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.
Units: 6.
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.
Units: 6.
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 the role of cross-cultural diplomacy in a global world. As part of the course, students will participate in a simulation of an international negotiation.
Units: 6.
GOVT 151
Introduction to Environmental Policy
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.
Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 151, Economics 151
GOVT 191
Directed Study in Government
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.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
GOVT 195
Internship in Governenment
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.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: At least one government course at 200-level or above and consent of instructor; Counter Registration Required
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: FRST 101 or sophomore standing
GOVT 204
Special Topics in Government
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. It will usually be offered by a visiting faculty member, and the topic will vary based on the faculty member's area of expertise.
Topic for Winter 2013: Politics of Central and Eastern Europe
This course explores the challenges of politics in countries that were previously in the Soviet bloc. Topics include the democratization process (or lack thereof), electoral politics, corruption, and international relations of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Special attention will be paid to the party systems, variations on executive power, and participation in international organizations.
Units: 1 TO 99.
GOVT 208
Sustainable China: Environment and Economy
This course integrates environmental and economic topics relevant for understanding sustainability in the Chinese context, including economic development, natural resource management, urban growth, and environmental policy. It is a prerequisite for a December study trip to China.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Limited to students selected for the Sustainable China study trip
Also listed as Economics 208, Environmental Studies 208
GOVT 209
Water, Politics, and Economic Development
This course focuses on the political economy of water in the developing world. Students will explore the relations among water use politics and economic development as well as the quality and distribution of water among a country’s stakeholders. China will provide the primary context for the course.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: One of ECON 100, ECON 110, GOVT 110, GOVT 140, or GOVT 150
Also listed as Economics 209, Environmental Studies 209
GOVT 211
Flexibility and Freedom: American Federalism in Transition
Federalism is a compromise between freedom and equality. How much authority should states and cities have over elections? Education? The environment? Observers characterize American federalism both as a bulwark against tyranny and a perpetrator of inequality. This course considers federalism's development, its contradictions, and its survival in a global society.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor
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.
Units: 6.
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.
Units: 6.
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor
GOVT 226
Identity Politics and Ethnic Conflict
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
Also listed as Ethnic Studies 226
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or sophomore standing
GOVT 245
Comparative Politics of Less-Developed Countries
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and one of GOVT 110 or GOVT 140
GOVT 246
Latin American Politics
The course addresses the politics of our neighboring region, Latin America. This important world region is at a political crossroads today. Topics include historical precedents, institutional arrangements, democratization, inter-american governance, the politics of women, the rise of Chavez and the "new left", and indigenous organizing.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
GOVT 248
Social Entrepreneurship
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 rights and sustainable development.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
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.
Units: 6.
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or ENST 150 or GOVT 110
Also listed as Environmental Studies 270
GOVT 271
Research Methods in Political Science
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor
GOVT 274
Public Economics
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: ECON 100 or ECON 120
Also listed as Economics 271
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: ECON 100 or ECON 120
Also listed as Economics 202
GOVT 276
Economic Development
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: ECON 100 or 120
Also listed as Economics 200
GOVT 277
Political Economy of Regulation
This course focuses on the tension between politics and expertise that characterize the administrative regulatory state often called "the fourth branch of government." Several competing models of political economy shape an exploration of the continuing evolution of the U.S. regulatory system, the process by which regulations are proposed, written, implemented, and enforced, and the tools used to evaluate the costs and benefits of regulations.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: ECON 100 or ECON 120
Also listed as Economics 240
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 110 recommended
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.
Units: 6.
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: 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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 110 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 migration.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or 140 or sophomore standing
GOVT 351
Broadsides to Blogs: Mass Media in American Politics
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?
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 220 or consent of instructor
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 110, and MATH 107 or 177 or 207, or consent of instructor
GOVT 365
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 110 or GOVT 140 or sophomore standing
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.
Units: 6.
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?
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Junior standing and GOVT 110 or HIST 131 or HIST 132
GOVT 380
Introduction to Public Policy
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.
Units: 6.
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.
Offered at the London Centre.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Must be attending the Lawrence London Centre.
GOVT 390
Tutorial Studies in Government
Advanced study, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
GOVT 391
Directed Study in Government
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.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
GOVT 395
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.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: At least one government course at 200-level or above and consent of instructor; Counter Registration Required
GOVT 399
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.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
GOVT 401
Field Experience in Sierra Leone
Students engaged in this course will have the opportunity to do field research in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Each student will develop and implement a project that concerns economic, political, and/or environmental issues important in Sierra Leone. Students will also have the opportunity to learn from national and local leaders, and upon completion of the field experience, present their research to the wider Lawrence community. Students must register for this course in both the fall and the winter terms. During the extended winter break, class members will travel to Sierra Leone for an 18 day study tour.
Units: 2.
Prerequisite: Completed or concurrent enrollment in ENST 300, ECON 205, or GOVT 500 (Research Methods in Comparative Politics and International Relations)
Also listed as Economics 206, Environmental Studies 311
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor
GOVT 425
Topics in International Security
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 Winter 2013: War and Popular Culture
This course will examine the causes and effects of war through the lens of the media and popular culture. In particular, we will look at war on film, on television, in literature and in graphic novels. This is a discussion-intensive course with regular reaction papers and a lengthy research assignment.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 340, GOVT 280, or junior standing.
GOVT 426
Topics in U.S. Foreign Policy
This course will address an advanced topic in American foreign policy, such as military intervention, humanitarian, aid, arms control, trade policy, or counter-terrorism. Whenever possible, this course will be designed, planned and taught in collaboration with the Distinguished Visiting Scarff Professor.
Topic for Spring 2013: Contemporary U.S. - China Relations
This course examines in depth major security aspects of contemporary U.S.-China relations. Topics include: realism and idealism in U.S.-China relations; memories of war, imperialism, and the Tiananmen protest movement; mutual images of each other; nuclear weapons, arms race, and competing strategic doctrines; the U.S.-Japan alliance and China; the Korean peninsula between the U.S. and China; the Taiwan problem; the U.S., China, Southeast Asia, and Australia; India and Pakistan between the U.S. and China; China, Russia, and Central Asia; the politics of economic relations between the U.S. and China; China’s soft power and its challenge to the U.S. and other countries.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 280, GOVT 340, GOVT 380, or consent of instructor
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 220, 360, 370, or 380
GOVT 445
Chinese Government and Politics
This survey course examines the political development of China from the Communist revolution to the present. Among the issues addressed are the legacies of the Maoist era, China’s contemporary economic transformation and its social effects, political participation and protest in the contemporary era and the apparent perpetuation of authoritarianism.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Junior standing and one of EAST 150, GOVT 245, or HIST 360; or consent of the instructor
Also listed as East Asian Studies 410
GOVT 446
Topics in Comparative Politics
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 2012: Research Methods in Comparative and International Politics
The course provides an introduction to qualitative research methodology and is strongly recommended for students who intend to write an Honors Thesis in either International Relations or Comparative Politics. It will focus on the logic of case studies and small-N comparative studies: How to select a case for a case study; construct a sound comparison; and make reasonable claims based on a small-N analysis. Students will also be introduced to techniques of gathering qualitative data such as writing questionnaires for interviews and analyzing primary sources.
Topic for Winter 2013: Indian Politics
The late scholar and diplomat John Kenneth Galbraith once referred to India as “functioning anarchy.” This course will introduce students to politics in this unexpected and raucous democracy with the goal of understanding the reasons for the apparent coexistence of order and chaos. In addition to major political milestones, topics covered will include: political development and the management of ethnic diversity; economic change and developmental challenges; trends in caste politics and the rise of religious nationalism; the political impact of social movements and social change; and foreign relations with neighbors and major powers. Other countries in South Asia will be discussed for the purposes of comparison and based on student interest. Non-majors are welcome; please contact the instructor if you have any questions.
Topic for Spring 2013: Abuse of Power
This course examines the ways in which government, and individuals within government, make use of their power in questionable or illegitimate ways. Beginning with manipulation of political rules for personal or party advantage, we will then explore the increasing abuse of governmental power. Topics include the opportunities that those with political power have for legal, but unethical, behavior; illegal forms of corruption; and various forms of control over the governed, from influencing their ideas to coercion and violence. Readings will examine historical and contemporary cases from a comparative perspective.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 245 or consent of 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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 380 and either ECON 100 or ECON 300 or consent of instructor
Also listed as Environmental Studies 470
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,
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent 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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: GOVT 140, GOVT 340, or consent of instructor
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.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
Also listed as Biomedical Ethics 495
GOVT 500
Senior Seminar in Government
Topic for Fall 2012: Non-State Actors in Global Politics
In the 21st century, non-state actors play an increasing role in international politics. In this seminar, students will examine the role of non-state actors, including international organizations, NGOs, transnational corporations, global terror groups, and transnational criminal groups, in order to assess the ways in which they challenge and complement the actions of states. As part of the course, students will write a term paper on the role and impact of one non-state actor in global politics.
Topic for Winter 2013: American Politics
The first part of the seminar will be devoted to an overview of the scope and methods of political science research. During the balance of the term, students will design and produce individual research projects on topics of their choice. Projects must be descriptive or explanatory rather than prescriptive. Ideally, students entering this seminar should have some background in the topic they wish to study.
Topic for Spring 2013: Classic Works in Comparative Politics
Students will be introduced to some classic as well as recent notable works in the sub-field of comparative politics. Readings and discussions will be geared toward two broad goals: First, to give students the opportunity to engage substantively with some of the landmark works in the sub-field; and second, to help students develop their own senior experience projects in the form of a substantive research paper. “Comparative Politics” is a very broad sub-field and some readings will be selected based on students’ thematic or regional interests. Students who pre-register for the course by the beginning of the academic year will be given the opportunity to help select some of the course readings.
Units: 6.
GOVT 590
Tutorial Studies in Government
Advanced study, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
GOVT 591
Directed Study in Government
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.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
GOVT 595
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.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: At least one government course at the 200 level or above and consent of instructor; Counter Registration Required
GOVT 599
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.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
GOVT 690
Tutorial Studies in Government
Advanced study, arranged and carried out under the direction of an instructor.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
GOVT 691
Directed Study in Government
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.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
GOVT 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.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: At least one government course at the 200 level or above and consent of instructor; Counter Registration Required
GOVT 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.
Units: 1 TO 98.
Prerequisite: Counter Registration Required.
