Government (GOV)

This is an archived copy of the 2016-2017 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.wofford.edu.

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 280. Selected Topics in Government. 1 to 4 Hours.

Selected topics in Government at the introductory or intermediate level.


GOV 310. American Political Development I. 3 Hours.

This is the first in a two course series in American Political Development, a subfield of Political Science dedicated to analyzing and explaining key transformative changes in the American political system including citizenship, political institutions, and political parties and movements. American Political Development I examines this evolution from the Founding to the Era of Reconstruction.


GOV 311. American Political Development II. 3 Hours.

This is the second in a two course series in American Political Development, a subfield of Political Science dedicated to analyzing and explaining key transformative changes in the American political system including citizenship, political institutions, and political parties and movements. American Political Development II examines this evolution from the Progressive Era (early 1900s) to today.


GOV 320. 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.


GOV 330. South Carolina Politics. 3 Hours.

This course will explore the political structure, political history and culture, and current issues in South Carolina.


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 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 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 434. Statesmanship of Lincoln. 3 Hours.

A study of Abraham Lincoln?s entire political career with the aim of coming to an informed critical judgment about his political prudence and moderation in preserving and improving American constitutional democracy.


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.


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 470. Independent Study in Government. 1 to 3 Hours.

Independent study of selected topics in government at an advanced level. Specific topics vary from semester to semester.


GOV 480. Advanced Topics in American Government. 1 to 4 Hours.

Selected topics in the functions, policies, organization, and theory of American government. 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.