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GOVERNMENT (GOVT)
Chair: George Shambaugh (202) 687-6130
Department of Government website
PRE SESSION (May 18-June 12)
International Relations
Daniel
GOVT-006-01
M-F 8:30-10:30 a.m.
3 cr.
This course investigates the scope and methods of international affairs. Emphasis will be placed on analysis of the distinctive characteristics of the international arena, recurrent patterns of interstate action, and the major techniques for the implementation of foreign policies.
U.S. Political Systems
Jensen
GOVT-008-01
M-F 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
3 cr.
THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Elements of Political Theory
Williams
GOVT-117-01
M-F 1:00-3:00 p.m.
3 cr.
THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Comparative Political Systems
Boesenecker
GOVT-121-01
M-F 3:15-5:15 p.m.
3 cr.
This course will serve as a general introduction to comparative political analysis. The course will cover the basic tools of comparative politics (approaches, theories, methods) and will discuss key concepts such as the state, institutions, civil society, political parties, and regime types. The focus throughout the course will be on linking these general concepts to real-world places and issues.
Arms Control in the Middle East
Beker
GOVT-426-01 U.G. credit, -05 Grad credit
M-F 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
3 cr.
Since the end of the Cold War, arms control efforts have been less concerned with deterrence and stability between superpowers as the prospect of nuclear proliferation into unstable regions, rogue states, and terrorist groups has become recognized. The course will explore to what extent the "old" theories of arms control can be applied to the Middle East and what kind of anti-proliferation efforts are required to save this region and the rest of the world from the scourge of the nuclear threat.
UN and Collective Security
Beker
GOVT-459-01 U.G. credit, -05 Grad credit
M-F 1:00-3:00 p.m.
3 cr.
The United Nations reflects but also distorts the realities of international politics. Along with the hope of reshaping the world into a safer place, UN politics highlight the limits of world governance. The course will explore the expectations of the founders of the UN and their attempt to build a realistic collective security structure and will examine how the UN system responded, with successes and failures, to the dramatic changes in world politics.
MA Capstone Part II
Burnam
GOVT-522-05
MW 5:00-8:15 p.m.
3 cr.
Prereq: GOVT-521. This course will focus on applied politics, including the legislative and judicial processes, political parties, interest groups, the media, and public opinion. Like Part I of the MA Capstone, Part II will aim to analyze and synthesize practitioner experiences to discern the extent to which theory comports with practice. Theories of institutional behavior will be re-examined and practitioner accounts will be compared and contrasted. Throughout the seminar, we will use students' personal experiences from their internships (i.e., the Practicum) to compare theory and practice. This course is open to MA American Government students only.
Corruption in Developing Countries
Sabet
GOVT-546-05
M-F 3:15-5:15 p.m.
3 cr.
This course is open to undergraduate students with instructor permission. Whether the topic is small bribes paid to police officers to avoid traffic citations or major embezzlement scandals involving presidents, corruption is increasingly recognized as a major threat to the rule of law and the functioning of democracy. Corruption does not just reduce the amount of money in the public treasury; it undermines trust and confidence in public institutions. As a result, the success of democratic experiments throughout the developing world might hinge on the ability to successfully minimize corruption. In this course, we will begin by discussing different types and definitions of corruption. Second, we will explore the effects that corruption has on the rule of law, democracy, markets, and society. Third, we will examine several theoretical approaches to understanding the causes of corruption, including political economy, formal institutional and cultural approaches. We will then apply these approaches to a number of cases throughout the developing world. Finally, we will study efforts to combat corruption and evaluate their effectiveness. Students will have the opportunity to explore a case of corruption of their own choosing, which will serve as the basis for a paper and a presentation.
FIRST SESSION (June 1-July 2)
International Relations
Bertrand
GOVT-006-10
M-F 8:30-10:00 a.m.
3 cr.
This course is an introductory survey of the theory and practice of international relations. Throughout the term, we will cover developments of the study of international politics and acquire the theoretical tools necessary to analyze historical and contemporary international issues.
U.S. Political Systems
Potolicchio
GOVT-008-10
M-F 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
3 cr.
This course is an introduction to the constitutional framework, institutions, and political processes of government in the
American Political Theory
Smith
GOVT-109-10
M-F 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
3 cr.
THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Elements of Political Theory
Haworth
GOVT-117-10
M-F 1:00-2:30 p.m.
3 cr.
This course is an examination of the nature, functions, and goals of the political society. The major topics to be covered are community, society, state, and government; the ends and purposes of society; legitimacy, obligations, power, and authority; tensions and congruencies between human nature and institutions; political means; and political socialization.
Comparative Political Systems
Pettingill
GOVT-121-10
M-F 3:15-4:45 p.m.
3 cr.
This course will serve as a general introduction to comparative political analysis. Individual sections will focus on different thematic issues and regions.
Public Opinion
Jensen
GOVT-236-10
MTWR 1:30-3:30 p.m.
3 cr.
Public opinion plays a critical role in democratic governance. By electing public officials and pressuring government though the power of public opinion, voters can influence public affairs. However survey researchers have found the public is often ignorant of basic political information, such as their representatives' names. Using insights from modern public opinion scholarship, this course will examine how public opinion interacts with democratic politics. We will be studying questions that have occupied democratic theorists and survey researchers for decades. Over the course of the semester we will examine issues such as elite responsiveness to, and manipulation of, public opinion, framing, media bias, electoral mandates, framing of public opinion, psychological heuristics, and other topics associated with the role public opinion plays in democratic societies. We will be focused on trying to assess positive questions regarding how public opinion is formed and assess its influence over elected officials. However, we will also try to come to some normative conclusions regarding the role public opinion should play in modern democracies.
Religion and Politics
Potolicchio
GOVT-267-10
MTWR 1:30-3:30 p.m.
3 cr.
COURSE DESCRIPTION COMING SOON
Theory of Civil Society
Kerr
GOVT-289-10
MTWR 3:40-5:40 p.m.
3 cr.
The aim of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the concepts, theories, and methodological approaches relevant to the study of civil society in political science. We will examine different types of associations, networks, and community structures and their relevance to political and social life. What is "civil society," and how does it relate to the private and public spheres, capitalism and market economics, and the relation between individuals and the state? How does civil society arise, and what are its effects upon political development? How does it differ across countries? How does civil society relate to political culture, social capital, community, and democracy? We will discuss the significance of contemporary changes in the nature of civil society and community in the United States and other advanced democracies. We also will compare the types and effects of associational life in developing and post-communist countries. Finally, we will discuss the significance of global civil society in the world today. Students will study the effects of international nongovernmental organizations, Western funding for civil society development, and transnational activism on the domestic political environments of states.
Post-Communist Politics
Vassilieva
GOVT-293-10
MTWR 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
3 cr.
With Russia's recent reemergence as a politically important player, China's continual position as an economic superpower, and the recent expansion of the EU and NATO into Eastern and Central Europe, it is more important than ever to know how these countries developed and how they arrived where they are today. In the light of these events, this course will survey the political, economic and social developments in Eastern and Central Europe, former Soviet Union and China since the collapse of Communism in Europe. It will begin with a brief overview of the origins and development of the communist regimes and the variety of explanations for why these regimes unexpectedly collapsed. The course will then focus on the profound political, economic, and social changes that took place during the first decade of post-communist transitions. The last part of the course will focus on the more recent developments in the post-communist region, particularly trying to explain the stark diversity in the political and socio-economic trajectories pursued by these countries. One of the goals of this course is to provide the students with the knowledge of theoretical constructs and empirical facts that would help them to make well-grounded evaluations of the contemporary developments in the post-communist region.
IR Theory and U.S.: Post-Cold War
Klieman
GOVT-372-10 U.G. credit, -15 Grad credit
MTWR 1:30-3:30 p.m.
3 cr.
THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Just War Theory
Smith
GOVT-379-10 U.G. credit, -15 Grad credit
MTWR 6:00-8:00 p.m.
3 cr.
This primarily discussion-based course will examine some of the wide variety of issues relating to the morality of armed conflict. We begin with ancient sources which presume that moral restraint has no place in war. Next, we will discuss the logic of Christian political thought through excerpts of Augustine?s City of God and the application of these notions to war?s conduct. Following that, we will briefly survey the development of the just war tradition (and one tacit response to it in Machiavelli's Prince). We end with a few modern accounts of justice in war and look at their relationship to the rise of international law as a competing type of argument about the ethics of war. Throughout, we will observe the tension between moral theory and concrete practice, and discuss the relative merits of leaving questions of war to the prudential judgment of leaders versus restraining war powers under absolute rules.
Transitions to Democracy
Langenbacher
GOVT-387-10 U.G. credit, -15 Grad credit
MTWR 3:40-5:40 p.m.
3 cr.
THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED
American Grand Strategy
Nexon
GOVT-402-10 U.G. credit, -15 Grad credit
MTWR 1:30-3:30 p.m.
3 cr.
The terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, the Bush administration's National Security Strategy, and the American-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq have triggered a major debate about American grand strategy. Many scholars and pundits now propose alternative grand strategies under a variety of names: "National Security Strategy 2.0," "Ethical Realism," "Progressive Realism," and so forth. This course seeks to provide students with the historical and theoretical grounding to assess the debate over grand strategy. Important topics include: the nature of grand strategies; the dynamics of unipolar, hegemonic, and imperial systems; alliance behavior and the balance of power; terrorism and weapons of mass destruction; and economic competition. We look at a variety of different threats to American strategic interests and possible future trends in global politics. And, of course, we debate the merits of various proposals for American grand strategy.
Law of Military Operations
Schwieger
GOVT-418-10 U.G. credit
418-11 Institute for International Law and Politics students only
418-15 Grad credit
MTR 6:00-8:30 p.m.
3 cr.
This course examines both international and U.S. domestic law relating to the conduct of military operations. First, it will examine the legal structure of the U.S. military and the relationship between civilian control and military leadership. Second, it will examine the legal issues relating to the use of military force, including an examination of the rules relating to the recourse to force and the rules concering the conduct of war. Standards defined in the U.N. Charter framework for the use of force will be discussed, as will provisions of the Geneva and Hague Conventions, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Third, this course will explore legal questions relating to military operations, including the use of mercenaries, the role of contractors, special operations, and the role of the military in supporting civilian authorities in disaster relief and civil unrest. This course is offered through the Institute for International Law and Politics. All students must have written approval from the Graduate School Office. Students who fail to obtain written approval will not be registered.
Politics and Film
Langenbacher
GOVT-432-10 U.G. credit, -15 Grad credit
MTWR 6:00-8:00 p.m.
3 cr.
The important and long-standing interplay between politics and film will be the general focus of this course. Three overriding questions characterize our examination of this relationship. First, what ideological, chronological or cultural differences mark different films focusing on a common political object, such as the American Dream or war? What accounts for these differences? Second, how political is an individual movie? More generally, how expansive should the definition of political content be? Third, how effective is the specific genre in conveying the intended political message? Are propaganda films really more effective than the subtle messages found in mainstream blockbusters?
Israeli-Arab Conflict
Klieman
GOVT-444-10 U.G. credit, -15 Grad credit
MTWR 5:45-7:45 p.m.
3 cr.
Employing analytical frameworks and concepts anchored in the literature of conflict resolution, class discussions trace the origins, causes, and evolution of this "one long war" from the end of the 19th century to the present. Our focus then shifts from the battlefield to the negotiating table and to the peacemaking process, employing--and critically evaluating--such central organizing conflicts as "strategic crossroads," missed opportunities," "ripeness," "spoilers," "conflict management," "third party intermediaries," "peacemaking," "peacekeeping" and "peace building."
CROSS-LISTING: Economic Issues in
Boone
REES-580-10
MTR 6:15 - 7:55 p.m.
3 cr. CERES Students Only
REES-580-11
3 cr. non-CERES Students Only
This class will review the economic transformations across the region, comparing the processes in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the former
SECOND SESSION (July 6-August 7)
International Relations
Mercurio
GOVT-006-20
M-F 8:30-10:00 a.m.
3 cr.
This course is an introductory survey of the theory and practice of international relations. Throughout the term, we will cover developments of the study of international politics and acquire the theoretical tools necessary to analyze historical and contemporary international issues.
U.S. Political Systems
Fullmer
GOVT-008-20
M-F 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
3 cr.
This course is an introduction to the constitutional framework, institutions, and political processes of government in the
American Political Thought
Smith
GOVT-109-20
M-F 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
3 cr.
This course will examine past and present problems of the American political system. We will cover major writings such as the Puritans, American Revolution and Founding, state sovereignty versus the national government, the Civil War, transcendentalism, and pragmatism. The course will end with an examination of more contemporary American thought.
Elements of Political Theory
Krall
GOVT-117-20
M-F 1:00-2:30 p.m.
3 cr.
This course is an examination of the nature, functions, and goals of the political society. The major topics to be covered are community, society, state, and government; the ends and purposes of society; legitimacy, obligations, power, and authority; tensions and congruencies between human nature and institutions; political means; and political socialization.
Comparative Political Systems
Pettingill
GOVT-121-20
M-F 3:15-4:45 p.m.
3 cr.
This course will serve as a general introduction to comparative political analysis. Individual sections will focus on different thematic issues and regions.
Politics, Economics, and Society in Europe
Boesenecker
GOVT-334-20
MTWR 3:40-5:40 p.m.
3 cr.
This course will focus on the major political, economic, and social issues that are shaping contemporary Europe. Using the basic tools of comparative political analysis, the course will cover major overarching themes to European politics such as European integration, immigration and migration, electoral politics, and the welfare state, as well as several in-depth case studies of key issues. Students who successfully complete the course will gain a general understanding of the major political, economic, and social developments that have shaped Europe since 1945 and their relevance to world politics.
Globalization and IR
Kacowicz
GOVT-382-20 U.G. credit, -25 Grad credit
MTWR 1:30-3:30 p.m.
3 cr.
This upper-level seminar in international relations is designed for students interested in international relations theories in general, and the contemporary issues of globalization and poverty in particular. We will study the different meanings and dimensions of the phenomena of globalization, inequality, and poverty, trying to make sense of the contemporary debates on the subject.
The course is divided into two parts. The first part will focus on the different definitions and dimensions of globalization, including myths, facts, and criticisms. In the second part (the final week), students will present their own research work, based on empirical applications and contemporary events.
International Law
Lotrionte
GOVT-403-20 U.G. credit
403-21 Institute for International Law and Politics students only
403-25 Grad credit
MTWR 3:40-6:10 p.m.
4 cr.
COURSE DESCRIPTION COMING SOON. This course is offered through the Institute for International Law and Politics. All students must have written approval from the Graduate School Office. Students who fail to obtain written approval will not be registered.
IR of Latin America
Kacowicz
GOVT-431-20 U.G. credit, -25 Grad credit
MTWR 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
3 cr.
This seminar is designed to provide some basic knowledge and analytical tools to assess and understand the international relations of Latin American countries since their independence at the beginning of the 19th century throughout our days, with special emphasis upon the South American sub-system in the post-World War II period. The study of this region will illustrate the implementation of several theories of international relations.
The seminar has several parts. First, we will present the historical background and the development of Latin America from the 19th century to the end of the Cold War. Second, we will focus upon the different actors and their interactions. Third, we will assess the alternative explanations for the "long peace" of South America and the contemporary political and economic realities of the region. Fourth, we will examine the relations of Latin America with other actors, such as the USA and the EU. Finally, in the last part of the course students will present their research projects.
U.S. Intelligence Law
Lotrionte
GOVT-435-20 U.G. credit
435-21 Institute for International Law and Politics students only
435-25 Grad credit
TWR 1:00-3:30 p.m.
3 cr.
This course examines the U.S. laws and policies governing the conduct of intelligence activities and the relationship between national security and individual rights. It explores the principal policy questions raised by the conduct of intelligence activities in a democratic society. The first half of the course examines the legal authorities for intelligence activities and the respective powers of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. In the second half, the course focuses on the impact of intelligence activities on individual rights in specific contexts, such as covert activities, combating terrorism, conducting espionage investigations, and protecting classified information. This course is offered through the Institute for International Law and Politics. All students must have written approval from the Graduate School Office. Students who fail to obtain written approval will not be registered.
Justice and Immigration
Turner
GOVT-438-20 U.G.credit, -25 Grad credit
MTWR 6:00-8:00 p.m.
3 cr.
THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Terrorism and Proliferation
Tanter
GOVT-463-20 U.G. credit, -25 Grad credit
MTWR 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
3 cr.
COURSE DESCRIPTION COMING SOON
de Tocqueville: Democracy in America
Avramenko
GOVT-481-20 U.G. credit, -25 Grad credit
MTWR 5:45-7:45 p.m.
3 cr.
This course offers students an opportunity to consider carefully Tocqueville's Democracy in America. Our analysis will consider, among other things: the relationship--historical and logical--between aristocracy and democracy; the instability of democracy; the significance of habit in Tocqueville's thought; the case for American Exceptionalism; the importance of religion for democracy. The intention is less to defend what Toqueville says than to begin to comprehend the way in which he thought through democracy and its problems.
CROSS-LISTING:
Kangas
REES-562-20
MTR 6:15-7:55 p.m.
3 cr. CERES Students Only
REES-562-21
MTR 6:15-7:55 p.m.
3 cr. non-CERES Students Only
The purpose of this course is to focus attention on the country of
CROSS SESSION (June 1-July 24)
American Government Writing Seminar
Burnam
GOVT-524-35
T 5:45-8:15 p.m.
3 cr.
Students will write a research paper on a topic related to their practicum assignment. This course is open to MA American Government students only.
