Minor in Government

This course covers discussion of the basic structures of American government (the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary), important processes such as elections and basic principles and theory of governance in the American system.

In this course, students will be introduced to the questions that traditionally concern political theorists. In light of these questions, students will examine democratic theories of classical liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and contemporary liberalism; fascism; Marxism; communism; and nationalism.

A study of the major and minor parties in the United States, their history, composition, organization, leadership, resources, politics, distribution of power, and influence on the formation and execution of public policy. The role of pressure groups.

A study of the formal and informal procedures of Congress and the relation between the legislature, the presidency, and the Supreme Court.

To be offered every other year. During a nonelection year this course will focus on the presidency and constitutional development along with historical perspectives. During an election year it will focus on the major facets of presidential elections, the nominating process, general election activities, and campaigns.

This course will focus on comparative political systems in Europe, with an emphasis on the democracies of western Europe, especially the United Kingdom, France and Germany, as well as a selection of topics on the countries of southern Europe, the Nordic countries, and the more successful of the former Communist Eastern European states.

This course will explore the diverse political systems of the non-western world. Study will include established democracies such as India and Japan, political systems in transition to democracy such as Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, and more authoritarian systems such as China. Students will be introduced to both theory and practice in these areas.

An introduction to the basic factors, concepts, and theory of international relations. The objectives, methods, and capabilities of modern states and other international actors will be surveyed. A study will be made of the institutional forms of international relations, ideological orientations, and objectives. Emphasis will be on the trends and transformation of the international system during and after the Cold War.