2024-2025 Academic Catalog
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
The department offers courses leading to degrees in Political Science and International Studies. These courses provide understanding of political systems, forms of government, international relations and other political processes throughout the world. Political science courses also offer preparation for careers in government, business, nonprofit/nongovernemnt organizations, law, politics, and education.
The general option encourages students to take courses in all of the subfields of political science, including political theory, comparative politics and government, U.S. politics and government, international relations, and research methodologies and methods. This permits students to describe, analyze, and evaluate governments, public policies, and political processes, systems, and behaviors, locally, nationally and globally. Students choosing this option pursue careers in government, nongovernmental organizations, business, education, law, policy analysis, and politics.
The Legal Studies option allows students to explore values, ideas, and reasoning linked to public law, its design, and its impact, preparing them for law school, graduate work in public policy fields, and a range of endeavors in and outside of governments. The option is not intended to be a pre-law program, although students hoping to attend law school may enroll for the option and may well benefit from its achievement.
This option is intended to help students understand policy making in relation to the national security of the United States. Students are directed toward courses in foreign and military policy and the presidential and congressional branches of U.S. government.
This option allows students to think critically about rights, inequality, justice, interests, and exploitation. Students link courses in political theory, public policy, and politics to social justice in government, corporate, and civil society settings.
This option allows students to engage in more vocationally-labelled training in Political Science with an emphasis on policy studies. Students can apply their knowledge and skills to jobs in different government agencies as well as in graduate programs in Political Science, Public Administration and Policy, Public and International Affairs, or law.
The requirements to earn a minor in Political Science, International Studies, International Public Policy, International Relations, National Security and Foreign Affairs, Global Engagement, or Integrated Security can be found on the specific checksheets available on the University Registrar's website.
The Department of Political Science offers majors in Political Science, International Studies, International Relations, International Public Policy, and National Security and Foreign Affairs. Courses for the majors overlap significantly. Therefore, students majoring in Political Science may not double major in International Studies, International Relations, International Public Policy, or National Security and Foreign Affairs.
The department provides advisors to help students understand and meet degree requirements. Career counseling also is available in the department, as is advising for students interested in attending graduate or law school after graduation from Virginia Tech.
The department arranges academic credit for internships in state, local, and federal governments, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate settings. The department's internship program offers students a chance to gain career-related experience in a wide variety of organizations. Information on these opportunities can be obtained from the internship director.
To provide opportunities for informal association of faculty and students, the department sponsors the Political Science Club; a chapter of Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law honor society; a chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national honor society in political science; the International Relations Organization, and other student organizations such as Model United Nations. Information about these activities, as well as about any other aspect of the department, may be obtained from the department chair, advisors, or the department office.
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the Curriculum for Liberal Education (see Academics chapter in this catalog), toward the department's general education requirements, and toward the degree in Political Science.
Satisfactory progress toward the B.A. in political science requires completion of PSCI 1014 Introduction to United States Government and Politics, PSCI 1024 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics, and PSCI 2024 Research Methods in Political Science within the first 60 credit hours attempted. Students must also maintain an in-major GPA of 2.0 and must achieve a minimum grade of C in both PSCI 1014 Introduction to United States Government and Politics and PSCI 1024 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics.
Virginia Tech offers a variety of study abroad programs.
Departmental Honors Courses are occasionally offered by the Political Science Department. Political Science majors are encouraged to apply for the Honors College if they meet Honors College application eligibility requirements. Visit www.honorscollege.vt.edu for more information.
Chair: Timothy W. Luke
University Distinguished Professor: T. W. Luke
Edward S. Diggs Professor in the Social Sciences: E. Weisband
Professors: F. Debrix, K. M. Hult, F. Jalalzai, B. Koch, M. Moehler, I. Stivachtis, and L. Zanotti
Associate Professors: P. C. Avey, A. F. Brantly, M. Caraccioli, C. Daggett, P. Dixit, C. E. Jewitt, K. E. Kitchens, D. J. Milly, W. D. Moore, S. G. Nelson, B. Pula, and A. J. Scerri
Assistant Professors: B. S. Binev, L. Frost, D. A. Gibbs, B. Gill, N. Goedert, D. Poets, A. Reeves, C. Suong, and F. Wendt
Collegiate Assistant Professors: B. S. Faulkner and C. I. P. Thomas
Academic and Professional Faculty: C. A. Hankinson and J. A. Hanratty
Emeritus Faculty: R.C. Rich, R.D. Shingles, C.L. Taylor, and C.E. Walcott
Postdoctoral Associate: B. Barros
Internship Directors: C. I. P. Thomas (231-2855)
Introduction to world and American ethnic and indigenous cultures and to social constructions of human and group identity, nationalism and extreme ethno-nationalism. History of the political, economic, and cultural transition from primordial communities to sovereign states. Introduction to the rise of racism, sexism, ethnicism, classism, nativism, xenophobia, etc. in modern societies and episodes of mass political violence including ethnic cleansing and genocide.
Introduction to government and politics of the United States, the Constitution, and various institutional designs and structures. Focus on political culture, interest groups, voting franchise, political parties, and elections. Roles and responsibilities of Congress, bureaucracy, Presidency, and federal courts; Discussion of selected current policy issues and implications of diversity of elected representatives.
Introduction to government and politics of the United States, the Constitution, and various institutional designs and structures. Focus on political culture, interest groups, voting franchise, political parties, and elections. Roles and responsibilities of Congress, bureaucracy, Presidency, and federal courts; Discussion of selected current policy issues and implications of diversity of elected representatives.
Government and politics of selected countries in the world: the necessity for government; the nature of politics and governmental systems; specific types of political systems; the effects and consequences of institutional designs; linkages of people and governments through political parties, interest groups, and social movements; current political issues.
Introduces students to the fields of International Studies and Political Science and their respective subfields. Familiarizes students with the undergraduate programs in International Studies and Political Science and emphasizes student preparation for careers in the respective fields. Focuses on inquiry, problem-solving, and integration of ideas and experiences with a focus on International Studies and Political Science. Familiarizes students with the basic principles of the research and writing principles.
Interdisciplinary introductory course explores how food shapes and is shaped by culture and society. Examines how people use food to express meanings (e.g., via foodways, story, art, architecture, religion, ethical codes), how food options, practices, and inequities are shaped by social structures (e.g. cultural and legal norms regarding race, class, and gender), and how the material properties of food (e.g., chemical, ecological, technological) are linked to identities, ideological commitments, and historical moments.
Multidisciplinary analysis of core issues and topics in transatlantic studies. Origins and evolution of transatlantic interactions. Historical, political, economic, cultural (including language and literature), civilizational, religious, and societal ties binding Europe and the Americas. Basic research techniques and evaluation of sources.
Examination of the impact of culture in world politics. Topics under examination include: culture and global diversity; culture, identity, and order in world politics; international conflict and intercultural relations. Extensive use of case studies. May be repeated twice with different content for a maximum of three (3) credits.
Examines central themes involved in the practices of normative political theory. Topics will include critical review of the historical origins, established traditions, and major themes in normative political thinking.
Introduction to research in political science; formulation of theory, operationalization and measurement, gathering, analysis and interpretation of data.
Geographical dimensions of global conflicts, international management of conflicts, conflicts of differences, historical, ideological, failed states and resources will be examined. Background to conflicts, current status of conflicts, different points of view in conflict. Topics in the course will change as the geography of global conflict changes.
Explores the history of food production and processing relative to the commencement or continuation of conflict. Examines why and how wars have been fought over economic policies, food trade and control of food supplies. Examines efforts to protect food and water supplies from intentional contamination and acts of terrorism. Focus on food products and the preservation, processing and distribution technologies that arose from war and conflict.
An introduction to the prevalent methods and theories in the study of world politics. Topics include: historical context of contemporary world politics, global actors and power relations, conflict and conflict resolution, international law, and contemporary global issues.
Introduction to theories and methods in the study of global political economy. Topics include: historical origins, comparative advantage, the factor endowment trade theory, the gold standard, economic nationalism, the Great Depression, the Bretton Woods System, Keynesianism, the Nixon shocks, international organizations, monetary governance, the Great Recession, poverty and underdevelopment, and contemporary challenges of income inequality within and among economies.
Explores the roles of law and legal institutions within the United States. Focuses on structures and procedures of government from a constitutional perspective; the politics of law-making and law-enforcement by legislative, executive, and judicial institutions; and relationships between law and society.
A historical and comparative study of states systems (i.e, ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary states system). Emphasis on the globalization of the European states system, its various aspects (political, economic, cultural, religious, civilizational, and technological) and its implications for contemporary world order (i.e., the question of human equality and the impact of colonialism and post-colonialism on the question of social, political, and economic justice).
Examination of the politics, economics, culture, society, population patterns, and history of individual European countries. Impact of individual European states’ domestic affairs on their respective European sub-regions and Europe as a whole. Analysis of intra-European regional developments. Examination of differing country perspectives on European integration.
Examination of transatlantic political, security and economic institutions, such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Impact of domestic politics and external policies on the operation of transatlantic institutions. US-European relations and their impact on transatlantic institutions and European security. Bilateral political links between European and North America States (i.e., the UK-US- Canada, and France-Canada) and their impact on transatlantic relations and European security.
Geographical dimensions of the global economy since World War II. Globalization and the emergence of a new international division of labor. The relative decline of the United States and the growth of Japan, East Asia and the European Union. Changing geographies of foreign direct investment location. Places and regions in geo-economic discourse. Population and resources issues in the early twenty-first century.
Introduction to multiple analytical perspectives on contemporary security environments, including political, legal, ethical, technical, environmental and historical and cultural perspectives relative to the conception, design and implementation of security solutions, practices, and policies. Emphasizes applying and analyzing the effectiveness of diverse procedures, tools and policies used in security and privacy solutions, decision-making, risk management and operational policy to mitigate local, national, international and global threats.
Europe: as an idea, as a place, as a space, and as a political entity. Basic knowledge of Europe’s historical physical environments, political geography, population distribution, varied cultures, and economic development. Cultural variations and their implications on settlement patterns, political divisions, and economic patterns and processes.
Investigation of religion and politics as distinct categories in different times and places. Analysis of episodes from both past and present in which religion and politics have come together, or have been kept apart. Examination of the roles religion and politics play in the modern world and how they impact the lived experience of diverse populations both in the United States and throughout the world.
Designed to teach students how to synthesize skills and information learned in their Political Science and International Studies classes. Exploration of various career options, graduate school options, and proper procedures for seeking and applying for employment and graduate school. Introduction to professionalism in the workplace and professional development in the area of political science and international studies. Junior Standing.
Analysis of the fundamental ideas in the history of political theory. 3015: The thought and ethical implications of philosophers from the ancient Greeks to early modern times. Analysis of writings from Plato through medieval theorists to those of the Seventeenth Century. 3016: The thought and ethical implications of philosophers from the late Seventeenth Century to the present. Analysis of key concepts in the thought of theorists from the early modern period until the present.
Analysis of the fundamental ideas in the history of political theory. 3015: The thought and ethical implications of philosophers from the ancient Greeks to early modern times. Analysis of writings from Plato through medieval theorists to those of the Seventeenth Century. 3016: The thought and ethical implications of philosophers from the late Seventeenth Century to the present. Analysis of key concepts in the thought of theorists from the early modern period until the present.
Role of the discipline of geography in the origins, procedures, and history of CIA. Role of the CIA in providing national intelligence at both strategic and operational levels. Origins and changes to the CIA since WWII. Capabilities to support both policy-makers and national security entities. Case studies illustrating the CIAs operations in different regions of the world.
Introduces students to theoretical, technological, and policy debates in Internet governance. Topics include multistakeholder governance, cybersecurity and cybercrime, network investigative techniques, data protection, vulnerability disclosure, use of anonymity-granting technologies, network neutrality, virtual currencies, big data, algorithmic bias and decision-making, politics of the domain name system, privacy, free expression, cross-border dispute resolution, data ownership, and challenges to state authority.
Introduction to dual-use anonymity-granting technologies such as the Dark Web. Covers open source threat intelligence as a technique to assess trends and trajectories in anonymous online content. Substantive topics include the use of Dark Web technologies for political expression in repressive regimes, anonymity and privacy protection in an age of big data as well as the misuse of these tools for doxing, trolling, and the creation of illegal markets for drugs, guns, malicious software, human trafficking, and child abuse imagery. Junior Standing
Focuses on how scholars, pundits, citizens, and policymakers think about food on local, national, and global scales. Explores various ways of producing, distributing, and consuming food and how they are implicated in specific organizations of power and possibility. Examines how food, and the discourses surrounding food, help structure understandings of a variety of issues, such as identity, property, labor, gender, race, responsibility, and death.
Introduces the various theoretical approaches to security. Examines key concepts in the field of Security Studies, such as uncertainty, polarity, war, coercion, terrorism, intelligence, genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic conflict, and human security.
Explores various theoretical approaches to security and discusses traditional and non-traditional security issues. Focuses on global, international and regional security challenges and examines alternative strategic and tactical solutions for addressing them.
Selected world problems and how they affect various countries and regions. Each semester, a topic will be chosen. 3115: World problems in a global or regional context. 3116: World problems in a European context. 3115 and/or 3116 may be repeated for a combined maximum of 9 credit hours.
Selected world problems and how they affect various countries and regions. Each semester, a topic will be chosen. 3115: World problems in a global or regional context. 3116: World problems in a European context. 3115 and/or 3116 may be repeated for a combined maximum of 9 credit hours.
Introduces students to the field of Intelligence Studies. Focuses on the structure, role and capabilities of the U.S. intelligence community and investigates the relationship between intelligence and national security strategy. Addresses topics pertaining to data collection and intelligence analysis, covert operations and counterintelligence. 3125: Intelligence and National Security. 3126: The Intelligence Process.
Introduces students to the field of Intelligence Studies. Focuses on the structure, role and capabilities of the U.S. intelligence community and investigates the relationship between intelligence and national security strategy. Addresses topics pertaining to data collection and intelligence analysis, covert operations and counterintelligence. 3125: Intelligence and National Security. 3126: The Intelligence Process.
Focuses on the causes, legal and moral constraints, impacts, and consequences of conflict and war. Explores historical and contemporary cases of conflict and war and investigates the role of state and non-state actors in these conflicts. Examines the impact of technology, religion, culture and identity on the present and future of war.
3135: Analyzes the theory and practice of conventional warfare and investigates how strategic thought has influenced and shaped modern warfare. 3136: Examines the theory and practice of irregular warfare and focuses on the theory and practice of counterinsurgency and counterterrorism.
3135: Analyzes the theory and practice of conventional warfare and investigates how strategic thought has influenced and shaped modern warfare. 3136: Examines the theory and practice of irregular warfare and focuses on the theory and practice of counterinsurgency and counterterrorism.
Examines the norms, institutions, practices and processes developed by the international community to address global problems such as poverty, pandemics, global warming, displaced persons and transnational crim. Utilizes theories of decision- and policy-making and investigates the role of states, international governmental and non-governmental organizations, coalitions and corporations in global public policy-making.
Examines in depth selected global public policies pertaining to health, energy, development, education, refugees or labor. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of nine (9) credits.
Focuses on the operations of global trading system and its structure, theories of trade in international political economy, world trading powers and international and regional trade international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the European Union (EU), the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMC), European Union (EU), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and their policies.
3165: International Trade - Focuses on the operations of global and regional international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the European Union (EU), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and examines their policies and regulations. 3166: International Finance- Focuses on the operations of global and regional international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, the European Union (EU), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and examines their policies and regulations.
3165: International Trade - Focuses on the operations of global and regional international organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the European Union (EU), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNIDO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and examines their policies and regulations. 3166: International Finance- Focuses on the operations of global and regional international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, the European Union (EU), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and examines their policies and regulations.
Focuses on the evolution the operations of global and structure of regional international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, the global financial and monetary order. Theories of the global and monetary system in international political economy, the structure of world finance, international financial institutions, the rise of new financial powers in the world economy, central banking, monetary and financial regulation and financial crises and policy responses.
3175: The Politics of Development - Examines issues and politics of the developing world and investigates the forces that promote or cut off economic development in low-income countries. Discusses development issues in various world regions. 3176: Economic Development - Emphasizes economic development and focuses on domestic and international policies aiming at addressing poverty in the developing world.
3175: The Politics of Development - Examines issues and politics of the developing world and investigates the forces that promote or cut off economic development in low-income countries. Discusses development issues in various world regions. 3176: Economic Development - Emphasizes economic development and focuses on domestic and international policies aiming at addressing poverty in the developing world.
Introduces the field of human security and examines the conceptual, theoretical and methodological issues surrounding it. Identifies the relevant human security actors, explores the tools of human security, and discusses the application of human security. Investigates the implications of human security and discusses its future.
Examines the fundamentals of nuclear strategy and investigates the politics associated with the acquisition and proliferation of nuclear weapons. Focuses on nuclear doctrines and policies and explores international efforts associated with nuclear arms control and disarmament. Analyzes the nuclear postures of various nuclear states.
Levels and types of political participation; reasons for participation; who participates and why; effects of political activity on political processes.
Sources and distribution of public opinion; measurement of public opinion; relationships between public opinion and public policy; institutions linking public opinion to government decisions.
Voting, elections, and support for political parties and party leaders in the United States and other Western democracies; impact of economic conditions on political support and patterns of realignment and dealignment.
Distribution of political information; elite-mass communication; alternative models of political communication; communication and telecommunications policy.
Explore the role of the mass media in contemporary American politics by examining the development of media as sources of social and political influence. Study of news organizations, their coverage of electoral and issue campaigns, and their impact on candidates and voters. Includes the role of new technologies in campaigns. Pre: Junior Standing.
Studies the status and political behavior of selected political minorities. 3255: compares African-, Mexican- and Native-Americans. 3256: examines diverse political responses to traditional gender roles, current gender issues, and the unique gender problems facing people of color.
Studies the status and political behavior of selected political minorities. 3255: compares African-, Mexican- and Native-Americans. 3256: examines diverse political responses to traditional gender roles, current gender issues, and the unique gender problems facing people of color.
Development, organization, activities, and personnel of political parties; citizens partisan attitudes and behavior; origins, characteristics, stability, and changes of party systems.
Congressional structure; organization and procedure; characteristics of members of Congress; Congressional elections; decision-making and external influences; change and reform.
Election, institutionalization, staffing, relations with Congress, and the bureaucracy; initiation and implementation of public policy.
Structure and functions of American legal institutions; participants in the process, impact of legal institutions on society.
Critical examination of major global environmental problems from a humanities perspective, including international community responses to global environmental problems such as global warming, atmospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, tropical deforestation, toxic waste. Actions by key actors in the international community to develop solutions. Relationship of justice, fairness, equality, and diversity to political questions of power or authority. Pre: 3 credits of Critical Issues in a Global Context.
Power and authority of president, Congress, and courts; division of powers between states and federal government.
Civil rights and liberties; rights of criminal defendants; competing conceptions of constitutional rights.
Critical and humanistic perspectives of energy and its global problems. Politics and ethics of fuel extraction, distribution, and consumption across cultures and histories. Energy narratives, discourses, and aesthetics in the formation of political identities. Energy and the rise of modern democracy and global capitalism, with an emphasis on the energy dimensions of climate justice. Pre: Junior Standing.
Theories and politics of international migration. How policies in destination, transit, and origin countries influence migration. Why governments adopt the migration policies they do. Impacts of global, regional, and national politics and policies on migration among countries.
Theories of citizenship applied across levels of government. Comparative policies for political, social, and military inclusion. Explanations for variations in policies supporting citizenship and inclusion across countries. Explanations for differences among immigrants’ political inclusion across countries.
The role and context of public administration in the contemporary United States, administrative organization and decision-making, public finance, human resources administration, and program implementation.
Institutions, functions, and policies of state, county, and municipal governments in the U.S.; issues confronting these governments in the federal system.
Basic concepts of urban politics; governmental structures, policy processes, and political conflicts in U.S. cities, policy options for coping with urban problems.
The legal context of the exercise of discretion by public administrators in the United States. Adjudication and rule- making; access to administrative processes and information; legislative and judicial control of administration.
Introduction to the political systems of Latin American countries, including legislative-executive relations, interest groups, political parties, electoral systems, political violence, and socio-political development.
The government and politics of selected European states and of the European Union. 3515: normally includes the United Kingdom. 3516: normally includes Germany and Hungary.
The government and politics of selected European states and of the European Union. 3515: normally includes the United Kingdom. 3516: normally includes Germany and Hungary.
Institutions, party structures, political economy, elite politics, ethnic conflicts, leadership dynamics, and mass political behavior in Russia and other post-communist political systems.
Survey of major concepts and themes in the study of African politics and development: analyses of the state, political institutions, social forces, democratization, sustainable development, issues of contemporary African politics.
This course provides a survey on the political history of the State of Israel and highlights major themes uniquely characterizing the specific events surrounding its establishment and its first 50 years of existence. Additionally, the course will add a comparative dimension by using the political history of Israel as a case study to discuss major themes in political science such as democracy, government, political economy, etc.
Economic policies and collective choice processes of pre-industrial, industrializing, and advanced industrial states; problems and crises of industrial development, economic distribution, and technological transfer in the transition from an agrarian to advanced industrial society.
Historical origins, political processes, and institutional outcomes of violent political change, rising from mass protest movements, revolutionary organization, military coups, and radical political parties.
Introduction to governmental institutions, patterns of political organization and behavior, and key policies of the Japanese political system.
Introduction to governmental institutions, political behavior, and social and economic policy approaches of China and other selected countries in the Asian region.
Government and politics of Middle Eastern states. Religion, culture and society in the Middle East. Nationalism and Middle East politics. Regional conflicts and regional security. International relations of the Middle East. Great powers and Middle East politics. May be repeated twice with different content for a maximum of nine (9) credits.
Structure and development of the modern international system; theories of international politics; international law; international organizations.
Structure and development of the modern international system; theories of international politics; international law; international organizations.
Focuses on actors, issues, and processes pertaining to foreign policy formulation and implementation. Examines theoretical and historical perspectives on foreign policy analysis. Investigates the national security, foreign policy, and diplomacy nexus. Discusses types of diplomacy and diplomatic methods.
3625: Formulation of American foreign policy; roles of the President, Congress, press, public, and bureaucracy; central themes, issues, and problems of American diplomacy; 3626: Development and operational practices of Russian foreign policy decision-making in the international environment; party and state political institutions; Marxist-Leninist ideology.
3625: Formulation of American foreign policy; roles of the President, Congress, press, public, and bureaucracy; central themes, issues, and problems of American diplomacy; 3626: Development and operational practices of Russian foreign policy decision-making in the international environment; party and state political institutions; Marxist-Leninist ideology.
Identification, articulation and clarification of the relationship between human rights and other contemporary international phenomena, issues, events, and processes that affect human rights. Detailed consideration of the diverse traditions and cultural interpretations of human rights.
A survey of the historical and contemporary struggles of indigenous peoples throughout the world. Examines the dynamics of colonialism (internal and external), identity construction, gender, cultural integrity, and the ongoing global indigenous rights discourse. In addition to covering broad global processes/theoretical approaches, comparative case studies of particular indigenous groups, such as the Maasai (Kenya, Tanzania) and Mayans (Mexico, Guatemala, Belize), are used to highlight the global, regional and intra-community diversity among contemporary indigenous peoples.
Assessment of theoretical and conceptual foundations to understand the rise of far-right violence in the United States. Identification of causes of radicalization into the far-right. Comparison of case studies of historical and contemporary far-right violence. Evaluation of differences and similarities in historical and contemporary case studies. Appraisal of successful responses to far-right violence.
Focuses on the causes of war and the conditions of peace. Examines the logic, levels, and outcomes of strategy and investigates the impact of international law and politics on the use of force. Explores contemporary strategic theory and discusses current issues in grand strategy.
Description and analysis of the processes and institutions involved in the making and implementation of public policy in the United States, with a primary focus on domestic and economic policy. Empirical and normative models of the process of public policy making in the U.S.
Public policies regarding the poor, impact of current policies; future policy options.
Post-1945 strategic problems, policies, and security commitments of major participants in international politics, especially the United States and Russia; effects of security policies on international and domestic political economies.
Methods and approaches used in the analysis and evaluation of public policy; strengths and limitations of various analytic tools; normative issues in the practice of policy analysis.
American political theory from the pre-Revolutionary era to the present. American contribution to the understanding of freedom, equality, political community, constitutionalism, political dissent, and the welfare state.
History and critiques of classical theories of democracy; contradictions within and contemporary problems facing democracy; future of democracy according to conservative, liberal, and radical theoretical perspectives.
Contemporary uses of Marxian concepts and theories to study the world economy, business structure, current social issues, modern ethical values, and alienation.
Theories of the origins of politics and government; evidence of state formation in prehistoric societies; political behavior in contemporary pre-literate societies as precursor to state formation.
Evaluation of theories and concepts used to analyze terrorism and counterterrorism. Identification and analysis of origins, causes, and consequences of terrorism globally. Comparison of historical and contemporary terrorism and counterterrorism. Appraisal of how histories of colonialism and the growth of new media affect terrorism and responses to terrorism. Identification of successful counterterrorism methods, strategies and practices. Evaluation of ethics and human rights in global counterterrorism. 3795: histories, origins, and spread of terrorism; 3796: strategies and practices of counterterrorism.
Evaluation of theories and concepts used to analyze terrorism and counterterrorism. Identification and analysis of origins, causes, and consequences of terrorism globally. Comparison of historical and contemporary terrorism and counterterrorism. Appraisal of how histories of colonialism and the growth of new media affect terrorism and responses to terrorism. Identification of successful counterterrorism methods, strategies and practices. Evaluation of ethics and human rights in global counterterrorism. 3795: histories, origins, and spread of terrorism; 3796: strategies and practices of counterterrorism.
Analysis of the process of industrial, political, legal, economic, social and cultural integration of states in Europe as a whole or within a European sub-region. History and theories of European integration. Examination of various European organizations whose actions reflect different approaches to and different degrees of integration in Europe.
Evolution, organizational structure, political dynamics, and decision-making mechanisms of the European Union. Major internal and external EU policies such as foreign, security and defense policy, economics, Single Market, and monetary union.
The European Union (EU) as an actor in the foreign, security and defense policy fields. The external relations of the EU and its role in world affairs. The institutional arrangements of EU external relations and EU activity in policy areas including human rights, peacekeeping, environmental governance, trade, and economic development.
The global strategy and foreign policy objectives of the European Union and the evolving relations between the EU and the rest of the world. EU’s role in world affairs. 3825: EU’s global strategy and its relations with major world powers, such as the United States, Russia, and China. 3826: EU’s global strategy and its relations with countries in various world regions as well as global multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The global strategy and foreign policy objectives of the European Union and the evolving relations between the EU and the rest of the world. EU’s role in world affairs. 3825: EU’s global strategy and its relations with major world powers, such as the United States, Russia, and China. 3826: EU’s global strategy and its relations with countries in various world regions as well as global multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Structure and function of major European security organizations, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union (EU), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). In-depth analysis of those organizations’ role in the European security architecture. Examination of inter-organizational cooperation in addressing European security issues and conflicts.
Impact of Geography on European politics and economics. Significance of territorial, identity, networking and environmental geopolitics. Theoretical debates in the fields of political and population geography. Current culture and demographic challenges and geopolitical disputes within Europe and particularly between the European Union (EU) and its neighboring world regions.
The European Union’s major institutions and policies relating to economic and monetary union and trade. Monetary integration, fiscal and economic policy cooperation, financial integration (including the banking union), the single market and the common commercial policy, the common agricultural policy and the EU’s regional policy. The internal structure and organization of the European political economy and the external dimension of Europe and its impact on global economics, ranging from the World Trade Organization to EU enlargement and the Developing World.
Political, legal, economic, socio-cultural, technological and environmental issues and policies affecting the operation and strategies of foreign companies in Europe. Business operations inside and outside the European Union. Impact of EU policies and the EU legal framework on business strategies and policies of non-EU companies. Business strategy for the European market, marketing and human resources management in Europe, and corporate governance and control in Europe. Pre: Junior Standing.
Topics-based course in philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE). Discussion of important topics and thinkers in PPE with historical and practical relevance. Focus on interdisciplinary analysis and methods. Topics include: limits of markets; well-being theory, science, and policy; socioeconomic justice; economic and political institutions; and global poverty. May be repeated 1 time with different content for a maximum of six credits hours. Pre: 3 credit hours in PPE, PHIL, PSCI, or ECON.
Microeconomics, macroeconomics and economic policies of the European Union. EU economic law, institutions, decision-making, and budgeting. Historic and current influences on regional economic development. Monetary and fiscal policies. Economic research methods, analysis, and reporting.
In-depth analysis of selected topics in diplomacy, strategy, and national security including issues pertaining to international conflict and cooperation; dimensions of national power; objectives of national policy and implementation of national strategy; diplomatic negotiations; and conflict resolution. Senior Standing.
Examines the fundamentals of policy analysis and formulation and emphasizes research and writing on topics pertaining to diplomacy, security, and foreign policy. Focuses on policy analysis and evaluation and concentrates on policy design. Emphasizes preparation and presentation of policy reports. May be taken three times for credit with different policy topics. Pre: Junior Standing.
Examines theoretical and historical approaches to global political economy and assesses their practical implications. Focuses on issue areas such as production, trade, money, finance and investment and analyzes their implications for the global economic and political order. Investigates issues pertaining to economies of development and in transition. Senior Standing.
Examines how economic and political forces interact in the developing world, discusses the history of these interactions from the pre-colonial period to the present and explores how colonialism shaped the developing worlds economic and political trajectories. Utilizes case studies, historical analysis and development economies to better understand the economic and political condition of countries in the developing world. Senior Standing.
Analyses the politics of cybercrime, cyberwar, and the challenges of producing effective cybersecurity. Topics include the economics of cybersecurity, the cross-border nature of global cybercrime, encryption and anonymity-granting technologies, targeting critical national infrastructure, network investigative techniques, cybersecurity measurement, politics of zero-day vulnerabilities, and the process of providing effective cybersecurity at the individual, organizational, subnational, and national levels.
Selected issues pertaining to European Studies, such as racism in Europe, European art and society, religion and society in Europe, gender politics, and demographic trends in Europe. May be repeated twice with different content for a maximum of nine (9) credits. Pre: Senior Standing.
Research and analysis of selected issues pertaining to transatlantic studies. Topics under examination include: religion and the transatlantic world; the political economy of the transatlantic slave trade; and the role of culture, language, and literature in cementing transatlantic ties. May be repeated twice with different content for a maximum of nine (9) credits.
Identification and analysis of complex, real-world security problems and threats to people, organizations, and nations across multiple domains, roles and future scenarios. Crisis communication, decision making tools, ethical principles and problem-solving methods to respond, assess options, plan, scope, and communicate before, during and after conflicts, disasters and attacks. Use of an experiential learning facility, and participation in a reality-based team simulation of cascading security and disaster events.
Science, causes and impacts of climate change. Mitigation and adaptation measures to address the causes and impacts of climate change. International climate change policy, with attention to the policy making process, in particular the role of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and climate negotiations. Science and diplomacy in climate negotiations to achieve successful outcomes. The ethical and social implications of climate change policies.
Political behavior: socialization, voting, opinion formation and expression, decision-making in government, as explained by personality, rationality, culture, class, and institutional roles. Topics vary from semester to semester as announced. Senior standing.
Selected topics in political institutions, including decision-making, types and structures of political institutions, internal and external influences on institutional behavior. Topics vary from semester to semester. Senior standing.
Cases, law review articles, and related materials containing describing, or commenting on major decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Topics vary from semester to semester as announced. Senior standing.
Selected topics in public administration, including norms of practice, government personnel, administrative process, administrative law, privatizing, and contracting. Topics vary from semester to semester as announced. Must have senior standing.
Selected topics in the comparative analysis of political behavior, processes, and institutions; cross-national institutional and aggregate data analysis. Topics vary from semester to semester as announced. Must have senior standing.
Selected topics in international relations, including objectives of national policy, dimensions and components of national power, comparative diplomacy, international conflict and cooperation, instruments for conflict resolution. Topics vary from semester to semester as announced. Must have senior standing and any two of the prerequisites.
This seminar is the integrative forum for the principal elements of the Washington Semester experience. The course explores both the role of political institutions in policy formation and implementation and the primary managerial and leadership challenges that arise for implementing organization managers in American democratic public policy-making. Pre: Junior standing or instructor consent and acceptance into the Washington Semester program.
This course is part of the Washington Semester. Explores the relationship between the imperatives of democratic mobilization, policy choices and organizational choices through intensive study of the operating context of a selected public or nonprofit organization. Examines implications of policy-maker choices for implementing institution dynamics and challenges. Pre: Junior standing and acceptance into the Washington Semester program required.
Theoretical, analytical, and methodological approaches used to assess government activities and public policy. Topics vary from semester to semester as announced. Must have senior standing.
Selected topics in analytic political philosophy, contemporary ideologies, and democratic theory. Topics vary from semester to semester as announced. Senior standing required. Must have senior standing and any two of the prerequisites.
Examines alternative perspectives on peace, security, and international intervention and their implications for policy. Focuses on the role international organizations and other actors in conflict resolution and peace-building and explores issues pertaining to humanitarian intervention, human security, and state-building. Utilizes case studies in peacekeeping and peace building to highlight the link between theory and practice.
Simulation of diplomatic practice in major global and regional international organizations. Diplomatic strategies and tactics. Effects of decision-making and policy-making structures and processes on diplomatic outcomes. Crisis management and conflict resolutions mechanisms. Diplomatic negotiations and diplomatic resolutions. Extensive use of simulations. 4735: Multilateral diplomacy in global organizations: United Nations (UN) and World Trade Organization (WTO). May be repeated once with different content for a maximum of six (6) credits. 4736: Multilateral diplomacy in sub-global/regional organizations: European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). May be repeated once with different content for a maximum of six (6) credits. Pre: Junior Standing.
Simulation of diplomatic practice in major global and regional international organizations. Diplomatic strategies and tactics. Effects of decision-making and policy-making structures and processes on diplomatic outcomes. Crisis management and conflict resolutions mechanisms. Diplomatic negotiations and diplomatic resolutions. Extensive use of simulations. 4735: Multilateral diplomacy in global organizations: United Nations (UN) and World Trade Organization (WTO). May be repeated once with different content for a maximum of six (6) credits. 4736: Multilateral diplomacy in sub-global/regional organizations: European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). May be repeated once with different content for a maximum of six (6) credits. Pre: Junior Standing.
Examines the impact of historical experience and bureaucratic structures on intelligence analysis. Discusses the contents of the intelligence agenda and explores issues pertaining to intelligence analysis. Focuses on the intelligence process and offers a target-centric approach to intelligence analysis. Emphasizes and evaluates the use of structured analytic techniques in intelligence analysis.
Qualified students are placed in an administrative or legislative staff position under the combined supervision of a faculty member and a responsible supervisor in the employing agency. Detailed reports on the internship experience and a specific project will be required of each intern. (Variable credit to maximum of 6 credits for a full-time position over an entire semester). Three hours of appropriate advanced American government courses, Junior standing, a screening interview, GPA of 3.00 or better and consent required.
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