Courses - Spring 2023
GVPT170
American Government
A comprehensive study of national government in the United States.
GVPT200
A study of the major factors underlying international relations, the causes of conflict and cooperation among international actors, the role of international institutions, the interactions of domestic and foreign policies, and major issues in security, economy and the environment.
GVPT201
Scope and Methods for Political Science Research
Credit only granted for: GVPT100 or GVPT201.
Formerly: GVPT100.
An introduction to empirical research in political science.
GVPT204
Uncertain Partners: US and China in a Changing World
Credit only granted for: GVPT204 or GVPT289J.
Formerly: GVPT289J.
The rapid ascent of the People's Republic of China (PRC) as a major political and economic power has meant that its relationship with the United States has become central in contemporary international politics. To an increasing extent, some of the biggest global challenges--ranging from nuclear proliferation, to climate change, to economic growth--require U.S.-China cooperation if they are to be managed effectively. Yet the U.S.-China relationship is at times turbulent, and its future remains highly uncertain. Will the U.S. and China be able to forge a closer partnership that will enable them to cooperate in dealing with some of the vexing challenges facing the international community? Or are they more likely to drift toward a more adversarial relationship, as China's growing power--and the US reaction--generate a vicious cycle of mutual mistrust? In this class, students will grapple with these questions as they learn about the history of U.S.-China relations, and about many of the current issues facing the relationship.
GVPT206
Appetite for Change: Politics and the Globalization of Food
Credit only granted for: GVPT206 or GVPT289A.
Formerly: GVPT289A.
An overview of the major forces transforming the food system--political, economic, technological, environmental--and the political debates surrounding them.
GVPT241
The Study of Political Philosophy: Ancient and Modern
Examines some of the salient continuities and breaks between the ancient and modern traditions in Western political philosophy.
GVPT273
Introduction to Environmental Politics
An overview of modern environmental philosophy, politics, and policy, exploring environmental politics in the US by way of comparison with other developed and developing countries.
GVPT282
A study of the domestic governmental institutions; processes and problems such as conflict and economic development; and the socio-economic environments that are common to lower-income countries around the world.
This is a GVPT Global Learning offering. For more information click here.
GVPT289K
Special Topics in Government and Politics; International Security & Relations Simulation Lab
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
The student facilitator is Samira Mudd.
This course provides students with an opportunity to practice the application of government and international relations theory and knowledge through simulations. The simulations will be based on real world situations that have or could develop and can be applied to current events such as nuclear weapons usage and proliferation. By participating in such simulations students will learn about risk assessment and how their situational awareness can be improved for responses in real world situations. After running the simulations, students will reflect as a group on decisions individuals and the group made and compare between student groups how endpoints were reached. Participating in this simulation lab will help prepare students for future career paths where policy or research response is required.
This course provides students with an opportunity to practice the application of government and international relations theory and knowledge through simulations. The simulations will be based on real world situations that have or could develop and can be applied to current events such as nuclear weapons usage and proliferation. By participating in such simulations students will learn about risk assessment and how their situational awareness can be improved for responses in real world situations. After running the simulations, students will reflect as a group on decisions individuals and the group made and compare between student groups how endpoints were reached. Participating in this simulation lab will help prepare students for future career paths where policy or research response is required.
A student-led course through Student-Initiated Courses (STICs) @ UMD: http://stics.umd.edu/ Click here to learn more about STICs.
GVPT289U
Special Topics in Government and Politics; Political Comedy: How Laughter Shapes Political Discourse
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
An introduction to various forms of political comedy and its sociopolitical impact in the past and present. The student facilitator is Jacob Toll.
A student-led course through Student-Initiated Courses (STICs) @ UMD: http://stics.umd.edu/ Click here to learn more about STICs.
GVPT306
Global Environmental Politics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT200.
Restriction: Must be in one of the following programs (Government & Politics; Government & Politics: International Relations) ; or permission of BSOS-Government & Politics department.
Focus on three processes of international environmental policy development- identifying problems, negotiating solutions, and implementing agreements- through a range of case studies, including global climate change.
Open to students in the ENSP: Environmental Politics & Policy program.
GVPT317
Mock Trial II: Advanced Trial Advocacy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT217.
Credit only granted for: GVPT317 or GVPT319B.
Formerly: GVPT319B.
Development of trial advocacy skills through participation in practice trials and intercollegiate mock trial competitions. Student may have an opportunity to represent the university in intercollegiate mock trial tournaments, including the National Mock Trial Championships.
GVPT320
Advanced Empirical Research
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT201.
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics or Government & Politics: International Relations program.
Allows students to build on the knowledge of statistical inference they gained from GVPT201. Topics include data collection, data cleaning, data analysis, and data visualization. By the time students complete this class, they will be able to do basic statistical modeling using OLS regression independently.
Students will be required to download statistical package R onto their own laptops and must bring their laptop to every class meeting beginningon February 7.
GVPT331
Courts, Law and Justice
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT170.
An introductory course to the study of law with emphasis on how lawyers and judges think and argue. Topics include, contract law, property, family law, torts, and criminal procedure.
Cross-listed with MLAW358W. Credit only granted for GVPT331 or MLAW358W.
GVPT355
Capstone in International Conflict Management
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT354.
Restriction: Enrollment is restricted to students in the Minor in International Development and Conflict Management; and sophomore standing or higher; and permission of BSOS-Government & Politics department.
Serves as one of the two capstone courses for the Minor in International Development and Conflict Management. Focuses on advanced theory and the practice and profession of international conflict management and is designed to provide students an introduction to, and a chance to engage with, a core set of practical skills relevant to the field.
GVPT356
Prerequisite: GVPT354.
Restriction: Enrollment is restricted to students in the Minor in International Development and Conflict Management; and sophomore standing or higher; and permission of BSOS-Government & Politics department.
Serves as one of the two capstone courses for the Minor in International Development and Conflict Management. Focuses on advanced theory and the practice and profession of international development and is designed to provide students an introduction to, and a chance to engage with, a core set of practical skills relevant to the field.
A Fearless Ideas Course from the Academy for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (AIE): http://ter.ps/iamFEARLESS Click here for more information on the Fearless Ideas Courses.
GVPT368A
Special Topics in Government and Politics; U.S. Foreign Policy and the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with ISRL349F. Credit only granted for ISRL349F or GVPT368A.
Students who attended the course "The United States and Israel: Likely or Unlikely Allies?" (ISRL329N or GVPT368B) may not enroll in this course.
What are the U.S. interests in the Middle East? Who and what defines these interests, or how to pursue them diplomatically and militarily? The Arab/Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a defining feature of the modern Middle East and it unquestionably has a significant impact on U.S. domestic politics and international leadership. Given those realities, this course will examine how U.S. foreign and security affecting the Arab/Palestinian-Israeli conflict is made and how it shapes and determines the realities on the ground, as well as the prospects for its peaceful resolution.
Students who attended the course "The United States and Israel: Likely or Unlikely Allies?" (ISRL329N or GVPT368B) may not enroll in this course.
What are the U.S. interests in the Middle East? Who and what defines these interests, or how to pursue them diplomatically and militarily? The Arab/Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a defining feature of the modern Middle East and it unquestionably has a significant impact on U.S. domestic politics and international leadership. Given those realities, this course will examine how U.S. foreign and security affecting the Arab/Palestinian-Israeli conflict is made and how it shapes and determines the realities on the ground, as well as the prospects for its peaceful resolution.
GVPT368C
Cross-listed with: AAST443, AMST498J.
Credit only granted for: AAST498T, AAST443, GVPT368C or AMST 498J.
Formerly: AAST498T.
Students will gain a greater understanding of 1) the role of Asian Americans in US politics, 2) the political attitudes and behaviors of Asian Americans and 3) how to conduct research on Asian American politics. Though the class will concentrate on Asian Americans, issues related to Asian American politics will be examined within the larger context of America's multicultural political landscape.
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program. Credit only granted for AAST443 or GVPT368C.
Students will gain a greater understanding of 1) the role of Asian Americans in US politics, 2) the political attitudes and behaviors of As Americans and 3) how to conduct research on Asian American politics. Thothe class will concentrate on Asian Americans, issues related to Asian American politics will be examined within the larger context of America' multicultural political landscape
Students will gain a greater understanding of 1) the role of Asian Americans in US politics, 2) the political attitudes and behaviors of As Americans and 3) how to conduct research on Asian American politics. Thothe class will concentrate on Asian Americans, issues related to Asian American politics will be examined within the larger context of America' multicultural political landscape
GVPT368F
Special Topics in Government and Politics; Tzahal: The Israeli Military in State, Society, and its Middle Eastern Context
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with ISRL349G. Credit only granted for ISRL349G or GVPT368F.
This course offers an introduction to general concepts of civil-military relations with a strong focus on the Israeli case. Situating Israel within the Middle East context, the course readings and class discussions will include comparative references to major regional players, such as Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and the Arab Gulf States. The military is a salient feature of all Middle Eastern states; we will explore how Israel both resembles and differs from other states in the region regarding the role of its military and of civil-military relations.
This course offers an introduction to general concepts of civil-military relations with a strong focus on the Israeli case. Situating Israel within the Middle East context, the course readings and class discussions will include comparative references to major regional players, such as Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and the Arab Gulf States. The military is a salient feature of all Middle Eastern states; we will explore how Israel both resembles and differs from other states in the region regarding the role of its military and of civil-military relations.
GVPT368N
Special Topics in Government and Politics; American Jewry and Public Policy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Jointly offered with GVPT368N.
Credit only granted for JWST429M or GVPT368N.
An examination of the contours of American Jewry and its engagement in public policy. Focus will be on historical development, Jewish political thought, organizational and representation structures. Areas of specific concern include Israel and foreign policy, as well as domestic topics, including electoral politics. A number of in- depth case studies will be examined.
Credit only granted for JWST429M or GVPT368N.
An examination of the contours of American Jewry and its engagement in public policy. Focus will be on historical development, Jewish political thought, organizational and representation structures. Areas of specific concern include Israel and foreign policy, as well as domestic topics, including electoral politics. A number of in- depth case studies will be examined.
GVPT368P
Special Topics in Government and Politics; Political Psychology, Israel, and the Middle East
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with GVPT368P. Credit only granted for ISRL329Q or GVPT368P.
What is the role of perceptions and misperceptions in international politics? How do emotions impact policy making processes? Does social psychology matter when analyzing domestic politics or foreign policy? Political psychology is an interdisciplinary academic field dedicated tothe analysis of the nexus between psychological and political processes. This course will identify and employ multiple pertinent political psychology theories to account for Israeli domestic politics and foreign policy as well as other major political events throughout the Middle East.
What is the role of perceptions and misperceptions in international politics? How do emotions impact policy making processes? Does social psychology matter when analyzing domestic politics or foreign policy? Political psychology is an interdisciplinary academic field dedicated tothe analysis of the nexus between psychological and political processes. This course will identify and employ multiple pertinent political psychology theories to account for Israeli domestic politics and foreign policy as well as other major political events throughout the Middle East.
GVPT377
Experiential Learning: Government and Politics Internship Program
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT170.
Credit only granted for: GVPT377 or GVPT388W.
Formerly: GVPT388W.
The application of major concepts of political science to the realities of the political process. The course connects internship experiences with larger themes of political science. Students must be admitted to the GVPT Internship Program.
Students interested in registering for this course must have an internship secured and must apply to the GVPT Internship Program. Required in-person class meetings will take place 6:30pm-9:15pm on the following Wednesdays: February 22, March 29, and April 26.
GVPT388
Topical Investigations
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Permission of Director of Undergraduate Studies required.
GVPT388M
Topical Investigations; Mock Trial Independent Study
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Permission of department.
GVPT388R
Topical Investigations; Race Relations in the U.S. and France
Credits:
2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
This is a GVPT Global Learning offering. The course combines lectures on campus in College Park with a study abroad component in Paris, France from March 17-26, 2023. The on-campus lectures will focus on racial and ethnic politics in the U.S. and France. The goal of the course is to contrast the experiences of racial and ethnic minorities in the U.S. with those in France. It is designed to explore how racial and ethnic groups shape and are shaped by the American and French political systems. Amongthe topics to be covered include the meaning and measurement of race andethnicity, immigration politics, prejudice, and political representation. Students must complete both GVPT388R and the Spring Break study abroad GVPT388O.
GVPT390
Game Theory
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must not have completed ECON414.
Credit only granted for: GVPT399A, GVPT390, CMSC474 or ECON414.
Formerly: GVPT399A.
Introduction to game theory with applications to political science, economics and sociology. Topics include preference theory, expected utility theory, Nash equilibria, subgame perfection, repeated games, folk theorems, and evolutionary stability.
GVPT396
Introduction to Honors Research
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics Honors Program; and must have permission of the Government & Politics Honors Program.
A required course for all honors students designed to emphasize library research, methodology, and writing skills in political science and political philosophy. A written proposal, bibliography and research design for an honors paper required of all students as a final project.
GVPT397
Honors Research
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
Prerequisite: GVPT396.
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics Honors Program.
Individual reading and research. Preparation of an original paper.
GVPT404
Political Economy of Foreign Aid
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Recommended: GVPT200.
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics or Government & Politics: International Relations program.
Credit only granted for: GVPT409R or GVPT404.
Formerly: GVPT409R.
The world spends hundreds of billions of dollars on foreign aid every year. The effects of this aid spending are controversial. Research supports both pessimistic and optimistic views of foreign aid's effectiveness, with little consensus. Where does aid money go? What are the motivations of aid donors? Is foreign aid effective at achieving its goals? Why or why not? This course is designed to survey the promise and the challenges of foreign aid as a policy tool. The first half of the course will focus on the motivations and goals of foreign aid. We will consider various foreign aid donors, such as countries, institutions, and individuals, to understand the motivations behind and effects of foreign aid. We will create a typology of foreign aid agendas, motivations, and donors. The second half of the course will consider the challenges specific to foreign aid. This includes both technical challenges and political challenges. We will consider the strategies that aid donors and organizations have taken to try to overcome these challenges.
GVPT409G
Seminar in International Relations and World Politics; Corporations and the Global Political Economy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT200. Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics or Government & Politics: International Relations program.
The course will examine corporations as political actors in global politics, analyzing power, norms and governance in different issue areas.
The course will examine corporations as political actors in global politics, analyzing power, norms and governance in different issue areas.
GVPT409H
Seminar in International Relations and World Politics; International Relations of the Middle East
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT200. Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics Honors program.
This seminar will evaluate major issues of the international relations of the Middle East and the American role and responses to these issues. The seminar will focus on several post-Cold War cases in American foreign policy, including the 1991 and 2003 Gulf wars, policy toward Iran, American mediation in the Arab-Israeli conflict, responses to the Arab Uprisings, re-emerging competition with Russia, and broader issues such as regional reform and nuclear non-proliferation.
This seminar will evaluate major issues of the international relations of the Middle East and the American role and responses to these issues. The seminar will focus on several post-Cold War cases in American foreign policy, including the 1991 and 2003 Gulf wars, policy toward Iran, American mediation in the Arab-Israeli conflict, responses to the Arab Uprisings, re-emerging competition with Russia, and broader issues such as regional reform and nuclear non-proliferation.
GVPT409W
Seminar in International Relations and World Politics; Southeast Asia in Contemporary Global Politics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program or Government & Politics: International Relations program.
Southeast Asia, home to three major religious cultures and various regime types, is one of the most politically and socially diverse regions of the world. While the region is unique for its diversity, its states face challenges that are common in other parts of the world including globalization; adjusting to the new geopolitical landscape of rising global powers; and external pressure to improve the standards of human rights, the environment and democracy. Given this dynamic political context, this course is designed to give students a greater understanding of the problems and prospects of the region, as well as the ability to assess its efforts to adapt to the changing regional and international environment.
Southeast Asia, home to three major religious cultures and various regime types, is one of the most politically and socially diverse regions of the world. While the region is unique for its diversity, its states face challenges that are common in other parts of the world including globalization; adjusting to the new geopolitical landscape of rising global powers; and external pressure to improve the standards of human rights, the environment and democracy. Given this dynamic political context, this course is designed to give students a greater understanding of the problems and prospects of the region, as well as the ability to assess its efforts to adapt to the changing regional and international environment.
GVPT411
Conflict in the International System
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT200.
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics or Government & Politics: International Relations program.
Credit only granted for: GVPT409P or GVPT411.
Formerly: GVPT409P.
In this course, we will examine conflict, peace, and conflict resolution in contemporary international politics. We will interrogate what we mean by concepts such as peace, conflict, and violence, the different forms that these phenomena can take, and how we can measure their occurrence. We will discuss theoretical explanations for why individuals and groups have disputes, why these actors choose to use violence (or not) in these disputes, and ways in which violent disputes can be resolved peacefully. We will examine these arguments in a detailed study of conflicts in the Middle East, as well as by evaluating published articles that examine the effectiveness of conflict management strategies such as peacekeeping.
GVPT423
Elections and Electoral Behavior
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT241 and GVPT170.
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program.
An examination of various topics relating to elections; the focus includes the legal structure under which elections are conducted, the selection and nomination process, the conduct of election campaigns, and patterns of political participation and voting choice in different types of elections.
GVPT429B
Problems in Political Behavior; Data Analysis for Political Behavior
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT320. Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program.
This course provides an opportunity to think about and to practice the most common statistical methods for doing research on political behavior. A major goal of this course is to provide practice with quantitative methods you have learned in earlier classes and offer additional exposure to statistical software used commonly by employers. Most importantly, the course will provide students with more exposure to what quantitative research on political behavior looks like, how to construct theories, how to assemble evidence, and how to relate theories and evidence through empirical testing.
This course provides an opportunity to think about and to practice the most common statistical methods for doing research on political behavior. A major goal of this course is to provide practice with quantitative methods you have learned in earlier classes and offer additional exposure to statistical software used commonly by employers. Most importantly, the course will provide students with more exposure to what quantitative research on political behavior looks like, how to construct theories, how to assemble evidence, and how to relate theories and evidence through empirical testing.
GVPT429D
Problems in Political Behavior; Theory and Practice of Decision Making
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program.
This class covers normative theories of individual and group decision making. Theoretical results are compared with experimental data to identify common decision errors. Cases and applications are drawn from all social sciences.
This class covers normative theories of individual and group decision making. Theoretical results are compared with experimental data to identify common decision errors. Cases and applications are drawn from all social sciences.
GVPT429I
Problems in Political Behavior; Introduction to Survey Methods in Political Science
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT320. Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program.
A conceptual and practical introduction to the use of surveys in political science: learn the principles behind sampling and weighting, question design, interpretation, and presentation, as well as experiment s, within surveys. Understand how the principles are applied in the study of American politics, comparative politics, and international relations, and apply them to academic questions of students' choosing.
A conceptual and practical introduction to the use of surveys in political science: learn the principles behind sampling and weighting, question design, interpretation, and presentation, as well as experiment s, within surveys. Understand how the principles are applied in the study of American politics, comparative politics, and international relations, and apply them to academic questions of students' choosing.
GVPT432
Civil Rights and the Constitution
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT170 and GVPT331.
Restriction: Must be in one of the following programs (Government & Politics; Government & Politics: International Relations).
A study of civil rights in the American constitutional context, emphasizing freedom of religion, freedom of expression, minority discrimination, and the rights of defendants.
Credit only graned for GVPT432 or MLAW358Y.
GVPT439I
Seminar in Public Law; American Economic Inequality and the Law
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics or Government & Politics: International Relations program.
The United States has one of the highest levels of economic inequality in the developed world. While some level of economic inequality is inherent and even desirable in a capitalistic economy, many scholars believe that the level of inequality that prevails in the United States erodes generalized levels of trust, poisons interpersonal relationships, and ultimately makes it far more difficult to govern a democratic society. This course examines the roots of American economic inequality, with a tight focus on how laws adopted through democratic processes have resulted in a huge transfer of wealth from the hands of the many to the hands of the few.
The United States has one of the highest levels of economic inequality in the developed world. While some level of economic inequality is inherent and even desirable in a capitalistic economy, many scholars believe that the level of inequality that prevails in the United States erodes generalized levels of trust, poisons interpersonal relationships, and ultimately makes it far more difficult to govern a democratic society. This course examines the roots of American economic inequality, with a tight focus on how laws adopted through democratic processes have resulted in a huge transfer of wealth from the hands of the many to the hands of the few.
GVPT439L
Seminar in Public Law; Introduction to Moot Court
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Recommended Prerequisites: GVPT431, GVPT432, and GVPT439B.
Not open to students who have completed GVPT439M Moot Court.
This is an introductory class in appellate advocacy. It will teach you the skills and methods necessary to compete in regional and national Moot Court competitions. In moot courting, students assume the role of advocates in a hypothetical Supreme Court case. You will learn how to identify relevant case law, how to structure an oral argument and how to develop a written brief in the hypothetical case. The semester will conclude with each student arguing the case for his or her "client" before a panel of practicing lawyers and jurists. No prior experience in oral advocacy is necessary.
Students must commit to a virtual moot court practice which will take place in the evening. Contact the instructor for more information.
Not open to students who have completed GVPT439M Moot Court.
This is an introductory class in appellate advocacy. It will teach you the skills and methods necessary to compete in regional and national Moot Court competitions. In moot courting, students assume the role of advocates in a hypothetical Supreme Court case. You will learn how to identify relevant case law, how to structure an oral argument and how to develop a written brief in the hypothetical case. The semester will conclude with each student arguing the case for his or her "client" before a panel of practicing lawyers and jurists. No prior experience in oral advocacy is necessary.
Students must commit to a virtual moot court practice which will take place in the evening. Contact the instructor for more information.
GVPT449E
Seminar in Political Philosophy; Social Philosophy and Political Economy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Also offered as PHPE401. Credit only granted for PHPE401 or GVPT449E.
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program or Government & Politics: International Relations program.
This course examines capitalism and socialism as differing modes of economic production through several different theoretical lenses. We begin by examining capitalism and socialism as they developed historically, by looking primarily at the work of Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Then, we turn our attention to one of the most important debates 20th century economics: to what extent rational economic calculation is possible in a socialist commonwealth. After this we turn our attention to how capitalist and socialist modes of production functioned in practice. We end by turning our attention to the ethics of capitalism and socialism: which mode of economic production is most just?
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program or Government & Politics: International Relations program.
This course examines capitalism and socialism as differing modes of economic production through several different theoretical lenses. We begin by examining capitalism and socialism as they developed historically, by looking primarily at the work of Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Then, we turn our attention to one of the most important debates 20th century economics: to what extent rational economic calculation is possible in a socialist commonwealth. After this we turn our attention to how capitalist and socialist modes of production functioned in practice. We end by turning our attention to the ethics of capitalism and socialism: which mode of economic production is most just?
GVPT449G
Seminar in Political Philosophy; Global Justice
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program; or must be in Government & Politics: International Relations program.
The course begins by laying the foundation for the debate over the scope and limits of global justice, and then examines some topics that arise when thinking globally about justice, such as poverty, the environment and waging war. The course ends by considering the possibility of creating a cosmopolitan framework within which to adjudicate between competing interests in the globalized world.
The course begins by laying the foundation for the debate over the scope and limits of global justice, and then examines some topics that arise when thinking globally about justice, such as poverty, the environment and waging war. The course ends by considering the possibility of creating a cosmopolitan framework within which to adjudicate between competing interests in the globalized world.
GVPT454
Seminar in the International Relations of China
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT200.
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program; and junior standing or higher. Or must be in Government & Politics: International Relations program; and junior standing or higher.
Explores the foreign relations behavior of the People's Republic of China, with focus on the contemporary era.
GVPT456
The Politics of Terrorism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT200.
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program; or must be in Government & Politics: International Relations program.
Credit only granted for: GVPT456 or GVPT459T.
Formerly: GVPT459T.
Examination of the definition, causes and organization of terrorist activity, along with key domestic and international counter- and anti-terrorism responses. Special emphasis on challanges and opportunities to the scientific study of terrorism.
GVPT457
American Foreign Relations
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT200.
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program; and junior standing or higher.
The principles and machinery of the conduct of American foreign relations and an analysis of the major foreign policies of the United States.
This is a GVPT Global Learning offering. For more information click here.
GVPT459C
Seminar in Comparative Politics; Race and Ethnic Politics in Comparative Perspective
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program.
This course examines the multiple ways in which race and ethnicity become meaningful categories shaping political behavior. We will examine how race and ethnicity are socially constructed, why people accept (and sometimes reject) the categories imposed on them, and how categories and identities become drivers of political behavior. The course takes a comparative perspective on identity politics, looking at cases from multiple regions around the world.
This course examines the multiple ways in which race and ethnicity become meaningful categories shaping political behavior. We will examine how race and ethnicity are socially constructed, why people accept (and sometimes reject) the categories imposed on them, and how categories and identities become drivers of political behavior. The course takes a comparative perspective on identity politics, looking at cases from multiple regions around the world.
GVPT459D
Seminar in Comparative Politics; Democracy and Democratization
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT280 or GVPT282 Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program.
This course surveys the big debates about the nature of democracy and democratization. The course is organized around five broad themes: 1) core concepts and definitions of democracies and non-democratic regimes,2) the nature and causes of democratization, 3) democratic principles, 4) democratic forms and institutional variation, and 5) contemporary issuesin democratic politics, including democratic backsliding. Throughout the course, we will be exploring how these different elementsof democracy exist around the world by using cases from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the United States.
This course surveys the big debates about the nature of democracy and democratization. The course is organized around five broad themes: 1) core concepts and definitions of democracies and non-democratic regimes,2) the nature and causes of democratization, 3) democratic principles, 4) democratic forms and institutional variation, and 5) contemporary issuesin democratic politics, including democratic backsliding. Throughout the course, we will be exploring how these different elementsof democracy exist around the world by using cases from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the United States.
GVPT459F
Seminar in Comparative Politics; Politics of India
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Recommended Prerequisite: GVPT280 or GVPT282 Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program.
India has a well-established reputation for violating social science generalizations, -India After Gandhi, by Ramachandra Guha. Starting with its origins as an independent country and over the following seven decades, there has been speculation about whether India would stay united or would sustain its democratic institutions. Yet, in a relatively short period of time of seventy-five years, India's political system has become an example of a consolidated democracy in Asia. This course provides an introduction to the politics of India, with an emphasis on the key actors, institutions, and ideas that have shaped the evolution of Indian democracy and society.
India has a well-established reputation for violating social science generalizations, -India After Gandhi, by Ramachandra Guha. Starting with its origins as an independent country and over the following seven decades, there has been speculation about whether India would stay united or would sustain its democratic institutions. Yet, in a relatively short period of time of seventy-five years, India's political system has become an example of a consolidated democracy in Asia. This course provides an introduction to the politics of India, with an emphasis on the key actors, institutions, and ideas that have shaped the evolution of Indian democracy and society.
GVPT459H
Seminar in Comparative Politics; The Rise and Fall of Communism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics Honors Program.
This course examines the rise and fall of communism both as a utopian theory and institutional practice in the 20th century. We will discuss Communism's main ideological sources, key notions, as well as the most significant events in the dynamics of communism. The course will explain the appeal of revolutionary politics and the role of "true believers" in totalitarian mass movements.
This course examines the rise and fall of communism both as a utopian theory and institutional practice in the 20th century. We will discuss Communism's main ideological sources, key notions, as well as the most significant events in the dynamics of communism. The course will explain the appeal of revolutionary politics and the role of "true believers" in totalitarian mass movements.
GVPT459J
Seminar in Comparative Politics; Regime Types: Democracies and Nondemocracies
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Recommended Prerequisites: GVPT200 and GVPT280 Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program.
This course will address four main themes: 1) regime change from a democracy to an autocracy; 2) regime change from an autocracy to a democracy; 3) democracies becoming less democratic; and 4) autocracies becoming less autocratic.
This course will address four main themes: 1) regime change from a democracy to an autocracy; 2) regime change from an autocracy to a democracy; 3) democracies becoming less democratic; and 4) autocracies becoming less autocratic.
GVPT459K
Seminar in Comparative Politics; Russian Politics: From Lenin to Putin
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Goverment & Politics program.
GVPT459M
Seminar in Comparative Politics; Social Movements
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT200 or GVPT280. Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program.
Discussion-intensive advanced seminar exploring the ways that social movements mobilize, the role of governments and bystanders in shaping that process, and the outcomes that they produce through connecting history, theory, and scholarship to contemporary politics. Special topics include youth movements and campus activism, transnationalism, and violent vs. non-violent strategies.
Discussion-intensive advanced seminar exploring the ways that social movements mobilize, the role of governments and bystanders in shaping that process, and the outcomes that they produce through connecting history, theory, and scholarship to contemporary politics. Special topics include youth movements and campus activism, transnationalism, and violent vs. non-violent strategies.
GVPT461
Local Politics and Government
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT170.
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program; or must be in Government & Politics: International Relations program.
Credit only granted for: GVPT461 or GVPT479L.
Formerly: GVPT479L.
An introduction to local government and politics in the U.S. context. The course explores the evolution of local jurisdictions, particularly cities, and the politics of local level decision making.
GVPT475
The Presidency and the Executive Branch
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT241 and GVPT170.
Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program; and junior standing or higher.
An examination of the U.S. presidency in historical and contemporary perspective: nomination and electoral politics and the president's place in policy-making, administration, and public opinion.
GVPT479B
Seminar in American Politics; Black Politics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT170. Restriction: Must be in Government & Politics program.
The purpose of this course is to assist students in gaining an understanding of the relationship of people of African descent in the United States to the political system and other structures of power. We critically engage several themes/topics including Black political philosophies and ideologies, electoral politics, Black and mainstream political institutions, political behavior and psychology, gender politics, and public policy. We will also analyze and discuss the informal political spaces that serve as sites for Black politics including social media, entertainment, and pop culture.
The purpose of this course is to assist students in gaining an understanding of the relationship of people of African descent in the United States to the political system and other structures of power. We critically engage several themes/topics including Black political philosophies and ideologies, electoral politics, Black and mainstream political institutions, political behavior and psychology, gender politics, and public policy. We will also analyze and discuss the informal political spaces that serve as sites for Black politics including social media, entertainment, and pop culture.
GVPT479H
Seminar in American Politics; Power, Representation and Public Policy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in the Government & Politics Honors program. Many classes focus on a narrow aspect of the American political system such as Congress, courts, or voter behavior. All of these are important topics, but for many their importance lies in their connection to broader processes of representation and policy-making. In this class we will survey many topics as they bear upon these two broader themes: who makes policy and who is represented? Readings include both classics and recent studies reflecting differing approaches to scholarship.
GVPT605
Introduction to Conflict and Cooperation in the World Economy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT604.
Restriction: Must be in the International Relations Master's program; or permission of Government and Politics department.
This seminar examines major theoretical approaches and empirical studies of international political economy, contemporary dynamics of globalization, the role of domestic politics in the formation of foreign economic policies of states, the dynamics of international trade and investment disputes, and role of international institutions in multi-lateral governance of the world economy. The focus is on developing an understanding of central debates in the literature and primary empirical findings from quantitative and cross-national analyses that are of policy relevance.
GVPT606
Introduction to International Institutions and International Law
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT604.
Restriction: Must be in the International Relations Master's program; or permission of Government and Politics department.
This seminar examines major theoretical approaches and empirical studies of international law and institutions relating to international political economy and international security. Topics to be covered include the sources of international law and the development of core legal principles in the post-WWII ear, the role of international economic institutions such as WTO, IMF, and World Bank in the global economy, and the influence of international institutions such as the UN Security Council, World Court, and International Criminal Court in addressing international security issues. Larger questions about the effectiveness of the WTO, Laws of War, and International Human Rights Law will be considered. The focus is on developing an understanding of central debates in the literature and primary empirical findings from quantitative and cross-national analyses that are of policy relevance.
GVPT621
Coding in Statistical Software
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Must be in the Applied Political Analytics Master of Science program; or permission of department.
Introduction to different statistical software packages used in empirical political research. Instruction to beginner and intermediate programming in STATA and R.
GVPT624
National Security and International Relations
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Must be in the Applied Political Analytics Master of Science program; or permission of department.
Introduction to key areas of research in national security and international relations. Students will learn the major approaches to empirical research on national and international security and work with datasets focused on terrorist attacks and civil conflict.
GVPT685
Voting, Campaigns, and Elections
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg
Restriction: Must be in the Applied Political Analytics Master of Science program; or permission of department.
Introduction to the theoretical and empirical research on political participation, campaigns, and elections. By gaining an understanding of the literature and working with a variety of data sets, including surveys and voter history files, students will be equipped to carry out their own research on these topics.
GVPT722
Advanced Quantitative Methods For Political Science
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: GVPT622; or permission of instructor.
Introduction to multivariate analysis. Elementary matrix algebra, multiple linear and curvilinear correlation and regression, analysis of variance, canonical correlation and regression, discriminant analysis, and several types of factor analysis.
GVPT729B
Special Topics in Quantitative Political Analysis; Applied Social Data Science
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Must be in Government and Politics PhD program.
Data science is a rapidly evolving field where new data and methods are continuously developed, updated and shared. The objective of this class is to train students in continuous self directed and collaborative learning approaches. The content of the class consists of several data science modules. All of the modules teach a common foundation for continuous self directed methods training. Common components within each module include the development of a strategy to find and gather the most appropriate data for the analytical task at hand, the selection and use of appropriate methods (including programming language, software and packages, algorithms and statistics, and troubleshooting code) for the analysis of that data, and the storing and sharing of the data. Students will apply the analytical techniques taught in the class to research problems with real world implications.
Data science is a rapidly evolving field where new data and methods are continuously developed, updated and shared. The objective of this class is to train students in continuous self directed and collaborative learning approaches. The content of the class consists of several data science modules. All of the modules teach a common foundation for continuous self directed methods training. Common components within each module include the development of a strategy to find and gather the most appropriate data for the analytical task at hand, the selection and use of appropriate methods (including programming language, software and packages, algorithms and statistics, and troubleshooting code) for the analysis of that data, and the storing and sharing of the data. Students will apply the analytical techniques taught in the class to research problems with real world implications.
GVPT729Q
Special Topics in Quantitative Political Analysis; Quantitative Analyses of International Political Economy and International Security
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
GVPT771
Seminar in American Political Behavior
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
This is the core seminar in American political behavior. The course will deal with prominent theoretical and empirical issues in the areas of voting, public opinion, political participation and other aspects of political behavior in the American context.
GVPT799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
GVPT803
Seminar in International Political Organization
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Restriction: Must be in Government and Politics PhD program.
An overview and critical analysis of contemporary theory on international organizations and global governance.
GVPT808C
Selected Topics in Functional Problems in International Relations; Prospectus Seminar
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
GVPT808I
Selected Topics in Functional Problems in International Relations; The Impact of International Economics and Security on Developing Countries
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
GVPT831
Formal Theories of Politics I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Survey of major formal theories of politics, with emphasis on those theories based on the assumptions of rationality. The theory of public goods, game theory, coalition theory, and the theoretical properties of voting systems.
GVPT849
Readings in Government and Politics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
GVPT870
Interest Groups Politics in the United States
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Recommended: GVPT770.
The theory and practice of interest group politics in the United States.
GVPT879R
Topics on International Security; Research Design and Analysis in International Relations
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
GVPT888A
Selected Topics in Comparative Governmental Institutions; Authoritarianism
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
GVPT898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits:
1 - 8
Grad Meth:
Reg
GVPT899
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
S-F
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