GOVT 110
Introduction to Political Science
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. 6 units.
GOVT 140
Introduction to International Relations
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. 6 units.
GOVT 150
Introduction to Global Studies
An introduction to the economic, political, social, and cultural aspects of globalization. Special attention will be paid to the influence of globalization on particular regions of the world, including Europe and North America, the former Soviet Union, East Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Emphasis will be placed on global actors such as IGOs, NGOs, TCOs, TNCs, and global terrorist groups. As part of the course, students will participate in a simulation of an international negotiation about global issues. 6 units.
GOVT 200
Politics and Human Nature
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. 6 units. Prerequisite: FRST 101
GOVT 206
Introduction to Government and Law
This course provides students with an introduction to American government and law, taught by a Scarff Professor* who is a current or former government official. The exact topic will vary, depending on the interests and expertise of the instructor. 6 units.
GOVT 215
Democracy in Comparative Perspective
This course examines the key elements of democratic systems, including those of the United States, Japan, Britain, and Mexico. The course highlights political culture, institutions, and political processes, as well as key issues facing democracies today. Particular attention is paid to policies and politics of race relations and environmental concerns. 6 units. Prerequisite: Completion of one term at Lawrence
GOVT 216
Alliances and Power Politics
An examination of the origins and development of U.S. alliances since 1945 that considers the internal and international politics of various countries, including Japan and the United States, explicitly employing relevant theories of politics, economics, and psychology. 6 units. Prerequisite: Completion of one term at Lawrence
GOVT 220
American Elections, Candidates, and Political Parties
A study of the development, organization, structure, and activities of American political parties, with special attention to the recruitment and selection of presidential candidates. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor
GOVT 225
Race, Law, and Representation in U.S. Politics
This course examines theories of political behavior and political representation through the lens of racial and ethnic politics in the United States. We focus particularly on the role of race in legislative representation, political campaigns, and minority voting rights, answering the question, “Does race affect political outcomes?” 6 units. Also listed as Ethnic Studies 250. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing; GOVT 110 or ETST 200 recommended
GOVT 235
American Political Thought
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. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or sophomore standing
GOVT 245
Comparative Politics of Developing Countries
An introduction to the study of comparative politics, with an emphasis on countries in the developing world. Themes covered include state-building, nationalism, modernization, political culture, democratization, and regime change. These concepts are assessed in light of observations drawn from specific countries and regions in the developing world. 6 units. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and one of GOVT 110 or GOVT 140
GOVT 255
Immigrants and Refugees: Changing the Face of Europe
An examination of the impact of immigration and refugee policy on the politics, culture, and society of European countries, especially Great Britain, France, and Germany. 6 units. Also listed as Ethnic Studies 251
GOVT 260
European Democracies
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. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or sophomore standing
GOVT 270
Global Environmental Politics
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. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 270. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or ENST 150 or GOVT 110
GOVT 275
Global Economic Relations
This course covers the major concepts utilized in the field of international political economy. Major issues covered include globalization, monetary policy, trade policy, and the role of international institutions such as the WTO. 6 units. Also listed as Economics 202. Prerequisite: ECON 100 or 120
GOVT 276
Economic Development
Economic analysis of particular situations and policy questions faced by developing countries. Topics include economic growth and inequality, poverty, demographics, rural-urban transitions, factor and financial markets, and trade policies. 6 units. Also listed as Economics 200. Prerequisite: ECON 100 or 120
GOVT 277
Political Economy of Regulation
An introduction to the political economy of economic regulation, which includes an analysis of both the economic incentives of those people being regulated and the political incentives of those people doing the regulating. In addition to an overview of this field, this course focuses on developing a common case study whose topic changes from year to year. 6 units. Also listed as Economics 240. Prerequisite: ECON 100
GOVT 278
Public Sector Economics: Taxation Analysis
An analysis of the effects of governmental taxation policies on the allocation of resources and on the distribution of income. Considerable attention to analyzing the equity and efficiency implications of various tax instruments. 6 units. Also listed as Economics 270. Prerequisite: ECON 100
GOVT 279
Public Sector Economics: Expenditure Analysis
This course examines market deficiencies, including externalities and public goods, as well as the policy responses to these deficiencies. Policy selection will be discussed in terms of voting behavior and public choice theory. The course also will address cost-benefit analysis, governmental subsidies, and specific government programs such as Social Security. 6 units. Also listed as Economics 275. Prerequisite: ECON 100 or ECON 120
GOVT 280
U.S. Foreign Policy
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. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 110 recommended
GOVT 306
Topics in Government, Politics, and Law
This courses focuses on a significant topic related to government, politics, or law, taught by a Scarff Professor who is a current or former government official. The exact topic will vary, depending on the interests and expertise of the instructor. Possible topics to be explored include the public policy produced by a particular governmental unit (i.e., Wisconsin politics), an important political issue (i.e., politics of mining), or the politics of a particular period (i.e., The New Deal). The instructor will analyze the relationship between theory and practice, emphasizing the real-life problems that governmental officials face when they make public policy. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 110, sophomore standing, or consent of the instructor
GOVT 315
Founding the Just Regime
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. 6 units. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
GOVT 320
Introduction to Constitutional Law
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, commerce, and equal protection clauses; the separation of powers; and federalism. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 110 and sophomore standing
GOVT 321
Civil Liberties and the Supreme Court
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. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or sophomore standing
GOVT 335
Political Economy of East Asia
This course examines the policies and politics associated with the emergence and continued dynamism of the East Asian economies. The course will cover various debates over the roles of the state, culture, and market institutions in explaining the region’s rapid economic development and the viability of current development models in a global economy. 6 units. Also listed as East Asian Studies 335. Prerequisite: GOVT 140 or sophomore standing
GOVT 340
International Politics
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 poverty and development. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or 140 or sophomore standing
GOVT 360
The American Presidency
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. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor
GOVT 370
Congressional Politics
This course covers the basics of congressional politics, including elections, the constitutional framework, committees, parties, and legislative procedures. Thematic focuses include strategies of legslative coalition building and the relative importance of partisanship, constituent pressures, and policy expertise in comgressional politics. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor
GOVT 375
American Political Development
This course explores patterns in American political culture that have shaped American institutions. Attention is paid to historical context and alternate political arrangements once suggested but not taken. Students will engage two questions: Will American democracy work only in America? Do political structures or political culture better explain American institutions? 6 units. Prerequisite: Junior standing and GOVT 110 or HIST 131 or HIST 132
GOVT 380
Introduction to Public Policy
The first part of this course reviews the debate over the proper boundary between governmental and individual decisions through a comparison of economic and democratic mechanisms for making collective choices. The second part of the course focuses on the policy making process in the United States, examining in particular how major institutions balance political pressure with expertise. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor
GOVT 385
Modern British Politics
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. 6 units. Offered at the London Centre
GOVT 405
Individuality and Community in Modern Politics
This course studies a variety of theoretical responses to the emergence of open societies in the West. Topics include the competing demands of individuality and community in religious, commercial, and political life. 6 units. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor
GOVT 415
The History of American Political Thought
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. This course is more research intensive than Government 235. 6 units. Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of the instructor. Students who have completed GOVT 235 may not take GOVT 415
GOVT 435
Voting, Political Participation, and Public Opinion
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. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 220, 360, 370, or 380
GOVT 445
Chinese Government and Politics
This course explores the political development, political institutions, forms of political participation, and the policy-making process in the People’s Republic of China. Coverage includes the Chinese Revolution, Maoist China, and contemporary China, with an emphasis on economic reforms and political changes in recent decades. 6 units. Also listed as East Asian Studies 410. Prerequisite: Junior standing and one of EAST 150, GOVT 245, or HIST 350; or consent of the instructor
GOVT 465
Environmental Politics
An examination of the politics of environmental policy in the United States, including the organization and demands of the environmental movement and its opponents, the ways in which major actors and institutions in the U.S. system treat environmental issues, and such specific topics as environmental justice and the application of cost-benefit reasoning to environmental policy making. 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 470. Prerequisite: GOVT 380 or consent of instructor
GOVT 475
Games and Strategy in Politics
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, 6 units. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor
GOVT 480
International Organizations
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. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 140, GOVT 340, or consent of instructor
GOVT 490
International Law
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. 6 units. Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or 140 or sophomore standing
GOVT 495
Health Policy
A seminar addressing present and prospective health care policy in the United States. Emphasis on various contemporary health care problems, including high and rising costs, differences in access to medical service, and trade-offs between cost and quality. Specific topics include Medicare, Medicaid, medical malpractice, profit versus not-only-for-profit producers of care, and alternative delivery systems. 6 units. Also listed as Biomedical Ethics 495. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
GOVT 500
Senior Seminar in Government
Topic for Fall Term 2007-08:
Advanced Research in International and Comparative Politics
In this seminar, students will 1) examine different ways that research questions can be posed and answered in the fields of international and comparative politics and 2) carry out research projects that answer a specific research question derived from one or more theoretical approaches found in the study of international and comparative politics. The focus of the research project will be selected in consultation with the instructor.
Topic for Spring Term 2007-08:
Roots of American Education Policy
This seminar will explore the foundations of and contemporary challenges to the American K-12 public education system. The first portion of the class will survey five long-running debates in American education: What is the appropriate and adequate funding for public education? What should be the role of religion in public education? What are the benefits and drawbacks of local control? Should students and parents be free to choose their school? How should students (and schools) be evaluated? During the balance of the term, students will be expected to design and carry out individual research projects on educational topics of their choice. Projects must pay careful attention to the use of data and evidence and must be explanatory rather than exhoratory. 6 units.
GOVT 550
Practicum in Environmental Studies
Practical experience working in either environmental policy development or environmental science fieldwork in a community. For example, students might work with businesses, trade organizations, state or local government, or non-profit advocacy groups. Students spend a minimum of ten hours per week at assigned settings and attend weekly supervision meetings with instructor. Practica can be done during the academic year (at local placements or on campus) or during the summer (at off-campus placements). 6 units. Also listed as Environmental Studies 560. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and one course on environmental policy or law, including GOVT 206/ENST 302 or GOVT 306/ENST 301
GOVT 190, 390, 590, 690
Tutorial Studies in Government
Advanced study, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
GOVT 195, 395, 595, 695
Internship in Government
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. Academic credit based on related readings, reports, presentations, etc. Variable credit. Prerequisite: At least one government course at the 200 level or above and consent of instructor; counter registration required
GOVT 199, 399, 599, 699
Independent Study in Government
Advanced research, arranged in consultation with the department. Students considering an honors project should register for this course, for one or more terms. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
Recent tutorial topics in government
The Patriot Act
Privacy, Abortion, and the Supreme Court
Political Advertising and Voter Opinion
Representation, Voting Rights, and the Law
Global Islamic Terrorism
The Role of U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan
Politics, Power, and Drugs in Jamaica
Structural Realism and Alliance Management:
The U.S.-Japan Alliance
Chinese Foreign Policy
Positive Political Theory
Urban Politics