Government
Faculty
M. Bessette (IRAPP), R. Caric, W. Green, M. Hail (IRAPP), T. Hare, S. Lange (IRAPP), E. Lewis, C. McMichael, J. Masterson, E. Reeves, D. Rudy, M. Sloan (IRAPP), P. Steele
Program Competencies
Students are expected to possess:
- The ability to exhibit knowledge of political conditions within the United States including the working of formal and informal institutions and the role of conflict, special interest, power, and inequities in the policy making process.
- An understanding of the political systems in other countries, the relations between countries, and the functioning of international institutions. This is the basis for comparative study and evaluation of the United States political system.
- The ability to analyze the impact of government policies on social and economic conditions in the United States and other countries.
- The ability to recognize and value the varied nature of the human condition across individuals and culture groups through the practice of political analysis.
- The ability to use methods of political investigation, to conduct original studies, and to present findings from those investigations in written and oral formats.
- The ability to access and use electronic databases, information sites, and various online resources.
Assessment Procedures
Capstone course
Major Field Achievement Test
Preliminary assessment administered in GOVT 289 — Methods in Political Inquiry
Bachelor of Arts
The government major and minor provide students with the opportunity to study political ideas, institutions, and policies. The government faculty offer courses in political thought, American national, state and local government and public law, public administration, comparative government, and international relations. National government internships and seminars are available through the Washington Center. Students who study government usually pursue careers in law, teaching, or government service.
General Education Requirements |
48 |
See general education requirements for the University.
Major
Required Introductory Courses
The following courses are required: |
12 |
GOVT 141 — United States Government |
3 |
GOVT 180 — Introduction to Political Theory |
3 |
GOVT 230 — Introduction to Comparative Politics |
3 |
GOVT 289 — Methods of Political Inquiry |
3 |
Required Advanced Subfield Courses |
12 |
Choose one course in each of the four subfields:
- American Politics (GOVT 305; 320-328; 340-349; 351-359)
- Political Theory (GOVT 310-319)
- Comparative Politics (GOVT 301-304, 329-339)
- International Politics (GOVT 360-369)
Required Advanced Courses
Complete the following: |
9 |
GOVT 499C — Senior Seminar |
3 |
GOVT electives (any 300 or 400 level GOVT course) |
6 |
Total |
33 |
Government majors must write a senior paper in GOVT 499C. Three members of the Government faculty will read the paper. The student must receive a grade of "C" or better on the paper from two of the three faculty members to pass the course.