The minor in Government provides students with foundational knowledge of political systems, governance, and civic engagement. Through coursework covering American government structures, political theory, international relations, and comparative politics, students develop critical thinking skills and an understanding of how political institutions shape society. Students explore topics such as the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, electoral processes, political parties, Congress and the presidency, and diverse political systems from around the world. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications of political science, preparing students to think critically about governance, policy, and civic participation. This minor pairs well with majors in communication studies, social work, history, business, or any field where understanding political systems and public policy enhances professional effectiveness. Graduates are prepared for careers in government, public service, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, and law.
Program at a Glance
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On campus
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21
Courses & Requirements
Summary of Requirements
Required pre-minor courses 3 credits
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.
Required government course 3 credits
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.
Elective government courses 12 credits
Choose one of the following:
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.
Choose one of the following:
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.
Of the remaining credits needed to satisfy the 21 credits needed for the minor, choose from any of the other required or elective department courses above the 200 level.
Job Outlook
Administrative Service Manager
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Admissions
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Faculty
David Penna
Professor
Karen Terhune
Manager, Disability Services Center
Brendan Stern
Associate Professor
Contact
- Minor in Government
- david.penna@gallaudet.edu
- karen.terhune@gallaudet.edu
Professor
Manager, Disability Services Center
