Government and History Undergraduate Courses

Government Courses

GOV 101 American Government/Contemporary Affairs I (3)
The first of a two-semester sequence on American national politics, this course covers the origins of the political system, the Constitution, federalism, civil rights and civil liberties, and the institutions of Congress, the Presidency, the court system and the federal bureaucracy. Contemporary national and international political events are emphasized throughout.

GOV 102 American Government and Contemporary II (3)
The second of a two-semester sequence on American national politics, this course covers public opinion formation and measurement, political socialization, political parties, campaigns, voting and elections, the media, interest groups, and a variety of public policy issues. Contemporary national and international political events are emphasized throughout.

Prerequisite: GOV 101 or permission of the instructor.

GOV 110 Basic American Government (3)
This course covers discussion of the basic structures of American government (the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary), important processes such as elections and basic principles and theory of governance in the American system.

GOV 195 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for freshmen. Students may enroll in 195 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

GOV 295 Special Topics (1-5)
Special Topics in the discipline, designed primarily for sophomores. Students may enroll in 295 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

GOV 301 Political Theory I (3)
In this course, students will be introduced to the questions that traditionally concern political theorists. In light of these questions, students will examine democratic theories of classical liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and contemporary liberalism; fascism; Marxism; communism; and nationalism.

GOV 302 Political Theory II (3)
In this course, students will use their knowledge of ideologies studied in GOV 301 to explore American political theory, feminism, environmentalism, and radical religious libertarian philosophy and religious fundamentalism. Students will identify theories that are present in current national or world events and assess the relevance of the theories to their own thinking.

Prerequisite: GOV 301.

GOV 328 Comparative European Governments (3)
This course will focus on comparative political systems in Europe, with an emphasis on the democracies of western Europe, especially the United Kingdom, France and Germany, as well as a selection of topics on the countries of southern Europe, the Nordic countries, and the more successful of the former Communist Eastern European states.

GOV 329 Comparative Governments of Asia,Africa & Latin America (3)
This course will explore the diverse political systems of the non-western world. Study will include established democracies such as India and Japan, political systems in transition to democracy such as Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa, and more authoritarian systems such as China. Students will be introduced to both theory and practice in these areas.

GOV 330 Intro to the European Union (3)
This course will introduce students to the history, politics and legal structure of the European Union. Among the topics to be covered will be: EU institutions, social policy, CAP, EU expansion, the EURO, the single market, EU foreign policy, and immigration policy.

GOV 335 American State and Local Politics (3)
This course introduces students to the study of state and local government and politics. This course provides students with insight into the political processes that most affect Americans' lives: state and local politics. Many of the policy innovations made on the state and local levels affect policy of other states as well as the federal government. Students will be introduced to the structures and theories of governance at the state and local levels.

GOV 346 Political Parties (3)
A study of the major and minor parties in the United States, their history, composition, organization, leadership, resources, politics, distribution of power, and influence on the formation and execution of public policy. The role of pressure groups.

GOV 348 Interest Group Politics (3)
This course will cover the formation of interest groups; their interactions with government (lobbying, campaign donations, amicus briefs, protests, etc.); interest group theories; and their impact on the quality of democracy, policy and justice. Interest groups for specific categories of people, including Deaf people will be focused upon.

GOV 351 American Constitutional Law: Powers and Checks (3)
This course is an in-depth examination of the powers of government under the Constitution. Primary focus is upon Articles I through VII and topics such as judicial, legislative and executive powers; federalism; regulation of commerce and property rights; war powers.

GOV 352 Civil Liberties (3)
This course will provide an in-depth analysis of the Bill of Rights, as interpreted by the Supreme Court. Current controversies, such as the conflict between privacy and national security, abortion rights and the death penalty will be examined in more depth

GOV 353 Civil Rights and Civil Rights Movement (3)
This course will provide an in-depth look at equality in the US. Amendments 13, 14, 15 and 19 will be emphasized and the evolution of their interpretation in the Supreme Court will be studied. At the same time, the influence of movements for abolition, women's suffrage and women's rights, civil rights on the interpretation will be studied. In addition, current movement for equality in the disability and GLBT communities will be discussed.

GOV 356 Legislative Process (3)
A study of the formal and informal procedures of Congress and the relation between the legislature, the presidency, and the Supreme Court.

GOV 360 Public Policy (3)
An intensive examination of relationships among policy goals, policy strategies, and policy outcomes that lead to the allocation of societal resources (who gets what, when, where, and how). This course will identify the relationship between policy outcomes and the political institutions, political parties, interest groups, lobbyists, and the political environment.

Prerequisite: GOV 102.

GOV 370 Human Rights (3)
The diverse beliefs of nations and classes, world divisions, and the racial rivalry reflected in various systems of law and politics all give changing meaning to such phrases as human rights and fundamental freedoms. This course will look at these rights and freedoms within the different belief systems, world divisions, and racial rivalries. Special attention will be given to the deaf communities in United States and their struggle to achieve full human rights and freedom.

Prerequisite: GOV 102 and HIS 112.

GOV 384 American Foreign Policy (3)
An introduction to American foreign policy from 1778 to the present, its major forms, problems, and mutations. Special emphasis on the period since 1898, role of the United States as a world leader, and the future direction of U.S. foreign policy after the Cold War. Focus is put upon changing international circumstances and American capabilities and their implications for policy.

Prerequisite: GOV 102, 302.

GOV 387 Nationalism and Developing Nations (3)
A study of the historical development and present role of nationalism and nation-state in both theory and practice. The course deals with the growth of nationalist conceptions and movements in the 19th century, the transition from liberal to totalitarian nationalism, the principle of self-determination, and Marxist treatment of the national problem.

Prerequisite: GOV 102, 302.

GOV 391 International Relations (3)
An introduction to the basic factors, concepts, and theory of international relations. The objectives, methods, and capabilities of modern states and other international actors will be surveyed. A study will be made of the institutional forms of international relations, ideological orientations, and objectives. Emphasis will be on the trends and transformation of the international system during and after the Cold War.

Prerequisite: GOV 102, 302.

GOV 395 Special Topics (1-5)
Special Topics in the discipline, designed primarily for juniors. Students may enroll in 395 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

GOV 396 International Law and Organization (3)
This course is a basic introduction to international law and organization. Students will learn how international law is different from municipal law, how international law is made, the role of international law in domestic legal systems, specific rules of international law regarding sovereignty, recognition, nationality, human rights, war, and the law of the sea. The role of international organizations relating to the making of international law, the uniqueness of the European Union as a law-making body, and a brief introduction to the role of the UN, generally in the international system, will be discussed.

GOV 397 Democracy and Democratization (3)
This course addresses the theoretical and practical aspects of democracy. What does democracy mean? What are its advantages and disadvantages as a form of government and what alternatives are available? How have countries become democracies in recent years and what kinds of challenges have they faced? Is there a formula for successful democratization?

GOV 401 The Presidency (3)
To be offered every other year. During a nonelection year this course will focus on the presidency and constitutional development along with historical perspectives. During an election year it will focus on the major facets of presidential elections, the nominating process, general election activities, and campaigns.

Prerequisite: GOV 102 or HIS 112.

GOV 410 Introduction to Research Methods in Political Science (3)
A course that introduces majors to methods and techniques of research in political science. Topics covered will include: the scientific method, comparative analysis, types of research and papers, library, and Internet resources, and emphasis on statistical methods and survey design.

Prerequisite: GOV 102; majors only or by permission of the instructor.

GOV 493 Senior Seminar (3)
This course will require government majors to integrate the skills and knowledge developed in their major courses. The thematic focus of the course will vary, but discussion will be centered on the major choices presented to political systems and political actors. A substantial research component of the course will enable students to produce an appropriate literature survey, research proposal, and research thesis.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

GOV 495 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for seniors who are majors or minors. Students may enroll in 495 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

GOV 499 Independent Study (1-3)
Intensive supervised study and research on topics of the student's selection.

Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair.

History Courses

HIS 101 World Civilization I (3)
A survey of the history of world civilizations from pre-History to approximately 1500. Topics usually include the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and the Near East, Persia, Egypt, India, and China; pre-modern Africa; ancient Greece and Rome; the development of Christianity; the development of Islam; Byzantium; Medieval China and Southeast Asia; Medieval Europe; the European Renaissance and Reformation.

HIS 102 World Civilization II (3)
A survey of the history of world civilizations from approximately 1500 to the present. Topics usually include the European Age of Exploration; early-modern Europe; the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment; the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions; early-modern Asia and Southeast Asia; the early-modern Muslim Empires; early-modern Africa; democratic and liberal revolutions of the 18th century; the ideologies (Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism); late 19th century Imperialism; Latin America in the 19th century; the First World War and Russian Revolution; 20th century Asia; 20th century dictatorships and the Second World War; post-war America and Europe; contemporary Asia and Africa; the emergence of the Third World.

Prerequisite: HIS 101 or permission of the instructor.

HIS 111 American History I (3)
This general survey of American history examines the colonial period through the end of the Civil War. Issues covered include: slavery, Native American experiences, women's history, and westward expansion. Students will examine America's change from a colony into an independent nation and the factors leading to America's Civil War.

HIS 112 American History II (3)
This is a general survey of American history since the Civil War. Topics in this course include; Reconstruction, foreign policy, political reforms, women's history, technological and economic growth, immigration, civil rights, and America's complex identity in the 20th century.

Prerequisite: HIS 111 or permission of the instructor.

HIS 150 Introduction to Women's Studies (3)
Women's studies scholars and activists in women's issues have made it their work to examine the genesis, development, and impact of assumptions about women's nature. These assumptions underlie the belief systems and institutional practices of all cultures and have justified oppressions of women that interact in complex ways with class, racial and other oppressions. This interdisciplinary course is designed to open the field of Women's Studies to introductory level students. It will demonstrate how addressing questions from an interdisciplinary perspective can lead to complex understanding of the place of women in contemporary society.

HIS 195 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for freshmen. Students may enroll in 195 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

HIS 287 Research Methods in History (3)
An introduction to the principles of historical research, with an emphasis on the use of research tools and source materials. Several supervised written assignments will be required; most will be based on American source materials.

HIS 295 Special Topics (1-5)
Special Topics in the discipline, designed primarily for sophomores. Students may enroll in 295 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

HIS 300 Nazi Germany and World War II Through Film (3)
This course combines traditional book learning with the study of documentary and dramatic films. Three major topics will be covered: Hitler's rise to power and domestic policies, Hitler's foreign policy and the war, the Holocaust.

Prerequisite: Two semesters of history or permission of the instructor.

HIS 322 Cultural Geography (3)
A survey of the way in which the physical environment influenced the development of cultures in the major regions of the world. Special stress will be given to the varieties of land use, current environmental threats, and cultural adaptations to modern world problems.

HIS 323 Geography and the Environment (3)
This course is designed to survey the relationship between human impact on geography and the environment. By looking at different cultures and their values, examining urban and rural environments, learning about less developed and more fully developed nations, and by considering the role of race, religion and gender in human relations, students learn about the complexity of dealing with environmental crises such as global warming. In essence, this course will examine how changes in geography and the environment influence each other. By studying specific areas of the planet, students will be able to consider alternative solutions from those considered in the United States.

HIS 331 History of the American Deaf Community (3)
An examination of the people and the historical processes that brought together deaf individuals to form a cohesive community in the United States.

Prerequisite: HIS 112; or permission of the instructor.

HIS 332 History of Mass Media and the Deaf Community (3)
A survey of the mass media (print, film, and television) as sources and interpreters of deafness and deaf people within the context of U.S. social and cultural history. The class will also examine historical changes in the products of mass media within the deaf community.

Prerequisite: HIS 112; or permission of the instructor.

HIS 333 History of Disability in the U.S. (3)
This course will cover the history of disability in the United States from the early nineteenth century to the present, focusing on two important eras. The period of industrialization, from the late nineteenth century through the 1920s, will receive the most attention, as the status of people with disabilities changed most dramatically and having a disability led to stigmatization. This course will examine closely the disability civil rights era from the 1960s to the 1990s when disability rights advocates gained more visibility and federal laws and programs began to focus on disability civil rights issues. The course content will focus on three themes: Perceptions of disability and how those perceptions of disability change over time, as well as the socioeconomic status of people with disabilities; the role that people with disabilities have played in American history and the actions they have taken to affect their position in society; and Federal policies and laws related to disability issues, and how they have changed over time.

HIS 340 Nineteenth Century American Deaf History (3)
This course offers a close study of the birth and early evolution of America's Deaf community, with particular attention to historical context. Incorporating recent scholarship in the field, this course will examine central topics, including education, organizations, regional identities, class, and eugenics. This class also will closely study several subcultures in addition to general American Deaf history, including African American, European American, and Native American experiences. Economic, social, religious, and cultural factors also will be addressed.

Prerequisite: HIS 331; or permission of the instructor.

HIS 344 History of the Modern Middle East (3)
An examination of the major forces that have influenced the development of the Middle East since 1800. Emphasis will be on Islamic society's response to the challenges of modernization, the modernization of Egypt, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the role of the Middle East in the contemporary world.

HIS 345 Nineteenth-Century Europe (3)
This course explores the major developments in European social, political, and economic history in the 19th century. Topics include liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, revolutions, industrialization, socialism, suffrage, national unification, women's rights, and imperialism.

Prerequisite: HIS 102.

HIS 346 Twentieth Century Europe (3)
This course explores the major developments in European social, political, and economic history in the 20th century. Topics include the world wars, the Russian Revolution, the Depression, fascism, and Nazism, the Holocaust, the Cold War, the European Community, Eurocommunism, the Welfare State, and the fall of communism.

Prerequisite: HIS 102.

HIS 351 History of Africa (3)
A survey of the history of African civilizations from earliest times to the present. The course emphasizes political, social, economic, and cultural developments within sub-Saharan Africa, particularly during the modern period.

HIS 352 Social Movements and Revolution in Modern Latin America (3)
This course will focus on the history of social movements, revolution, rebellion, and resistance that have shaped the lives of Latin Americans in the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will examine the major revolutionary movements in Latin America during the 20th century, particularly Mexico (1910), Cuba (1959), Chile (1973), and Peru (1980s), and will learn about the development of the social movements of Liberation Theology in El Salvador, Peru and Brazil and the Landless Movement in Brazil. This course will explore the political, economic, and cultural forces at work that compelled ordinary people to rebel against the status quo. Students will consider who stood to benefit from revolutionary projects, and examine divisions within revolutionary movements, such as the differences between men and women, as well as divisions between those who formed the revolutionary leadership and those who supported revolution and social change through grassroots political activism.

HIS 353 History of Race, Gender and Culture in Latin America (3)
The history of race and gender in Latin America share ambiguous boundaries with culture. This course will examine these concepts in terms of how power, historical events, ideology, and social forces have shaped their meaning during colonial and post-colonial Latin America. Categories of race, color and ethnicity have been constructed, contested, and negotiated since the earliest encounters between Europeans, African, and indigenous peoples in the Americas. The roles of men and women were also a critical part of the establishment of hegemonic colonial rule, process of nation-state formation, and counter-hegemonic projects (revolution and rebellion). The determination of cultural identities and citizenship are crucial to understanding the political and economic struggles of social groups and individuals. This course will thus address the question of how Latin American art, film, and cultural expressions have dealt with issues of gender and identity formation.

HIS 375 African American History: Civil War to the Present (3)
This course will present a detailed examination of the black experience in America from the Civil War to today to provide an understanding of the role African-Americans have played in the history of America and an assessment of why until recently they were excluded from the promise of American democracy. The course will analyze the various political, economic, social, and cultural methods African-Americans have employed to survive in an overwhelmingly hostile environment and analyze their prospects as they make the final frontal assault on the structure of racially discriminatory institutions.

HIS 376 The History of the American City (3)
This interdisciplinary course will look at the development of cities and suburbs in the United States since the 19th century. The first part of the course will look at urban development (physical, social, economic, and political) until about the 1920s; the second half of the course will look at the evolution of urban areas since the 1920s, focusing especially on the development of the suburbs and its impact on urban areas. This course will use one city as a case study such as Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, New York.

HIS 377 The United States in the Twentieth Century (3)
A study of the social, economic, and political changes in America since 1890, with emphasis on the relationship of these changes to present-day conditions.

Prerequisite: HIS 112.

HIS 378 U.S. Women's History (3)
An examination of the role of women in American history from colonial times to the present. Emphasis will be placed on the role of race, gender, class, disability, and deafness in the historical experiences of American women.

HIS 380 The History of Sexuality (3)
This course will explore the history of sexuality in Europe and America in the modern era. Topics may include: essentialist and constructionist views of sexuality and sexual identity, changing social norms of sexuality, changing patterns of courtship and marriage, the development of homosexuality and heterosexuality, prostitution, transvestism, hermaphrodism, pornography, the sexual revolutions of the 20th century.

HIS 381 Gay & Lesbian History (3)
This course will cover some important aspects of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender History. The geographical focus will be principally the United States with some attention to Europe and other parts of the world. Major topics in this course will include the history and evolution of sexual identities, same-sex relations and communities, the political movement for GLBT rights, HIV-AIDS, and post-gay Queer identities. The ancient world will be used as a starting point, touching on the early-modern development of a gay identity; then turning to the development of 20th and 21st century GLBT identity, community, and movements. The course will consist principally of discussion of readings and videos and films.

HIS 395 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for juniors. Students may enroll in 395 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

HIS 400 Deaf Women's History (3)
By studying Deaf women's history, students will enhance their understanding of this minority group, as well as the broader fields of Deaf history and women's history. Students will be introduced to recent scholarship that directly examines this topic. In order t place such works in a broader context, students also will be exposed to vital works in related historical fields. This class will include close study of multiple minority groups, including Deaf Americans, European Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans. The important role of economic, social, religious, and cultural factors be considered throughout this course. This class emphasizes various historical methods of study, building analytical skills and critical thinking. Exploring the changing meaning of gender and deafness in history will provide students with tools for independent research. Ultimately, this focused study of identity challenges students to reconsider traditional notions of gender, disability, cultural Deaf identity, beauty, normalcy, citizenship, and status.

Prerequisite: DST 402, HIS 378, WMS 101; or permission of instructor.

HIS 430 History of Latin America (3)
A survey of the history of Latin America from the Indian and Iberian background though the 1970s. Emphasis will be placed on the national histories of the region's traditionally dominant countries Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Latin America's relationship to and contracts with the United States.

Prerequisite: HIS 102.

HIS 440 The Era of the French Revolution and Napoleon (3)
France on the eve of 1789, the revolution, the empire of Napoleon, the peace settlements of 1814-1815. Internal developments and international repercussions.

Prerequisite: HIS 101 or permission of the instructor.

HIS 460 American Colonial History (3)
A history of the English colonies in America and the American Revolution.

HIS 493 Senior Seminar (3)
The seminar will be devoted to a topic determined by the department for each term. Students will cover various aspects of different interpretations of the topic. Application of historical methods by discussion, extensive reading, and writing. One seminar is given each term; no more than two seminars are to be counted for major credit.

Prerequisite: HIS 287 Research Methods (3) or permission of the instructor.

HIS 495 Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for seniors who are majors or minors. Students may enroll in 495 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

HIS 499 Independent Study (1-3)
Intensive supervised study and research on topics of the student's selection.

Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair.

Women's Studies Courses

WMS 493 Capstone Seminar in Women's Studies (3)
While the subject may change to mirror the interdisciplinary nature of the program, the course will require a research project and public presentation. This will be an opportunity for students to integrate their knowledge and demonstrate familiarity with Women's Studies theory and its application in research. Students will be expected to understand and apply theories from several disciplines to each of the sub-topics explored in order to construct an interdisciplinary understanding of the major topic.

Prerequisite: WMS 101 and 12 hours of electives, or permission of the director.

WMS 495 Special Topics (1-3)
Advanced or special topics in Women's Studies, depending on the needs and interests of the students. May be repeated for different content areas.

Prerequisite: Permission of the director.

WMS 499 Independent Study (1-3)
Intensive supervised study and research on topics of the student's selection.

Prerequisite: Permission of the director and the instructor.