GOVERNMENT (GOVT)

Chair: George Shambaugh (202) 687-6130
Department of Government website

PRE SESSION (May 19 - June 13)

Introduction to International Relations
Schmidt
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.

Elements of Political Theory
French
GOVT-117-01
M-F 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
3 cr.

THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Comparative Political Systems
Boesenecker
GOVT-121-01
M-F 8:30-10:30 a.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.

Congressional Politics
Wilcox
GOVT-401-01 U.G. credit, -05 Grad credit
MTR 10:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
3 cr.

THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

Presidential Electoral Politics
Wayne
GOVT-425-01 U.G. credit, -05 Grad credit
MTR 1:40-4:10 p.m.
3 cr.

THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

MA Capstone Part II
Burnam
GOVT-522-05
TR 3:40-7:30 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: From Traffic Cops to Presidents
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 2 - July 3)

International Relations
Staff
GOVT-006-10
M-F 8:30-10:00 a.m.
3 cr.

U.S. Political Systems
Decanio
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 U.S. Required for College Government majors.

Elements of Political Theory
Kerch
GOVT-117-10
M-F 3:15-4:45 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
Baldi
GOVT-121-10
M-F 5:45-7:15 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.

Introduction to Quantitative Methods
Jensen
GOVT-229-10
M-F 1:00-2:30 p.m.
3 cr.

In this course, students will begin using statistical tools and approaches to study politics and public policy. Students will also learn to read, understand, and critique the quantitative research of political scientists. No prior statistical coursework is required, but familiarity with Excel or other spreadsheet software is highly recommended.

Challenges to the State: Protest, Collapse, and Reconstruction
Gledhill
GOVT-361-10 U.G. credit, -15 Grad credit
M-F 8:30-10:00 a.m.
3 cr.

In this course, we take contemporary challenges to the state and state stability as a basis for exploring diverse themes, including social protest movements, globalization, state failure and democracy-building in the wake of state collapse. The course is broken up into four broad areas of study. In the first, short section we discuss the basic concept of 'the state' as a political institution, and consider the kinds of factors that make states strong or weak. The second section of the class looks at contemporary challenges to state stability and the modern state system. The third section is focused on state failure; we will discuss why states might suddenly collapse and then look at the growth of private protection mechanisms (such as the mafia) when state security forces fail to provide basic security to citizens. The class concludes with a discussion of 'nation-building' and 'democracy-building' in the wake of state failure.

Transitions to Democracy
Langenbacher
GOVT-387-10 U.G. credit, -15 Grad credit
MTR 3:15-4:55 p.m.
3 cr.

This course explores democracy and democratization with a dual focus. It looks first at the various conceptual dimensions of transition and consolidation processes, such as: the importance of prerequisites; the roles of the working classes and elite; debates over civil society and political culture; international causes and consequences; and economic forces. The second section applies these theories and concepts to individual cases, including: postwar Germany; Poland; the Czech Republic; Spain; and Argentina.

Middle East Diplomacy
Klieman
GOVT-390-10 U.G. credit, -15 Grad credit
MTR 1:40-3:20 p.m.
3 cr.

COURSE DESCRIPTION TO COME

American Grand Strategy
Nexon
GOVT-402-10 U.G. credit, -15 Grad credit
MTWR 10:30 a.m.-12:30 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, -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 Politcs. 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
MTR 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
MTR 3:30-5:10 p.m.
3 cr.

COURSE DESCRIPTION TO COME

The UN and Collective Security
Beker
GOVT-459-10 U.G. credit, -15 Grad credit
MTWR 1:30-3:30 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.

American Government Writing Seminar
Burnam
GOVT-524-15
MW 3:15-5:45
3 cr.

Prereq: GOVT-522. Students will write a research paper on a topic related to their practicum assignment. This course is open to MA American Government students only.

CROSS-LISTING: Economic Issues in Russia and Eurasia
Boone
REES-380-10
MTR 6:15 - 7:55 p.m.
3 cr. CERES Students Only

REES-380-11
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 Soviet Union. The course will begin with a brief history of the Soviet-syle economic system and then move to a discussion of successes and failures in the processes of marketization and privatization. It will compare policy choices, outcomes, and the winners and losers in the reform process, considering the implications for long-term growth and stability. The class will take a political economy perspective and does not require either Macro- or Microeconomics.

SECOND SESSION (July 7 - August 8)

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
Robinson
GOVT-008-20
M-F 3:15-4:45 p.m.
3 cr.

This course is an introduction to the constitutional framework, institutions, and political processes of government in the U.S. Required for College Government majors.

American Political Thought
Smith
GOVT-109-20
M-F 3:15-4:45 p.m.
3 cr.

Prereq: GOVT-008 or permission by instructor. 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
McClure
GOVT-117-20
M-F 1:00-2:30 p.m.
3 cr.

Comparative Political Systems
Goodman
GOVT-121-20
MTWR 10:30 a.m.-12:30 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.

Globalization and International Relations
Kacowicz
GOVT-382-20 U.G. credit, -25 Grad credt
MTR 1:30-4:00 p.m.
3 cr.

THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED

International Law
Staff
GOVT-403-20 U.G. credit, -25 Grad credit
MTWR 3:40-5:40 p.m.
4 cr.

This introductory survey course will explore the nature and sources of international law, the role of international organizations such as the United Nations, and the ways in which international law is implemented and enforced throughout the world. Various substantive issue areas of international law, such as the protection of human rights and the prohibition against the use of force, will be closely examined; as well as the exceedingly contentious debates surrounding the existence and effectiveness of such international legal norms. In the course of providing an overview of the international legal system, the course will emphasize the relevance, and the role, of international law in the twenty-first century. As such, whenever relevant, the class will focus on current events, including the war against terrorism, the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq, and the ongoing genocide in Sudan, among others.

American Empire in Historical Perspective
Nexon
GOVT-407-20 U.G. credit, -25 Grad credit
MTWR 11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
3 cr.

Recent debates about whether or not the United States is an imperial power have led to resurgence of interest in the nature and dynamics of imperial systems. This class explores key issues related to that debate, including: the varieties of imperial systems, the distinction between "informal" and "formal" empires, the nature of authority and legitimacy in empires, the role of collaboration and resistance in imperial rule, the economic dimensions of imperial systems, the causes of the rise and decline of empires, and the legacies of imperial rule. The aim is to provide students not only with an understanding of the political dynamics of empires, but also to enable them to better assess the debate over "American Empire" and the "lessons of empire," if any, for the United States.

International Relations of Latin America
Kacowicz
GOVT-431-20 U.G. credit, -25 Grad credit
MTR 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
3 cr.

THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED

U.S. Intelligence Law
Lotrionte
GOVT-435-20 U.G. credit, -25 Grad credit
TWR 1:00-2:45 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 Politcs. All students must have written approval from the Graduate School Office. Students who fail to obtain written approval will not be registered.

Nuclear Proliferation in the Middle East
Beker
GOVT-446-20 U.G. credit, -25 Grad credit
MTWR 5:45-7:45 p.m.
3 cr.

THIS COURSE HAS BEEN CANCELLED

de Toqueville: 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 Toqueville'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: Central Asia: Foreign and Domestic Relations
Kangas
REES-425-20
MTR 6:15-7:55 p.m.
3 cr. CERES Students Only

REES-425-21
3 cr. non-CERES Students Only

This course will focus on the political institutions, actors, and dynamics within the five states of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). We will analyze pre-Soviet and Soviet-era influences, as well as the current challenges to state-formation, stability and economic growth in these five case studies. To this end, the course will examine various political models used to evaluate such regimes. In the latter part of the course, we will focus on comparative assessments and the role of external actors in the development of the current systems. Some knowledge of comparative politics and/or Central Asia will be beneficial, but not essential.

CROSS SESSION (June 2 - July 25)

Public Affairs Internship and Seminar
Wilcox
GOVT-241-10
MR 6:00-7:35 p.m.
6 cr.

GOVT-241-30
MR 6:00-7:35 p.m.
3 cr.

Students will work a minimum of thirty five hours a week in a governmental or political organization. The program director will be available to help students identify opportunities and determine how to apply for various internships. Due to the close supervision required to ensure that the internship experience is academically sound, only a limited number of students can be accepted into the internship program. Those accepted into the program will attend weekly meetings of the seminar. Follow registration deadlines for First Session courses.

SPECIAL SESSION (June 9-July 29)

Transformation of American Politics
Staff
GOVT-230-11 (non-ICPES Students)
M 1:30-4:00 p.m. T 6:00-8:00 p.m.
3 cr.

Prereq: Three credits of undergraduate political science or approval of instructor. GOVT-230 meets in conjunction with ECON-257. This course is an exploration of the development of American politics from the conception of the U.S. Constitution to the current centralized federal government. See Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems.