 (3) Theories of Comparative Politics
GOVT 341 (3) Theories of American Politics
Choose 6 additional courses in government.
The Government Minor
(18 semester hours)
Choose 2 three-credit courses in government at the 300-level or above.
Choose 4 additional three-credit courses in government.
The International Affairs Major
(42 semester hours)
Core Requirements:
GOVT 109 (3) Introduction to International Politics
GOVT 122 (3) Introduction to Comparative Politics
GOVT 159 (3) Introduction to American Government
GOVT 322 (3) The Conduct of United States Foreign Policy
GOVT 339 (3) Theories of Comparative Politics
PHIL 129 (3) Introduction to Political Philosophy
Senior Exercise:
GOVT 454 (3) Senior Seminar in International Affairs
Choose 2 three-credit courses in government at the 300-level or above.
Choose at least 5 additional three-credit courses in government.
Note: With approval of advisor, two of the 7 elective courses above may be taken from courses in ECON, HIST, or PHIL and where appropriate, one other in ASIA, BUSN or LAST.
International Experience
Wherever practicable, majors are strongly advised to partake in a significant international experience as part of their education through an approved study abroad program.
Also, wherever practicable, majors are strongly advised to study a foreign language beyond the intermediate level.
Course Descriptions
