Government Department
Course Descriptions
Scroll down this page to find listings for all courses or use the following links to find a particular class. NOTE: During registration, all courses below are listed with the prefix "GOVT," (i.e., GOVT150W). As often as is possible, links are provided to course syllabi from previous semesters.
150W. Freshman Seminar.
Fall or Spring (4) Staff.
A course designed to introduce freshmen to topics in the study of government. Satisfies the freshman writing requirement.
Syllabi Links:
Clemens (Leadership) - Fall '03
Pickering (Balkans) - Fall '04
Tierney (War & Democracy) - Spring '03
Howard (Race) - Fall '04
Coffey (Presidential Election) - Fall '04
Jorgensen (Southeast Asia) - Fall '04
201. Introduction to American Government and Politics.
Fall or Spring (3) Staff.
An introduction to the American political system, its institutions and processes. Some sections of this course permit enrollment in a lab section (L) to satisfy the major computer proficiency requirement.
Syllabi Links:
Grayson - Spring '03
Coffey - Fall '04
203. Introduction to Comparative Politics.
(GER 3) Fall or Spring (3) Staff.
An introduction to the comparative analysis of political systems. Attention will focus on political processes, such as political socialization, participation, and elite recruitment, and on political institutions, such as party systems, legislatures and bureaucracies. Examples will be drawn from Communist and developing systems, as well as from the more familiar Western countries. Some sections of this course permit enrollment in a lab section (L) to satisfy the major computer proficiency requirement.
Syllabi Links:
Pickering - Spring '04
Jorgensen - Fall '04
204. Introduction to International Politics.
(GER 3) Fall or Spring (3) Staff.
A study of the theory and practice of international politics. The course will consider the international system of states and the bases of national power. Some sections of this course permit enrollment in a lab section (L) to satisfy the major computer proficiency requirement.
Syllabi Links:
Tierney - Fall '03
Ward - Spring '03
Shellman - Fall '03
Dessler - Fall '04
301. Research Methods I.
Fall or Spring (3)
Survey of qualitative and quantitative methods commonly used in empirical political analysis. Emphasis on building skills such as hypothesis testing, inference and causal reasoning.
Syllabus Links:
Tierney - Fall '03
Howard - Spring '04
303, 304. Survey of Political Philosophy.
(GER 7) Fall and Spring (3,3) Stow, Lester.
The course is developed around two themes, the classical tradition and the modern tradition in political philosophy. In the first semester the political works of Plato and Aristotle are taken as the standards of the classical tradition. Selected works of medieval Christian writers are also included. Machiavelli and Hobbes define the modern tradition as this is taken up in the second semester. The works of Locke, Rousseau and Burke complete the course.
Syllabi Links:
Stow (303) - Fall '04
Lester (304) - Fall '04
305. Contemporary Political Philosophy.
(GER 7) Fall or Spring (3) Staff.
An examination of various approaches to political philosophy from the late 19th century to the present.
306. Political Parties.
Fall or Spring (3) McGlennon.
An examination of the electoral, organizational and governmental activities of political parties in the American context. Emphasis will be placed on the decline of parties and the consequences of this decline for American democracy.
307. Political Polling and Survey Analysis.
Fall (3) Rapoport.
Introduction to formulation, implementation and analysis of political and public policy surveys. Topics include the psychology of survey response, sampling, interviewing, focus groups, experimental design, hypothesis testing and data analysis. Students will conduct individual and group survey projects.
311. European Political Systems.
Fall (3) Clemens.
A comparative study of institutions and processes of government in several Western European nations. Historical, cultural, social and economic factors will be given considerable attention.
Syllabus Link: Clemens - Fall '04.
312. Politics of Developing Countries.
Spring (3) Staff.
A comparative study of institutions and processes of government in several non-Western countries. The cultural and historical foundations of government, and the economic circumstances of Third World nations will be emphasized.
324. U.S. Foreign Policy.
Fall or Spring (3) Clemens, Peterson.
A study of American foreign policy with emphasis on the process of policy formulation. Selected foreign policy problems will be considered.
Syllabi Links: Clemens - Fall '04.
325. International Organization.
Spring (3) Staff. Prerequisite: GOVT204.
A study of the development of structures and procedures of international organization, and of methods of pacific settlement of international disputes. Special attention will be given the League of Nations and the United Nations and the successes and failures of these organizations.
Syllabus Link: Rahman - Spring '04.
326. International Law.
Fall or Spring (3) Staff. Prerequisite: GOVT204.
A study of international law governing relations among nation-states in peace and war. Considered are the nature and development of international law, and the relevance of international law to contemporary issues such as recognition, intervention, human rights, diplomatic privileges and immunities, use of force, terrorism, environmental problems and international adjudication.
Syllabus Link: Rahman - Fall '04
327. Intermediate International Relations Theory.
Fall or Spring (3) Dessler. Prerequisite: GOVT204.
A survey of the leading theories and main theoretical debates in the study of international relations with attention to their implications for the study of war and peace.
328. International Political Economy.
Spring (3) Cheng, Staff.
An analysis of the politics and economics of a selected international policy problem or issue, e.g., international trade and protectionism; the domestic management of inflation and unemployment; the relation between economic organization and political power.
Syllabus - Spring '04
329. International Security.
Fall (3) Peterson.
Examines traditional concerns about the use and management of force in the nuclear age, as well as new security problems, such as the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons, environmental issues and the political economy of national security. Syllabus Link:
Peterson - Fall '03
Miller - Fall '04
330. The Politics of European Cooperation.
Spring (3) Clemens. Prerequisite: GOVT204. (Not offered 2004-2005)
The course covers the evolution of the European Community/Union, its basic institutions, and its current policies, including those on trade, currency and security. Major current events and controversies will also be discussed.
Syllabus Link: Clemens - Spring '03.
334. The Politics of Russia.
Fall or Spring (3) Pickering.
This course examines the collapse of the Soviet Union and political change in Russia. Major topics will include democratization, ethnic relations, the construction of new political and economic institutions, and the development of civil society.
Syllabi Links: Pickering - Fall '04.
335. The Politics of Eastern Europe.
Fall (3) Pickering. (Not offered 2004-2005)
This course will focus on political change in Eastern Europe. Using a comparative approach, we will analyze how different states are meeting the specific challenges of post-communist transformation: building new political, economic and social institutions.
Syllabus Link: Pickering - Fall '03
336. Governments and Politics of China and Japan.
(GER 4B) Fall and Spring (3) Staff.
A study of political institutions and political behavior in China and Japan. Emphasis will be placed on dynamic factors of socio-economic and political development in both countries.
Syllabus Link: Hart - Spring '02.
337. Politics in Africa.
(GER 4B) Fall or Spring (3).
This course highlights changes in the state structures from pre-colonial indigenous state systems, colonial administration and economy and the rise of the modern African state.
338. Latin American Politics and Government.
Fall (3) Grayson.
A comparative analysis of the types of government of selected Latin American nations. Appropriate consideration will be given to current conditions and to such problems of general political development as recruitment and socialization, communication and articulation, interest aggregation and decision-making.
Syllabi Links: Grayson - Spring '03.
339. Middle Eastern Political Systems.
(GER 4B) Fall (3) Bill.
An analysis of power, authority and change in the Middle East, defined as the Arab world plus Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Israel. Emphasis is placed upon development, Islam, social stratification, violence and foreign policy.
341. Persian Gulf Politics.
Spring (3) (Not offered 2004-2005)
An analysis of the eight political systems located in the oil-rich Persian Gulf. The course will focus on the clash between tradition and modernity, resurgent Islam and secularism in a pocket of the world where beleaguered traditional leaders struggle to survive in a rapidly changing world.
347. Southern Africa: Politics and Society.
(GER 4B) Spring (3) (Not offered 2004-2005)
This course examines in depth 6-8 countries in southern Africa. The focus is on contemporary political, social, and economic issues in the region. Countries to be covered include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia. Apart from the countries, this course will also examine themes such as democracy, land reform, health, education, diplomacy and civil war.
350. Introduction to Public Policy.
Fall (3) Evans, Howard, Manna.
An introduction to the policy making process in American national government, focusing on the impact on policy of public opinion, the media, interest groups, and governing institutions. Appropriate for freshmen and sophomores.
Syllabus Link: Manna - Fall '04
351. Introduction to Public Administration.
Spring (3) Manna.
An analysis of behavior and decision-making in public administrative agencies. Emphasis will be placed upon the relationship of the administrative process to organizational structure, policies and the social environment.
Syllabus Link: Dunn - Spring '03.
353. The Politics of States and Localities.
Spring (3) McGlennon.
An examination of the institutions and processes of government and politics in American states and localities. Relationships among national, state and local governments will be analyzed in the context of a federal system.
355. Southern Politics.
Fall or Spring (3) McGlennon.
An examination of the influence of historic and demographic trends on contemporary Southern politics. Special attention will be paid to the political distinctiveness of the South, political variations among the southern states, and the relationships between Southern and national politics.
360. The American Welfare State.
Spring (3) Howard. Prerequisite: GOVT201 or GOVT350.
The politics of U.S. social policy in historical perspective. Topics vary by year but usually include retirement pensions, health care, and programs for the poor.
Syllabus Link: Howard - Spring '03.
Return to Top
370. The Legislative Process.
Fall (3) Evans, Gilmour.
An investigation of the legislative process in the United States with emphasis on the United States’ Congress. Internal and external forces influencing legislative behavior will be examined.
Syllabus Link: Evans - Spring '03.
371. The Presidency.
Fall or Spring (3) Staff.
An examination of the politics and policy influence of the American presidency and other executives. Emphasis will be placed upon the legal and political forces which determine and limit the use of executive power.
Syllabi Link: Gilmour - Fall '04
372. American Legal Process.
Fall (3) Nemacheck.
An analysis of law and legal institutions in the United States, the course covers principles of legal reasoning, the relationship between the judiciary and other branches of government, the role of the Supreme Court, and the activity of judges, lawyers and jurors.
Syllabus Link: Nemacheck - Fall '04
373. Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
Spring (3) Nemacheck.
An examination of how legal and political processes have shaped the protections given to individual rights in the American constitutional system. The focus is on Supreme Court decision making and processes of constitutional interpretation.
Syllabus Link: Nemacheck - Spring '04.
381. Human Geography.
Fall or Spring (3) Blouet.
A survey of the content of human geography including population, culture realms, world views, the distribution of agriculture and industry, settlements and human environmental impact.
382. World Regional Geography I. (Not offered 2004-2005)
Fall (3) Blouet.
A study of the physical environment, resources, population and distribution of economic activity in selected industrial countries in Europe, North America and the Pacific Rim. Only one course from Government 382 and 383 may be counted towards a major in government.
384. The Geography of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Fall or Spring (3) Blouet (Not offered 2004-2005).
Examination of the physical environment, resources, population and economic activities in the region together with studies of selected countries.
390. Topics in Government.
Fall or Spring (1-2) Staff.
Selected topics in government. The topic to be considered will be announced prior to the beginning of the semester. May be repeated for credit.
391. Topics in Government.
Fall or Spring (3) Staff.
Selected topics in government. The topic to be considered will be announced prior to the beginning of the semester. May be repeated for credit if topics under consideration are different.
Syllabus Links:
Film & International Relations/Peterson - Spring '03
American Political Thought/Lester - Spring '04
401. Seminar: American Political Thought.
Fall (4) Staff.
Basic problems of political theory will be viewed from the perspective of the American experience.
405. Seminar: Studies in Political Philosophy: Themes and Problems.
Fall or Spring (4) Staff.
An examination of a particular theme or problem such as community, authority, justice, freedom and utopia. May be repeated for credit if topics under consideration are different.
Syllabus Link: Lester - Fall '04.
406. Seminar: Studies in Political Philosophy: Theorists and Movements.
Fall or Spring (4) Staff.
An examination of the work and significance of a particular great political theorist, group of theorists, or major movements, such as Marxism, Utilitarian Reformism, Conservatism. May be repeated for credit if topics under consideration are different.
Syllabus Link: Lester - Spring '04
433. Seminar: Theories of the International System.
Fall (4) Dessler.
A study of systematic approaches and their application to the traditional concerns of international relations theory and practice—power, conflict, order and justice.
435. Seminar: Political Economy of the Newly Industrializing Countries.
Fall or Spring (4) Cheng.
This seminar examines major issues of economic development in Newly Industrializing Countries (NICs). It addresses the interaction between government policies and market forces, between regime dynamics and economic change, and discusses problems in different economic sectors. Course normally focuses on East Asia but may examine other regions.
Syllabus Spring '04
436. Seminar: International Relations of East Asia.
Fall or Spring (4) Cheng.
A study of international relations of East Asia since 1945. Selected problems and issues will be considered.
438. Seminar: Mexican Politics.
Fall or Spring (4) Grayson. Pre-requisite: GOVT203.
Focuses on the evolution of the Mexican Political system from dictatorial rule to single-party authoritarianism to growing pluralism.
454. Seminar: The Politics of Metropolitan Areas.
Fall (4) McGlennon. Prerequisite: GOVT353 or consent of instructor.
An examination of the American political system’s capacity to confront and solve problems of the nation’s urban areas. Historical, economic and sociological factors affecting the political process in urban areas will be considered.
465. Seminar: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior.
Spring (4) Rapoport.
A study of the relationship between opinions and political policymaking, including the characteristics of political opinions, patterns of voting behavior and the importance of leadership.
Syllabus Link: Rapoport - Spring '02.
470. Seminar: Congress and the President.
Fall or Spring (4) Gilmour.
An examination of the strategic interaction between the Congress and the Presidency. Major themes include the balance of power between the two branches, how and why the relative influence of each has shifted during American history, and the constitutional legitimacy of the powers exercised by the Congress and the President.
482. Seminar: Geostrategic Thought.
Fall or Spring (4) Blouet.
The course examines the way western commentators have seen the world from a global strategic perspective over the last century. The works of major theorists from Mahan to Kissinger will be examined.
Syllabus Link: Blouet - Spring '02.
491. Seminar: Topics in Government.
Fall or Spring (4) Staff.
Selected topics in government, the topic to be announced prior to the beginning of the semester. Special emphasis will be given to the active involvement of members of the seminar in individual research projects and the preparation of research papers. May be repeated for credit.
Syllabi Links:
Nemacheck (Supreme Court & Federalism) - Fall '04
Peterson (Domestic Politics & Diplomacy) - Spring '03
Manna (Education Policy) - Fall '04
Miller (Terrorism) - Fall '04
494. Independent Study.
Fall or Spring (3) Staff.
A program of independent study which usually involves extensive reading and the writing of one or more essays. Students must obtain permission from the chair of the department and the faculty member under whom they are to work before registering for this course. Government 494 cannot be used to satisfy the 400-1evel requirement for majors in government and may not be taken more than twice. May be repeated for credit. (For more information, click here.)
495-496. Senior Honors.
Fall, Spring (3,3) Staff. Prerequisite: GOVT301 or GOVT302.
Students admitted to Senior Honors in Government will be responsible for (a) readings and discussion of selected materials; (b) satisfactory completion by April 15 of an original scholarly essay. Government 495 and 496 cannot be used to satisfy the 400-level requirement for majors. For College provisions governing the Admission to Honors, see page 72. For departmental requirements, click here.
498-Internships
Click here
Copyright ©2008 · Arts & Sciences at The College of William and Mary