Government or political science in the broadest sense is the study of how governments work and how they affect people (and how people affect them) on the local, national, and international levels. Political scientists are concerned with the structures of governments, the decision-making process in governments, the policy governments make, and the cultures in which governments function. Some specific topics that can be studied at Gallaudet include political parties, the legislature, political theory, the presidency, interest groups, civil rights and liberties, the governments of Europe and developing nations, international relations, American foreign policy, and others. The department emphasizes both knowledge in the area of government and current events, and skills in research, communication, and critical thinking.

A government major is often seen as a useful preparation for law and teaching, journalism, federal government service, state and local government, and good citizenship. The skills and knowledge emphasized are useful in many other fields. Washington, D.C., is an ideal place to study politics, and students are helped and encouraged to make extensive use of the city's academic, cultural, and governmental resources. The department also uses the University's work-study program to find work placements that will broaden students classroom experience. Pre-law advising is offered to students who wish to attend law school.

Major Requirements

Summary of Requirements

Requirements for a Major in Government with a General Track

Required pre-major courses 3-6 hours

GOV 101 American Government and Contemporary Affairs I (3)
GOV 102 American Government and Contemporary Affairs II (3)
or
GOV 110 Basic American Government (3)

Required government courses 9 hours

GOV 301 Political Theory I (3)
GOV 410 Introduction to Research Methods in Political Science (3)
GOV 493 Senior Seminar (3)

Elective government courses 21 hours

A government major will be allowed to substitute one history course for a government elective in the major, and a history major will be allowed to substitute one government course for a history elective in the major. Such substitution must be done with the approval of academic advisors.

American Government Concentration
Choose two courses:
GOV 346 Political Parties (3)
GOV 335 American State and Local Politics (3)
GOV 348 Interest Group Politics (3)
GOV 351 American Constitutional Law: Powers and Checks (3)
GOV 352 Civil Liberties (3)
GOV 353 Civil Rights and Civil Rights Movements (3)
GOV 356 Legislative Process (3)
GOV 370 Human Rights (3)
GOV 384 American Foreign Policy (3)
GOV 401 The Presidency (3)

International Concentration
Choose two courses:
GOV 328 Comparative European Governments (3)
GOV 329 Comparative Governments of Asia, Africa and Latin America (3)
GOV 330 Introduction to the European Union (3)
GOV 387 Nationalism and Developing Nations (3)
GOV 391 International Relations (3)
GOV 396 International Law and Organization (3)
GOV 397 Democracy and Democratization (3)

And choose the remainder of the 21 credits in consultation with the department. Any elective course listed above or below may be taken.

Other elective government courses
GOV 495 Special Topics (1-3)
GOV 499 Independent Study (1-3)