Government (GOVT)
Assistant Professor Winsome A. Downie
Chair of the Department
The government (political science) major seeks to maximize students’ ability to analyze and interpret the significance of political events, institutions, behavior, and governmental processes at the local, national and international levels. The major is designed to equip students to play more effective roles as citizens of a democratic nation and of the world and to prepare them for careers in public service, diplomacy, law, business, journalism, and college teaching.
Requirements for a Major. LLRN 121 or GOVT 201 are prerequisites for the Government major. In addition, majors then must take a total of ten courses that include GOVT 203 and 309 early in the process; one 300-level course from each of these five major areas: 1) US government, either 303, 306, or 320; 2) comparative governments of Europe; 3) comparative government of any other world region; 4) international politics, either 351, 352, or 357; 5) political theory; and one 400-level seminar course. A minimum grade of C in departmental courses is necessary to fulfill the requirements for the major. Majors intending to apply to law school are expected to take at least one term of GOVT 323 or 324, Constitutional Law. Students intending to go to graduate school in political science should take GOVT 210, Scope and Methods.
Requirements for a Minor. The minor is available to students in all schools. LLRN 121 or GOVT 201 are prerequisites for the Government minor. Students are required to take 15 additional credits, including GOVT 203, 309 and three other government courses, and receive a grade of C or better in each. Majors and minors are advised to start with the prerequisite LLRN 121 or GOVT 201, then to take 203 and 309 before selecting other courses.
Requirements for a Major Concentration in the School of Education. Students concentrating in Government must take a total of eight courses, including 201, 203, 309, and any other five courses. Students who have taken LLRN 121 should select another Government course in place of GOVT 201. A minimum grade of C in departmental courses is necessary to fulfill the requirements for the major concentration.
201. Introduction to Government and Politics. An introduction to salient concepts in political science. Students will also investigate the logic and methods of political science research and will analyze contemporary social issues from the perspective of the discipline of political science. Those who have completed the LLRN 121 social science core course are not permitted to take GOVT 201. (Cr.3)
205. Political Geography. A study of states and other political units in the context of their physical, human, economic, cultural, strategic, and other features that are relevant to power and ultimately the course of history. (Cr.3)
207. Introduction to Peace Studies. This course is intended to introduce the student to the nature, scope, and methodology of Peace Studies as well as explore some major contemporary problems which threaten peaceful and just relations between individuals, groups, or nations. (Cr.3)
210. Scope and Methods of Political Science. Contemporary orientations and scientific concepts in political inquiry; student research using modern techniques. (Cr.3)
251. Global Issues. This course will highlight the interrelatedness of political, economic, ecological, and cultural events as they affect nations, regions, and the global community. The course is designed to illuminate the complex nature of world events and the nature of international studies. (Cr.3)
United States Government
203. United States Government and Politics. An introductory course about the foundation of the U.S. Government, its institutions and how they work, and how individuals, organizations, and corporations participate in the political process leading to public policy. (Cr.3)
303. The United States Congress. Analysis of the dynamics, organization and policy-making processes of the United States Congress: The relationship of legislators to constituents, lobbyists, bureaucrats, the President and one another. (Cr.3)
306. The United States Presidency. Exploration of the institution of the U.S. Presidency-its powers, paradoxes, limitations and responsibilities. Analysis of the Presidential selection process, as well as examination of Presidential leadership in domestic and foreign policy. (Cr.3)
315. State and Local Government in the United States of America. The history and development of federalism in the United States political system, with emphasis on contemporary state and local political institutions and public policy issues. Governmental structures and processes are considered in relation to policy outcomes. (Cr.3)
319. Government and Business: Political Economy. A survey of alternative economic ideologies, the private and public sectors, the interplay between them, and the formulation of economic public policy. (Cr.3)
320. United States Parties, Public Opinion and Voting Behavior. Analysis of the development, organization, and functions of political parties in the United States; the relationship of parties to public opinion, elections, and voter behavior. (Cr.3)
321. Urban Government and Politics. Examination of government and politics in major United States cities and suburbs. Impact of urban political, economic and social elites, labor, ethnic and racial groups, state and federal governments on urban politics and public policy. Analysis of selected urban problems. (Cr.3)
322. Public Administration. The role of bureaucracy in carrying out public policy. The examination of administrative processes with special emphasis on administrative behavior and decision-making. (Cr.3)
323. Constitutional Law: Governmental Powers. Case studies of Supreme Court decisions relating to the powers of the national government and the separate branches; judicial review; federal-state relations; as well as the commerce, taxing, spending, treaty-making and war powers. (Cr.3)
324. Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties. Case studies of judicial decisions on the rights of individuals; first amendment freedoms, equal protection of the laws, rights of defendants. (Cr.3)
405. Special Topics: United States Government and Politics. Course descriptions will be announced when courses are offered. (Cr.3)
412. Seminar: Women in Politics. Feminism as political ideology. The struggles of 19th Century feminists, the suffrage amendment movement and the contemporary women’s movement as political action. Cross-cultural comparisons of the concerns that mobilize women, their attainment of political power, and the impact of their activities on public policy. (Cr.3)
426. Seminar: The Politics of Race, Ethnicity and Class in the United States. The assault by racial and ethnic minorities, the poor and working class on traditional patterns of domination and inequality in U. S. politics. The mobilization of mass movements and their struggle for access to city governments, responsive policies and political power. Their capacity to sustain power at the local level, while attempting to achieve the same at the state and national levels. (Cr.3)
Comparative Politics
309. Comparative Politics. A survey of the institutions, processes and major problems of selected governments in contemporary states. The structures and ideologies of different regimes, the relationship of the individual to the state, and the adaptation of diverse political systems to changing global conditions will be compared. (Cr.3)
330. Government and Politics of Western Europe. A comparative analysis of political institutions and events in Britain, France, Germany, and other West European states, and an examination of their increasing integration through the European Union. (Cr.3)
331. Government and Politics of Russia and Selected Soviet Successor States. Development, structure and functions of Soviet political institutions, with special attention to the role of the Communist Party. Glasnost, perestroika and the disintegration of the U.S.S.R. The new successor republics. (Cr.3)
332. Government and Politics of Central and Eastern Europe. This course explores the remarkable changes in the region from the end of World War II, through the Soviet socialist regimes, to the startling movements for change in 1989, to the still young nations of today. (Cr.3)
340. Government and Politics of Asia. The politics of the leaders, the institutions in which they operate, and the impact their policies have on their citizens as well as the whole Pacific Basin. Particular attention will be paid to China, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and India. (Cr.3)
343. Government and Politics of the Middle East. Comparative study of the political organizations, institutions and groups in the Middle East. Discussion of politics in selected countries, as well as analysis of national and regional conflicts and the roles of the major powers in the area. (Cr.3)
344. Government and Politics of the Caribbean. Comparative study of the politics of selected Caribbean nation-states. Their colonial heritages, political cultures, ideologies, institutions, groups, development strategies (including regional integration efforts), and challenges will be analyzed. (Cr.3)
345. Government and Politics of Latin America. Comparative study of the political organizations, institutions and groups in Latin America. Discussion of politics in selected countries, as well as analysis of national and regional conflicts and change and the role of the United States in the region. (Cr.3)
346. Government and Politics of Africa. Impact of traditional culture, Western colonialism and neocolonialism on contemporary African ideologies, political organizations, institutions and groups. Nation-building strategies for overcoming underdevelopment and dependence. (Cr.3)
348. Government and Politics of the European Union. The evolution of the institutions and policies of the European Community. The primary focus will be to give the student an understanding of the European dynamic and the economic integration of Europe, as well as the obstacles to further political integration. (Cr.3)
412. Seminar: Women in Politics. Feminism as political ideology. The struggles of 19th Century feminists, the suffrage amendment movement and the contemporary women’s movement as political action. Cross-cultural comparisons of the concerns that mobilize women, their attainment of political power, and the impact of their activities on public policy. (Cr.3)
430. Special Topics in Comparative Politics. Course descriptions will be announced when courses are offered. (Cr.3)
440. Seminar: European Politics. The seminar focuses on the government and politics in a selected European country. (Cr.3)
Global Politics
223. Environmental Politics. Analysis of US and global environmental politics and major issues involved in ecological sustainability and development, including resource management, pollution control and climate change.
351. International Relations. Analysis of various factors underlying war, peace, diplomacy, economic policy and other means by which international actors conduct their relations with one another. (Cr.3)
352. International Organizations. The nature, functions, operations and politics of the League of Nations, United Nations, and regional or specialized international bodies. (Cr.3)
353. Technology and Society. How gadgets and techniques, hardware and software, interact with people for better and occasionally for worse, and how governments consider difficult trade-offs in their policy-making. (Cr.3)
357. United States Foreign Policy. Ideology, decision-making processes, instruments and major issues of contemporary United States foreign policy. (Cr.3)
420. Seminar: Conflict Resolution. Analysis of sources of conflict and study of methods of conflict management and resolution at the interpersonal, neighborhood, national and international levels. (Cr.3)
450. Seminar: Politics of International Economics. The interface of governmental authority and politics on the one hand and economics on the other and the outcomes of this relationship in a global political economy and the management of economic change. (Cr.3)
452. Special Topics in International Relations. Course descriptions will be announced when courses are offered. (Cr.3)
455. Seminar: Diplomacy. Survey of development and practices of diplomacy through investigation of negotiation, coercion, crisis, management, diplomatic settlement, and security cooperation among states. (Cr.3)
Political Theory
371. United States Political Thought. Analysis from original sources of major United States political and constitutional writers from colonial times to the present. (Cr.3)
374. Western Political Thought. Introduction to modern Western political theory through an examination of the written dialogue (between philosophers) which has contributed to what we know as the canon on craft and society in the West. (Cr.3)
473. Seminar: Contemporary Western Political Thought. Examination of the major political thinkers who have contributed to the notion of statecraft in the West since WW II. (Cr.3)
Special Programs
212. Wall Street. The interactions among the world’s investors, investment institutions, and various self-regulatory bodies involved in the capital markets. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, hedge funds, derivatives, and many other investment instruments as well as psychological mindsets directing the markets will be investigated. The instructional part of the course will be relieved by field trips for practical, on-the-scene insights into Wall Street operations, employment possibilities, and the stock market’s role in everyone’s life. (Cr.3)
222. Power in the City. Significant buildings and public works are used as historical case studies of personal, interest group, economic or political power in the development of the city. Students must be prepared to walk about five miles over several hours, rain or shine. (Cr.3)
448. Internship. A learning opportunity that combines practical experience, reflection, and writing. Normally available to students who have already taken COOP 402 or 403. A student must apply to the department chair for preliminary approval of a placement with a statement of academic goals, a description of practical activities proposed, and a plan for supervision and evaluation of a written report. Final approval is conditioned on confirmation of placement with the internship setting. (Cr.3)
457, 458. Model United Nations. A hands-on, participatory experience in which students will acquire expertise on a particular country which they will represent at the five-day National Model United Nations Conference in New York City. The UN simulation is designed to reinforce an understanding of the basic principles of the world organization, such as maintaining international peace and security, developing better relations among nations based on respect, equal rights and self-determination of peoples and the adjustment and settlement of international disputes. Prerequisite: GOVT 352 and permission of the instructor. (Cr.3)
490. The Albany Session Internship. Sponsored by the New York State Assembly or Senate. The NY State Legislature semester internship enables students to participate in state government. It includes practical research and administrative experience and two courses on Legislative Politics and Conflict Resolution. Grades are pass/fail. Permission of the department chair and Dean required. Deadline for application is in October. Spring. (Cr.12)
491, 493. Washington Center Semester. Students intern 4 BD days a week in Washington, D.C., take an evening course, attend lectures, participate in field trips and other activities organized by The Washington Center (www.twc.edu). Programs include: Americas Leaders, Congressional Leadership, International Affairs, Law and Criminal Justice, Nonprofit Leaders and several more. Students register for 491 (Washington Center Course), 493 (Washington Center Portfolio), and 6 COOP internship credits. Students wishing to earn 15 credits may take an additional course. Permission of the department chair and Dean required. Fall/Spring/Summer. (Cr.12-15)
492. Washington D.C. Semester Internship. Students intern with the program of a Washington D.C. university like Catholic or Georgetown. They may take other courses at the University to make a full schedule. Permission of the department chair and Dean required. (Cr.3)
494. American University Washington Semester Program. Students spend a semester studying and interning in Washington, D.C., earning 12-15 credits. Program choices include: American Politics, Economic Policy, Foreign Policy, Gender and Politics, International Business and Trade, International Environment and Development, Information Technology and Telecom Policy, Journalism, Justice, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Public Law, and Transforming Communities. Permission of the department chair, Dean and Program Liaison required. Fall/Spring. (Cr.12-15)
449. Independent Study. Individual research and readings under faculty supervision. Permission of the department chair and Dean required. (Cr.3)