GWA - Government and World Affairs

Covers the essential elements of political science from a national and international perspective.

Covers the political processes, institutions and policies of the national political system of the United States.

An exploration of the political, economic and social processes between and among actors in the global community.

Introduces the contours of the international economic system, including issues of dependency, aid, trade, multinational corporations and the politics of economic exchange.

Studies the organization and functions of political parties and interest groups, primarily in the political system of the United States.

An examination of the role of laws in society, the fundamental sources of law, and the legal system and its procedures. Develops the skills for legal research, writing and analysis. Introduces the substantive areas of constitutional, contract and criminal law and torts.

This course analyzes the cultural, economic and political spheres of Europe in the wake of the European Union, the demise of the Cold War and broad globalization trends.

This course analyzes the cultural, economic, social and political dimensions of Latin America. Focuses primarily on how several broad issues shape contemporary Latin America.

An overview of the courses and consequences of urbanization in the United States, Western Europe and developing countries, integrating economic, geographical, political and sociological perspectives.

Covers political processes, institutions and policies of urban political systems in the United States.

Studies legislative and executive roles and interactions in the national government of the United States.

This course examines Western imperialism and the nationalistic responses of colonized peoples in order to understand the past and relate it to the present. It examines the British Raj or rule in India as a case study of how imperial rule is imposed and maintained, and the Indian independence movement (especially but not exclusively as led by Mahatma Gandhi) as a model of colonial resistance. The course then examines the different imperial systems Europe imposed on Africa, the struggle by African colonies for self-determination, and the search for identity and stability by newly independent African nations. Included in this last discussion is an exploration of democratic systems as a political solution for countries dealing with the legacy of imperialism.

Trains students in the methods of research relevant to the field of government and world affairs. Examines the entire research process from initial conception to final production.

An introduction to peace studies with a focus on the meanings and nature of peace and non-peace, the origins and causes of conflict and war, and the quest for achieving peace.

An examination and analysis of America's role in the Vietnam conflict.

Special courses are offered each year.

Studies the major political and legal ideas that have shaped the contemporary world, including democracy, fascism, conservatism, classical and reform liberalism, socialism, communism, feminism and environmentalism.

This course explores the development of political, social and economic structures of the city of Tampa since the 19th century.

Studies the formulation, implementation and evaluation of public policies.

Examines the origins of the drive for nuclear weapons, the history of the nuclear nonproliferation regime, and incentives and disincentives for nuclear proliferation and nonproliferation. Analyzes current nuclear weapons states, "threshold" states, and states that purposefully chose to forgo nuclear weapons development.

What is democracy? How is it tied to justice? Is liberal democracy the only legitimate form of democracy? Can we make democracy better? How should democracy be shaped by culture and context? This course will focus on contemporary philosophical debates about democracy, but readings also will include texts in political theory and political philosophy. Specific topics may include democratic representation; minimalism/realism about democracy; liberal democracy; classical pluralism; social choice theory; difference democracy and issues of gender, race, and class; deliberative democracy; green/environmental democracy; globalization and cross-cultural issues as they relate to democracy.

Examines the process and substance of U.S. national security policy, including institutional settings and specific policy problems.

The course focuses on persuasive writing and oral advocacy. Specifically, students will write an appellate brief and make oral arguments using the American Collegiate Moot Court Association case. Students will be chosen to participate in regional and national moot court competitions.

The course will focus on trial advocacy, process and evidence. A case problem developed by the American Mock Trial Association will be used as the foundation of the course. Students will be chosen to participate in regional and national mock trial competitions.

An exploration of the electoral process, particularly in the United States, with emphasis on the role of communication in political campaigns.

Examines political cultures, processes, institutions and policies in the European Union, Britain, France, Germany and selected other Western European systems.

Examines political cultures, processes, institutions and policies in selected Latin American political systems.

Examines the political and economic problems facing developing Third World states.

Examines the political and economic problems and opportunities facing the continent of Africa; the African colonial experience and its impact on modern African development; and how the continent has struggled with political and economic trends over the past 40 years.

Examines the politics of this diverse region straddling the nexus of Africa, Europe and Asia. Topics explored include Islam and politics, governance, the oil economy, war and peace in a volatile region, and prospects for the future in a globalizing world.

Examines the roles identities like nationality, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, class, culture and species have played historically and contemporaneously in domestic and international politics. The course addresses these topics both through canonical theories and through case studies that span the globe. We explore various understandings of these identities ranging from those that assume them to be fixed and primordial to those that view them as socially constructed and contestable.

This course offers an overview of how nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other non-state actors in the international arena communicate, organize and advocate on behalf of individuals and interests that are overlooked by states, or run counter to national interests. The course will focus on how issues are framed and campaigns are waged by NGOs and advocacy networks in order to compel states or intergovernmental institutions to change behavior or policies.

Examines post-1950 politics of China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, focusing on common themes of democratization, economic development, elite politics, political culture, foreign policy and human rights. Analytical writing is the primary form of course evaluation.

A study of the federal judiciary system and federal courts, their roles in relation to the executive and legislative branches of government, and the constitutional aspects of discrimination, privacy and procedural due process.

An overview of the U.S. constitutional and statutory law concerning gender and sexuality. Topics including the right of privacy, legal theories of sexuality and gender, sexual speech and identity speech are analyzed in detail. In addition, the course considers gender and sexuality in education, family law and the nontraditional family, and sexuality and gender in the workplace.

An examination of the evolution of race relations and civil rights within the United States through the prism of American constitutional law.

A critical examination of law and policy relating to the issues of free press versus fair trial, defamation, national security, obscenity and compelled communication.

A comparative examination of the institutions, structure and sources of law in the Continental and Anglo-American legal systems, as well as in the European Union.

Concentrates on public international law, examining the legal and political framework by which international legal instruments are created, litigated and enforced across national boundaries. Makes limited reference to private international law.

Examines public opinion from a variety of perspectives, providing students with the ability to be intelligent consumers of public opinion research and effective users of public opinion research tools. Explores the interaction between the media and public opinion, as well as public opinion's effects on contemporary society and politics.

Involves practical experience in government or politics at the local, state or national level. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Involves guided readings, research and criticism. Independent studies must be under the direction of a full-time GWA professor.

A substantial research and writing project. Independent studies must be under the direction of a full-time GWA professor.

Through class readings, films, discussions and a travel component, this course focuses on development as part of an academic discourse and as an underlying assumption behind applied service projects. Students begin by questioning what development is and who defines it, and they explore who benefits from it. They then read about a wide range of development projects and evaluate them for effectiveness. Finally students and residents of the poor and rural villages of Nabdam, Ghana, put together developmentally oriented service projects and implement them during a trip to Ghana.

Involves selected topics in political science. Content varies; may be repeated for credit if subject matter is not repeated.