Introduction to Political Science
GVPT 100 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: A survey of the basic principles of political science. The objective is to define the main features of primary systems of political economy to understand differing methods of governance and articulate consequences of government actions in a globally interdependent system. Topics include the relationship of political science to the other social sciences; modern democracy, political ideology, and political socialization; the function of public opinion, mass media, interest groups, and political parties; the basic institutions of government and the separation of powers; and the role of international relations and globalization.
Introduction to Political Theory
GVPT 101 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An overview of the main schools of political theory, including democracy, authoritarianism, and alternative theories. The aim is to demonstrate familiarity with important thinkers and major works in the history of political theory; use theoretical language to analyze and critique political behavior and events; identify the strengths and weaknesses of different forms of government; and demonstrate knowledge of crucial concepts (justice, power, authority, the state, social contract, etc.) and their history. Topics include the philosophical foundations of liberalism, socialism, and conservatism and the core political concepts of justice, power, and authority.
American Government
GVPT 170 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: A comprehensive study of government in the United States, including the basic principles of American government and political culture. The aim is to explain the vertical and horizontal structure of the American government and the roles of the three federal branches, bureaucracies, and the state governments; describe the development of the American political system and its impact on the political landscape; and explain the processes of the electoral system, political parties, and interest groups to persuade and influence. Institutions, processes, and public policies are examined from a cross-cultural perspective.
International Political Relations
GVPT 200 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: A study of the major factors underlying international relations, the methods of conducting foreign relations, and the means of avoiding or alleviating international conflicts. The objective is to interact with global communities, contribute to policy formation, analyze differing worldviews, and apply historical and cultural contexts to identify probable outcomes of disputes. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 200 or GVPT 300.
Introduction to Public Policy and Public Administration
GVPT 210 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisite: GVPT 100. An introduction to the study of the administrative process in the executive branch and the structure and function of the federal system. The aim is to apply the mechanisms of policy formulation to the budgetary process, analyze the nature of public personnel policy and the fundamentals of organization theory, and evaluate the impact of new technologies on public organizations. Topics include the organizational structure, the political cultural environment, intergovernmental relations, performance management, social equity, and public administration and public finance administration.
Comparative Politics and Government
GVPT 280 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An introductory study of institutional patterns and trends in a variety of countries with dissimilar governmental styles. The goal is to compare the stages of political development in the modern state system on a spectrum ranging from liberal democracies to authoritarian regimes. Discussion covers ethnic conflict and economic inequality in relation to the success and failure of governmental approaches in solving compelling issues.
Global Political Economy
GVPT 306 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: A study of the relationship between political and economic processes in international affairs. Discussion covers the effect of globalization on the global environment, the economy, world peace, the power of the nation-state, and inequality between nation-states.
International Human Rights
GVPT 308 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Recommended: GVPT 100. An examination of the principles and practices governing human rights from ancient times to contemporary international conventions and U.N. declarations. The aim is to analyze, evaluate, and discuss present national/international pushes for human rights and emancipation. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 308 or GVPT 399Y.
Law, Morality, and War
GVPT 403 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: A study of just war traditions. The objective is to make informed decisions and analyze conflict. Discussions cover the theoretical and practical connections between law, war, and morality.
Global Terrorism
GVPT 406 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An examination of the development of global terrorism and its impact on the international community. The goal is to participate in strategy and policy formulation and implementation, evaluate threats, and assess infrastructures that support global terrorist organizations. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 401A or GVPT 406.
State Terrorism
GVPT 407 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An examination of the use of force and power (terrorism) by states against various populations to advance the interests of their civilization or state. The objective is to apply knowledge of culture, tradition, ideology, and methodology to comprehend state terrorism; analyze risk to national security; and explain how domestic climates and international relationships interact to support state terrorism. Topics include state behavior and norms; state interests, power, and force; application of power and force; and coercion within and among civilizations. Students who have completed GVPT 401B or GVPT 401C may not receive credit for GVPT 407.
Counterterrorism
GVPT 408 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An investigation of counterterrorism (including its historical context), focusing on the evaluation of threats and the formulation of defeat strategies. The aim is to evaluate response strategies, help improve offensive and defensive planning, and construct a defeat strategy for a terrorist threat. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 399H or GVPT 408.
Terrorism, Antiterrorism, and Homeland Security
GVPT 409 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: An expanded study of global terrorism and the impact on the homeland security of the United States in the 21st century. The objective is to investigate the relationship between the evolving terrorism threat environment and its impact on the U.S. homeland. Topics include partners and approaches to detect, defeat, or mitigate terrorism and various ways the nation readies its diverse communities to identify, respond, and protect critical infrastructure. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: GVPT 409 or GVPT 498X.
American Political Theory
GVPT 444 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: A study of the development and growth of American political concepts from the colonial period to the present. The objective is to apply the rule of law to the decision- making process; interpret, apply, and synthesize the concepts of individual rights and collective responsibilities; and evaluate the interconnection between war, peace, and diplomacy.
American Foreign Relations
GVPT 457 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: A study of the principles and machinery of American foreign relations. The goal is to apply historical themes of American foreign policy to contemporary international relations, incorporate tenets of international law into American diplomatic approaches, and inform and influence policy making. Emphasis is on the conduct of the U.S. Department of State and the Foreign Service. Analysis covers the major foreign policies of the United States.
The Presidency and the Executive Branch
GVPT 475 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: A study of the president's influence on legislative matters, the president's function in the executive branch (including domestic and foreign policy), and the president's role in his or her political party. The aim is to analyze contemporary uses of the presidency, evaluate an election strategy, and communicate realities of the presidential office.
Workplace Learning in Government and Politics
GVPT 486A | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisites: 9 credits in the discipline and prior program approval (requirements detailed online at www.umgc.edu/wkpl). The integration of discipline-specific knowledge with new experiences in the work environment. Tasks include completing a series of academic assignments that parallel work experiences.
Workplace Learning in Government and Politics
GVPT 486B | 6 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisites: 9 credits in the discipline and prior program approval (requirements detailed online at www.umgc.edu/wkpl). The integration of discipline-specific knowledge with new experiences in the work environment. Tasks include completing a series of academic assignments that parallel work experiences.
Political Science Capstone
GVPT 495 | 3 Credits
Course Desc: Prerequisites: WRTG 112 and 9 upper-level credits in GVPT coursework. A study of political science that integrates knowledge gained through previous coursework and experience. The aim is to build on that conceptual foundation through integrative analysis, practical application, and critical thinking. Concepts and methods of political science are applied in producing a political, policy, or position paper for a project organization.
