Government (GOV)
The Department of Government offers a major in Government, with optional concentrations in American Politics, World Politics, and Political Thought. It also offers a minor in Government.
Honors Courses and In-Course Honors
The Department of Government encourages its students to undertake honors work. For further information, the student is referred to the sections on Honors Courses and In-Course Honors in the Catalog.
Chair
William E. DeMars
Professors
J. David Alvis
John Farrenkopf
Robert C. Jeffrey
Rachel J. Vanderhill
Requirements for the Major in Government
Government 202 and 203 must be completed, with a grade of 'C' or better, before a student will be accepted as a major in Government. A total of 30 credit hours is required with courses to be completed in each division, American Government, International Relations & Comparative Government, and Political Theory. Students majoring in Government who are seeking to earn secondary education licensure to teach social studies should refer to the Teacher Education Handbook and consult with the chairs of the departments of Government and Education to plan for the required related work in the areas History, Geography, Economics and Sociology.
| Foundation Courses | 6 | |
| Foundations of American Politics | ||
| Foundations of World Politics | ||
| Division A: American Government | 6 | |
| Select 6 credit hours from the following: | ||
| Leadership & Globalization in South Carolina 1 | ||
| American State and Local Government | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| American Political Parties | ||
| Southern Politics | ||
| African American Politics 1 | ||
| Public Administration | ||
| Health Care Policy & Administration | ||
| Constitutional Law of the United States | ||
| America & the Global Economy 1 | ||
| American Political Thought 1 | ||
| The American Constitution | ||
| Advanced Topics in Government | ||
| Division B: International Relations & Comparative Government | 6 | |
| Select 6 credit hours from the following: | ||
| European Politics | ||
| Middle East Politics | ||
| China: Politics, Economy and Foreign Relations | ||
| African Politics | ||
| Russia & Its Neighbors | ||
| The Bomb: Nuclear Weapons Past, Present and Future | ||
| Global Issues | ||
| Revolutions & Regime Change | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| International Conflict | ||
| Empire | ||
| NGOs in World Politics | ||
| Politics of the United Nations | ||
| Contemporary Political Thought | ||
| Advanced Topics in International Relations and Comparative Government | ||
| Division C: Political Theory | 6 | |
| Select 6 credit hours from the following: | ||
| Classical Political Thought | ||
| Modern Political Thought | ||
| Statesmanship of Winston Churchill | ||
| Politics and Literature | ||
| Advanced Topics in Political Theory | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
| Select an additional 6 hours from any division | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
| 1 | GOV 335 and 440 can apply to EITHER Division A or Division C. GOV 250 and 425 can apply to EITHER Division A or Division B. |
Optional Concentrations in the Major
Students majoring in Government may choose to deepen their study of politics by choosing one of three optional concentrations. In each concentration, students delve into one arena of politics by combining direct experience with formal study. Students undertaking concentrations will be asked to meet occasionally before and after their off-campus experience to share plans, experiences, and ideas. Students who complete the requirements for a concentration will receive a letter and certificate from the chair of the Department of Government, and the concentration will be recognized on their official college transcripts.
American Politics Concentration
Two courses in American Government taken on the Wofford campus (in fulfillment of the regular Government major requirements in Division A), and, in addition, a semester or summer in Washington, D.C., at a Wofford approved program including a practical internship of the student’s choice and formal courses. At least one three-hour academic course taken in Washington must address a topic in American politics (specific arrangements to be approved by major adviser).
World Politics Concentration
Two courses in International Relations and Comparative Government taken on the Wofford campus (in fulfillment of the regular Government major requirements in Division B), and, in addition, a semester or summer abroad, including an internship if available. At least one three-hour academic course taken abroad must address a topic in world politics. During the semester on the Wofford campus following the period abroad, each student will complete a paper or project on a topic of interest (chosen in consultation with major adviser) that arose from the experience abroad (see GOV 447). (Specific arrangements to be approved by major adviser.)
Political Thought Concentration
One additional upper level course in Division C: Political Theory beyond the major requirement (for a total of three courses) and GOV 450, a senior directed study in political theory.
Requirements for the Minor in Government
| GOV 202 | Foundations of American Politics | 3 |
| GOV 203 | Foundations of World Politics | 3 |
| Select an additional 12 credit hours of Government (GOV) courses at the 300- or 400-level | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
GOV 202. Foundations of American Politics. 3 Hours.
An introduction to American national government emphasizing constitutional principles and the historical development of institutions and processes.
GOV 203. Foundations of World Politics. 3 Hours.
A historical, philosophical, and topical foundation in international relations and
comparative politics, and an introduction to essential research skills.
GOV 250. Leadership & Globalization in South Carolina. 3 Hours.
Students will learn how South Carolina is shaped by its global connections of culture, work and politics, and how leaders in all these fields attempt to shape those forces and with what results. Students will integrate a wide range of encounters with leaders, experiences, readings, teachings, films and student projects. Must be taken in conjunction with HUM 250.
GOV 280. Selected Topics in Government. 1 to 4 Hours.
Selected topics in Government at the introductory or intermediate level.
GOV 330. American State and Local Government. 3 Hours.
A study of the institutions and processes of state and local governments, including a survey of intergovernmental relations.
GOV 331. The American Presidency. 3 Hours.
An examination of the sources of and constraints on Presidential authority, of the roles of the President in the United States and the world, and of the organization of the office and its advisory institutions and its relations with Congress and the Judiciary.
GOV 332. American Political Parties. 3 Hours.
A comparison of the theory of political parties with their reality in the American
experience. The course analyzes the history, structure, functions, psychology, voting behavior, composition and dynamics of American political parities.
GOV 333. Southern Politics. 3 Hours.
This course examines the political culture, historical background, and current trends in the politics of the American South. The course consists of reading, discussion, lectures, and presentations by members of the seminar.
GOV 335. African American Politics. 3 Hours.
American political life is defined by two fundamental commitments: democracy and the protection of individual rights. The most notable conflicts in our nation's history have been those where the desires of a majority impede the rights of a minority. This course examines the struggle of African Americans for equal rights by studying both the political and civil rights movements, and also the legal battles for racial equality in the courts.
GOV 340. Public Administration. 3 Hours.
This course provides a working knowledge of the history, theories and practice of public administration in the United States at the national, state and local levels, and an introduction to careers in public management.
GOV 345. Health Care Policy & Administration. 3 Hours.
This course provides an overview of the U.S. health care system, its internal administration, and the evolution of federal and state policy. We focus on the political dynamics of public health care, and particularly on administration and policy formulation as it affects private insurers, Medicare and Medicaid, and changes wrought by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The course draws on lectures by experts in the public health sector and examines the growing body of administrative and public policy literature in this area. No disciplinary background is assumed, nor is any special familiarity with the field of health care required.
GOV 360. European Politics. 3 Hours.
A study of the politics of selected European states in historical perspective. Other
topics in European politics may also be covered.
GOV 361. Middle East Politics. 3 Hours.
A study of the contemporary politics of the Middle East, including domestic politics,
foreign relations, the role of oil, the origins and impact of terrorism, and the dramatic encounter of cultures in the region.
GOV 362. China: Politics, Economy and Foreign Relations. 3 Hours.
A survey of the rise of modern China as a major power, with particular emphasis on its politics, economy, and foreign relations. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduatio.
GOV 363. African Politics. 3 Hours.
Explores the internal and international politics of sub-Saharan Africa within its rich cultural, economic, humanitarian, and historical contexts, and also addresses special issues such as failed states, humanitarian intervention, HIV/AIDS and other health issues, and demographic trends specific to Africa.
GOV 364. Russia & Its Neighbors. 3 Hours.
This course will examine the politics, economics, and foreign policy of Russia and other postcommunist states in Central Asia and Europe. The class will investigate the relationship between Russia and its neighbors, the common experience of communism and postcommunism, and questions about democracy and authoritarianism. Along with studying Russia in detail, we will also examine cases of successful political and economic transition, cases of failed political transitions, and inconclusive cases.
GOV 381. The Bomb: Nuclear Weapons Past, Present and Future. 3 Hours.
This course will provide a survey of the historical, development, deployment, spread and control of nuclear weapons worldwide, and will examine the evolving contemporary debate on their significance, potential uses, and the means for restraining their further proliferation.
GOV 382. Global Issues. 3 Hours.
A study of major global issues, such as Third World poverty, the population explosion, hunger in the poor countries and food consumption in the rich countries, energy use and supplies, environmental deterioration, the appropriate and inappropriate uses of technology, and alternative futures.
GOV 383. Revolutions & Regime Change. 3 Hours.
This class will examine the causes and effects of revolutions and regime transitions. In order to understand the complexities and nuances of revolutions and transitions, we will study cases from the 2011 Arab Spring and other regions, including East Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The multi-region approach allows for cross-cultural testing of the theories of regime change and a more nuanced investigation of the causes and consequences of major political, economic, and social change. Successful completion of this course satisfies the Cultures and Peoples requirement for graduation.
GOV 391. Classical Political Thought. 3 Hours.
A study of the political philosophy of the ancients through close reading and discussion of selected texts of the major authors.
GOV 392. Modern Political Thought. 3 Hours.
A study of the political philosophy of the moderns through close reading and discussion of selected texts of the major authors beginning with Machiavelli.
GOV 411. Constitutional Law of the United States. 3 Hours.
An overview of the major areas of American constitutional law emphasizing the
reading and analysis of cases and the natural and common law background of the
Constitution.
GOV 420. American Foreign Policy. 3 Hours.
A study of the forces and factors involved in the formulation and implementation of
contemporary United States foreign policy.
GOV 421. International Conflict. 3 Hours.
A study of war and the use of force in international affairs with emphasis on the causes of international conflict.
GOV 422. Empire. 3 Hours.
A survey of the history, politics, and interaction of various modern empires in world
politics. In addition, an inquiry into the debate about America as an empire.
GOV 423. NGOs in World Politics. 3 Hours.
An exploration of the changing roles and influence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in world politics, with case studies including human rights, hunger relief, environmentalism, population control, women's rights, democratization, peacemaking, and inter-religious dialogue.
GOV 424. Politics of the United Nations. 3 Hours.
A study of the evolution of the United Nations, its activities and impact, its use and
misuse by member states and other actors, how both the world and the United States need the UN, and the potential for UN adaptation to change.
GOV 425. America & the Global Economy. 3 Hours.
This course provides a survey of the politics of the global economy with emphasis on historical developments, concepts, theoretical perspectives, institutions, and contemporary topics. Substantial emphasis is placed on America's role in the global economy, though other economic powers, including the European Union, China, Japan, and India are also examined.
GOV 435. Contemporary Political Thought. 3 Hours.
A study of the most important political questions and movements of thought shaping the post-modern age through the reading of texts chosen by the instructor.
GOV 436. Statesmanship of Winston Churchill. 3 Hours.
A study of statesmanship through the career of Winston S. Churchill.
GOV 437. Politics and Literature. 3 Hours.
The teachings of the greatest poets about politics.
GOV 440. American Political Thought. 3 Hours.
An examination of the origin and development of major American political ideas as
revealed in political essays, letters, and novels. (Counts in Division A or C.).
GOV 444. The American Constitution. 3 Hours.
A study of the Constitution of the United States with emphasis on the text of the
document and the evolution of some of the major provisions.
Prerequisite: GOV 202 with a minimum grade of D.
GOV 447. World Politics Project. 0 Hours.
For students majoring in Government who return from an approved semester abroad program and wish to earn the World Politics Concentration, this course is the vehicle for completing a paper or project on a topic of interest that arose from the experience abroad.
GOV 450. Senior Directed Study. 1 to 3 Hours.
Intensive guided study and research on selected topics in any field of political science. The instructor, in consultation with the student, will establish the subject for study and the requirements. Enrollment normally is limited to seniors majoring in Government who are of high academic standing.
GOV 480. Advanced Topics in Government. 1 to 4 Hours.
Selected topics in the functions, policies, organization, and theory of American government. Subject matter varies.
GOV 490. Advanced Topics in International Relations and Comparative Government. 1 to 4 Hours.
Selected topics in international politics and comparative politics. Subject matter varies.
GOV 495. Advanced Topics in Political Theory. 1 to 4 Hours.
Selected topics in political theory. Subject matter varies.
GOV 500. Honors Course. 3 Hours.
At the discretion of the faculty, students may undertake a six-hour independent course of study in the senior year in order to broaden their educational experience within their major area of study. Students must meet specific GPA standards and arrange a faculty sponsor. The honors course criteria are outlined in the Academic Honors portion of the catalog.