The general aim of the department is to teach students a deeper understanding of government and politics both in the United States and overseas. Training in the department may serve as preparation for graduate school or law school, government jobs at both the federal and state levels, law school, opportunities in business and teaching, or just being an informed citizen.
Students who successfully complete the program will demonstrate:
For more information about the Political Science major leading to a teaching certification, please contact the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education.
Introduction to the study of American political institutions and behavior, focusing on the federal (national) government.
Selected topics in political science, offered at the introductory level. Specific course content to be determined by professor and announced at advanced registration. Offered exclusively as a Foundations 112 course.
A survey of public opinion polls, polling methods, opinion-holding, group differences, and public opinion and linkages between public opinion and public policies.
An examination of the role of the mass media and new communications technologies in the political process, with special emphasis on the constitutional protections for the press and the individual.
An introduction to basic principles of politics through the use of film. The course analyzes several films, placing them in context and discussing the specific events depicted in the films. This course will also examine the messages (if any) these films have for contemporary politics.
Students study and practice trial procedures. Topics include opening statements, direct examination, closing statements, objections, and impeaching a witness. Emphasis is on developing critical thinking skills through analysis and preparation of cases developed for mock trial competition. May be repeated, but no more than two hours of practica credit may be applied toward a major or minor.
A study of the structure, processes, and operations of the United Nations with special attention given to relevant contemporary issues in order to facilitate preparation for participation in college-level Model United Nations conferences in which students will role-play various U.N. member-states. This course will supplement the Georgetown College Model United Nations Club (GMUNC). Students do not have to participate in the class to be a member of the club. This course may be repeated, but no more than two hours of practica credit may be applied toward a major or minor.
This course is an introduction to world politics, designed to familiarize students with the ways in which states, international organizations, and non-state actors interact in the international system. It offers an analysis of the general approaches to world politics, emphasizing current issues and problems.
Political behavior and institutions of European countries and the European Union.
An examination of current urban problems, city governments, metropolitan governmental reform, and future alternatives of urban public policy.
This course will provide an introduction to key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and analytical methods commonly used today in comparative politics, including: the state, political culture, democracy, authoritarianism, development, and national/ethnic identity, to name a few. This course is intended to familiarize students with the most important concepts necessary for the comparison of different political systems and contexts. Students will learn how to apply this understanding in investigating different countries and regions in the contemporary world.
A survey of the structure and function of the state governments in the U.S. federal system and current problems and issues in state polities.
A background analysis of government and politics of Pacific Rim from a comparative perspective, including its foreign policy and future role in international relations.
A detailed study of the theory and practice of administration in the public sector.
A study of the constitutional development of the U.S. federal court system, judicial behavior, and Supreme Court decisions.
A study of Supreme Court decisions on freedom of speech, press, religion, race relations, and due process of law.
This course examines human rights and humanitarian intervention in world politics.
A study of the organization and operation of the U.S. legal system; the functions and role of judges, lawyers, and juries; procedures in civil and criminal trials; jury verdicts, judgments, and sentencing; and the appellate process.
This course examines the multidimensional nature of Global Relations, or what is commonly referred to as Globalization. Topics include the exploration of the nature, contents, processes, and actors involved in global capitalism, global governance, and global civil society.
Examination of the connection between gender and politics in America; topics include use and exercise of political power, historical and current social movements, political campaigns and elections, and public policy debates.
An examination of the legislative process, with an emphasis on the structure, functions, and politics of U.S. Congress.
Systems approach to understanding the current food crisis in America. We will strive to understand the (de)evolution of agriculture and food as part of a supra-structure and/or iron triangle.
In a world without higher authority than the sovereign state, war is always possible, and states must prepare to settle their disagreements through the use of force. This course will deal with the consequences of this dilemma, focusing not only on war itself, but also on the means that states use to insure their security short of war and the ethical issues involving the use of force.
A study of the major political actors and issues in Latin America.
This course examines the social phenomenon of terrorism, both at the national and the international levels. Topics include the nature, historic evolution, types, determinants, and motivations related to terrorism. Strategies and policies from nation-states in dealing with terrorism are also explored.
A study of the American presidency and the various parts of the executive branch of the federal government.
A study of the political party system, party organizations, the nomination process, political campaigns, elections, and voting behavior.
Selected topics in political science.
The study of a special topic in Political Science using a one-on-one tutorial method of instruction adapted from humanities courses at Oxford University. Please check with department for a list of current offerings.
one course in Political Science and permission of the instructor.
An analysis of classical and medieval political theory, focusing on issues such as nature, law, and reason. Major theorists are covered: Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas.
An analysis of political theory from the Renaissance to the present. Major theorists are covered: Hobbes, Locke, Hegel, Rawls, and others.
This course examines American foreign policy and the foreign policy process, placing special emphasis on current issues and problems.
A study of laws among nation-states, with emphasis on rights and duties, territories, diplomacy, settlement of disputes, armed conflicts, and the United Nations system.
A study of political behavior and institutions of Kentucky at all levels.
A study of major American political thinkers and the influence of their ideas on American politics and government, from colonial times to the present.
An introduction to the methods and procedures used in quantitative political science research, such as the specification of the research questions, measurement issues, research design, data collection, and analysis.
Special research assignments by approval and appointment with the faculty.
Capstone course bringing together the several sub-fields of the discipline; students conduct research in areas of political theory, American politics, international relations, and comparative politics; present research; and participate in peer evaluation.
Supervised, practical experiences in the field of political science in appropriate agencies. Consent of instructor required for enrollment.
A one-term experience working with the Legislature in Frankfort, along with evening seminars and a research paper submitted to the Georgetown College Political Science Department.
This course aims to develop a working knowledge of the theories and conceptual frameworks that form the intellectual basis of security studies as an academic discipline. Students will write a seminar paper in which theoretical insights are systematically applied to a current security issue. NOTE: This course will be taught in an independent study format unless demand is sufficient to offer it during the semester.
Permission of the instructor.
