Course Descriptions

GFAD 100 - (3) (Y)
Introductory Seminar in Government and Foreign Affairs
Open to first- and second-year students. Only one GFAD seminar per student.
An introduction to the discipline of political science through intensive study of the political dimensions of a selected topic.

GFAD 496 - (6) (Y)
Thesis for Distinguished Majors Program
Students must be previously admitted into the department's Distinguished Majors Program.

American Politics

GFAP 101 - (3) (S)
Introduction to American Politics
Survey of the fundamentals of American government and politics, systematically covering the major institutions of our system (the presidency, the Congress, the courts) as well as the system's essential processes.

GFAP 227 - (3) (Y)
Public Opinion and Political Behavior
Study of the nature of public opinion and its relationship to politics and public policy.

GFAP 266 - (3) (Y)
Ideas, Institutions, and Public Policy
Examines and critically assesses the ideas, institutions, and public policies that constitute the foundation and have influenced the development of liberal democracy in the United States.

GFAP 321 - (3) (Y)
Political Parties and Group Politics
An introduction to the roles of parties, interest groups, public opinion, and elections in democratic government.

GFAP 322 - (3) (Y)
President and Congress
Study of the political bases, structures, and functions of Congress and the institutionalized presidency, and their interaction in political leadership and policy making.

GFAP 331 - (3) (IR)
American Presidency
Prerequisite: Two courses in GFAP, or permission of instructor
An examination of the power, purposes, and problematics of the presidency as a role of national leadership in the American and political constitutional system. While the emphasis is on the modern presidency (1933-present), attention is given to the historical development of the presidency.

GFAP 335 - (3) (Y)
American Congress
Prerequisite: Two courses in GFAP, or permission of instructor
Focuses on the contemporary organization and workings of the United States Congress. Special attention is paid to elections, the committee system, political parties, staff, and the law-making process. The role of Congress in the national policy making system is also treated.

GFAP 336 - (3) (Y)
Gender Politics and Public Policy
Prerequisite: One course in GFAP, women's studies, or the equivalent
Examines the ways in which gender effects political participation and the development of relevant public policies. Also examines the suffrage movement, ERA, as well as more contemporary issues.

GFAP 341 - (3) (Y)
State and Local Politics
Prerequisite: One course in GFAP or permission of instructor
Investigates the political dynamics of subnational political institutions, parties, and elections. Topics include state parties and elections, intergovernmental relations and institutional powers, representation and democracy in federal systems, and subnational policy processes.

GFAP 344 - (3) (Y)
Urban Politics
Prerequisite: Any course in GFAP, GFCP, or economics
An analysis of the structure, politics, and problems of American cities. The meaning and scope of "urban crisis" receive extensive attention. Examines the growing ties between the federal government and cities, central city-suburban conflict, machine politics, and welfare and housing policies.

GFAP 351 - (3) (Y)
Minority Group Politics
Prerequisite: Any course in GFAP or permission of instructor
Examination of the problems and politics of minority groups in the United States. Both the theoretical and practical aspects of minority group politics are treated, including their comparative experience in the U.S.

GFAP 355 - (3) (Y)
Gender Politics
Prerequisite: Two social science courses or permission of the instructor
Examines the legal and political status of women, and the politics of changes in that status. How are gender identities forged, and how do they effect law, public policy, political rhetoric, and political movement? Explores, more generally, the clash between "difference" and "equality" in democratic societies, using gender as a case-study.

GFAP 361 - (3) (S)
Introduction to Public Administration
Prerequisite: GFAP 101, GFCP 101 or permission of instructor
Study of the role of public administration in contemporary government, with emphasis upon administrative structure, control, and relations with other branches of government.

GFAP 381 - (3) (Y)
Constitutional Interpretation: Separation of Powers and Federalism
Prerequisites: Two courses in GFAP or permission of instructor
Study of the legislative, executive and judicial branches and the functional and territorial distribution of powers as reflected by Supreme Court decisions. The nature of the judicial process. (No CR/NC enrollees.)

GFAP 382 - (3) (Y)
Constitutional Limitations: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Prerequisites: Two courses in GFAP or permission of instructor
Judicial construction and interpretation of civil rights and liberties reflected by Supreme Court decisions. Line-drawing between rights and obligations. (No CR/NC enrollees.)

GFAP 412 - (3) (IR)
Electoral Behavior and Political Participation
Prerequisite: GFAP 227
Seminar surveying current theories and research on electoral behavior, including political participation, partisanship, voting behavior, and the impact of electoral institutions.

GFAP 424 - (3) (S)
Seminar: Special Topics in American Politics
Prerequisite: One course in GFAP or permission of instructor
An intensive study of a selected issue in American government or American political development.

GFAP 430 (3) (Y)
Political Analysis
Prerequisite: One course in GFAP or permission of instructor
Seminar examining basic issues in the design, execution, analysis and interpretation of political research. Familiarizes students with practical tools, such as quantitative analysis and computing skills, which enable them to carry out an original research project.

GFAP 434 - (3) (IR)
American Political Leadership
Prerequisite: GFAP 101 or permission of instructor
Study of the theory and practice of political leadership at the national level of government with comparisons to state, local, and foreign government. Includes leadership in different institutional and policy settings, techniques of leadership, types of leaders, bargaining among leaders, experience of specific leaders, and conditions and opportunities of leadership.

GFAP 436 - (3) (Y)
Campaigns and Elections
Prerequisite: Enrollment limited; permission of instructor required
A review and analysis of the techniques and technologies of modern American election campaigns.

GFAP 438 - (3) (Y)
The Politics of the Policy Process
Prerequisite: GFAP 101 or permission of instructor
Analysis of cross-institutional and inter-level (federal/state/local) public policy processes. Emphasizes domestic policy issues—how they are defined and treated in government by executive and legislative units; and interest group involvement.

GFAP 471 - (3) (Y)
Values, Resources, and Public Policy
Prerequisite: Any course in GFA, economics, or philosophy, or permission of instructor
Seminar examining the political, economic, and ethical content of enduring domestic policy issues.

GFAP 483 - (3) (Y)
First Amendment
Prerequisite: GFAP 382 or fourth-year undergraduate government major
A seminar examining the constitutional law of the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States from the founding to the present. Supreme Court decisions and scholarly works are considered and analyzed.

GFAP 484 - (3) (S)
Race and Constitution
Prerequisite: GFAP 381 or GFAP 382 or permission of instructor
Seminar examining the constitutional law of racial discrimination in the United States from the founding to the present. Supreme Court decisions and congressional civil rights acts considered. (May not be taken on credit/no credit basis.)

GFAP 498 - (3) (S)
Senior Thesis
Prerequisite: Three courses in GFAP and permission of the instructor
Allows especially motivated students to receive credit for supervised work on a thesis in the area of American politics.

GFAP 526 - (3) (IR)
Special Topics in Public Policy or Public Administration
Prerequisite: Any GFA course or permission of instructor
An intensive analysis of selected issues in public policy or public administration.

GFAP 543 - (3) (Y)
Intergovernmental Relations
Prerequisite: Six credits of American Government or fourth-year standing
Analysis of the contemporary relations of national, state, and local governments. Examines urban and metropolitan growth problems and their implications for public policy and administration in relation to the federal system.

GFAP 545 - (3) (Y)
Virginia Government and Politics
Prerequisite: permission of instructor
Enrollment limited. Analysis of Virginia government at the state, county, municipal, and special district levels. Considers legislative, executive, judicial organization, intergovernmental relations, and structural and political arrangements in the existing and emerging metropolitan areas.

GFAP 562 - (3) (IR)
Organization Theory and Administrative Behavior
Prerequisite: Any GFA course or permission of instructor
Study of the principles of organization from scientific management theory through contemporary theorists. Explores the relationship of workers and management to the organization with primary emphasis on government.

GFAP 592 - (3) (Y)
Judicial Policymaking
Prerequisite: Nine credits in American Government and permission of instructor
Examination of the structure and process of judicial policymaking, focusing on agenda-setting, deciding cases and opinion writing, implementation, compliance, and impact. Particular attention is given to the United States Supreme Court and its relationship to lower federal and state courts and the political environment.

GFAP 594 - (3) (Y)
Administrative Law and Public Policy
Prerequisite: Any GFA course or permission of instructor
Examination of the law-politics exchange in the American system of administrative law.

GFAP 595 - (3) (S)
Selected Problems in American Politics
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Independent study under faculty supervision, for students who are preparing for intensive research on a specific topic.

Comparative Politics

GFCP 101 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Provides a basis for understanding and explaining similarities and differences in the character of political life as observed in different settings. Issues include the political role of parties and interest groups, management of political conflict, establishment of legitimate political authority, and the consequences of federal and unitary systems of government.

GFCP 201 (3) (Y)
The Politics of Advanced Industrialized Countries
A survey of politics in industrialized societies including Japan, North America, and Western Europe. Focuses on the rise of social movements in response to industrial and social change, the changing bases of political parties and democratic rule, attempts to manage increasingly international economies, and prospects for political cooperation and integration.

GFCP 212 - (3) (Y)
The Politics of Developing Areas
A survey of patterns of government and politics in non-Western political systems in which political elites, sources of political power, national integration, economic development, foreign penetration, and other topics are discussed.

GFCP 242 (3) (Y)
Politics of Modernity
An introductory survey of the key analytical concepts used by Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkeim in their analysis of how the development of modern society has shaped the nature of modern politics.

GFCP 311 - (3) (Y)
The Politics of Western Europe
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Europe
A survey of recent developments in selected political systems of Western Europe, as well as the European Union, with special emphasis on the impact of political culture on governmental institutions and political processes.

CFCP 313 - (3) (Y)
Political Economy of Development
Prerequisite: GFIR 205 or permission of instructor
Examination of the political prerequisites (and impediments) to economic development, focusing on agricultural exporters in the 19th century and manufactured goods exporters in the 20th century. Draws on empirical material from North and South American, Europe, Asia and Africa.

GFCP 321 - (3) (Y)
Russian Politics
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Russia
Analysis of the political system of the former USSR and Russia from 1917 to the present. Focuses on evolution of the Soviet state, modernization and social change, efforts to reform the system, the collapse of the USSR, as well as the economic and political transformation taking place in the newly independent states.

GFCP 341 - (3) (Y)
Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of the Middle East
Introduction to contemporary political systems of the region stretching from Morocco to Iran.

GFCP 351 - (3) (Y)
Chinese Politics
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or the history of China
A general introduction to Chinese politics in its societal context. Conveys a concrete appreciation of China's societal reality and how it interacts with the political system. Covers China's changing role in Asia and the world.

GFCP 363 - (3) (Y)
Politics in India and Pakistan
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or study of history and society in South Asia
Survey of political development in India and Pakistan examining the process of nation-building, the causes of democratization and authoritarian rule, the development of ethnic and religious conflict, environmental politics, the political impact of cultural globalization, and gender-related political issues.

GFCP 401 - (3) (IR)
Theories of Comparative Politics
Prerequisite: One course in GFCP or permission of instructor
Critical examination and analysis of the basic approaches to the study of political systems.

GFCP 413 - (3) (IR)
Political Economy of Advanced Industrial Economies
Prerequisite: GFIR 205 or permission of instructor
Seminar examining how the U. S., Germany, and Japan politically organize their major industries, and the economic consequences of this regulation. Compares financial systems, unionization, and firms' internal organization, looking at relations between firms and labor, labor and the state, and firms and the state.

GFCP 414 - (3) (IR)
Democracy and Dictatorship
Prerequisite: One course in GFCP or permission of instructor
Seminar surveying and critically evaluating theories of origins of democratic and authoritarian governments, and the causes of subsequent transitions to, and away from, democratic regimes.

GFCP 415 - (3) (Y)
Comparative Public Policy
A seminar focused on the question of why policies in areas like social welfare, education, and trade differ across time and across countries in the advanced industrialized nations.

GFCP 424 - (3) (S)
Seminar: Topics in Comparative Politics
Prerequisite: One course in GFCP or permission of instructor
An intensive analysis of selected issues and concepts in comparative government.

GFCP 498 - (3) (S)
Senior Thesis
Prerequisite: Three courses in GFCP and permission of instructor
Allows especially motivated students to receive credit for supervised work on a thesis in the area of comparative politics.

GFCP 501 - (3) (IR)
Comparative Political Systems of Northern Europe
Prerequisite: GFCP 201, GFCP 311 or permission of instructor
A comprehensive survey of selected political systems of Northern Europe, such as the British Isles, the Low Countries, Germany, or Scandinavia.

GFCP 502 - (3) (IR)
Comparative Political Systems of Southern Europe
Prerequisite: GFCP 201, GFCP 311 or permission of instructor
A comprehensive survey of selected political systems in Southern Europe, such as France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

GFCP 506 - (3) (Y)
Political Development and Developmental Politics
Prerequisite: One course in GFCP or permission of instructor
Critical examination and analysis of the basic theories of political development. Emphasizes development of the modern nation state in Europe and the Developing World from 1400-2000.

GFCP 507 - (3) (Y)
Rational Choice in Comparative Politics
Prerequisite: Two courses in GFCP and/or economics, or permission of instructor
An introduction to rational choice theory, one of the most important recent approaches to studying politics. Addresses the challenge of applying both classic and newer theories to democratic transitions and constitutions, elections and voting, coalitions, social movements, and political reform.

GFCP 511 - (3) (Y)
Government and Politics of Western Europe
Prerequisite: Graduate status or permission of instructor
An in-depth analysis of the institutional structures and policy processes of selected political systems in Europe today. Focuses on legislatures, political executives, administrative bureaucracies and their interrelationships as they effect policymaking and policy implementation.

GFCP 521 (3) (Y)
Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics
Prerequisite: Graduate status or permission of instructor
Study of the political institutions and processes in the former Soviet Union and its successor states from 1917 to the present. Focuses on modernization, social change, changing structures and institutions, political mobilization, political cultures, nationality issues, and the problems of reform, system transformation and democratization.

GFCP 523 - (3) (Y)
Politics of Eastern Europe
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Eastern Europe
Study of the development of political institutions in Eastern Europe since 1989. Comparative analysis of the differing paths of development taken by the East Europe regimes. Topics include the history of the region; an examination of the transitions, the development of political parties, economic reforms, and institutional development; and security issues, including the Yugoslav conflict and the expansion of Western security arrangements into Eastern Europe.

GFCP 525 - (3) (Y)
Politics of Economic Reform
Prerequisite: Previous course in GFCP, GFIR, or economics is recommended
A wave of economic change has swept across countries from Argentina to Zimbabwe over the last 15 years. The unfolding of these changes has been structured and in turn has shaped the politics of the countries in which they have occurred. Course formulates an analytical framework for understanding the politics of economic reform. Readings on cases in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

GFCP 531 - (3) (IR)
Politics of Latin America
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Latin America
Study of the constitutional, political, and administrative system of the major countries of Latin America; the political implications of economic development and social reform; and nationalist theories of socio-political development.

GFCP 533 - (3) (IR)
Political Parties and Movements in Latin America
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Latin America
Study of the origins, activities, and contemporary position of the major political parties and movements in Latin America and Spain; and their relationship to economic development, social reform, and the conduct of government in the principal Latin American states.

GFCP 536 - (3) (IR)
Role of the Military in Latin America
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Latin America
Study of the impact of the military on government and society, the conditions effecting military intervention against constitutional governments, and the circumstances in which military intervention occurs and is likely to occur in Latin America and Spain.

GFCP 541 - (3) (Y)
Islam and Democracy in the Middle East
Prerequisite: GFCP 341 or equivalent
Study of the prospects for democratic transitions in Middle Eastern states, emphasizing the role of Islamic political movements.

GFCP 551 - (3) (Y)
Politics of China
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of China
Study of the structure and process of the Chinese political system, with special attention to political culture, socio-economic development and political socialization.

GFCP 553 - (3) (Y)
Politics of Japan
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Japan
Survey of contemporary Japanese society and political behavior including such topics as political culture, interest groups, political parties, parliamentary democracy, decision-making, and public policy.

GFCP 563 - (3) (E)
Politics of Vietnam
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Asia
A comprehensive introduction to Vietnamese politics, including its domestic political development and its international relations. Focuses on contemporary Vietnam, but also considers the historical development of Vietnamese politics.

GFCP 567 - (3) (IR)
Comparative Science and Technology Policy
Prerequisite: Graduate status or permission of instructor
An examination of the increasingly vital role played by science and technology policy in promoting economic and social welfare. Special attention is paid to government efforts to enhance domestic scientific and technological capabilities. Comparison of the development of the computer industry in the United States, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and India is used to explore theoretical issues.

GFCP 581 - (3) (Y)
Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa
Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Africa
A survey of the principal topics in the study of government and politics of sub-Saharan Africa. Topics include the colonial experience and the rise of African nationalism; the transition to independence; the rise and fall of African one-party states; the role of the military in African politics; the politics of ethnicity, nation-building and state-building; patromonialism and patron-client relations; development problems faced by African regimes, including relations with external actors; and the political future of Southern Africa. Not open to students who have taken GFCP 381.

GFCP 583 - (3) (Y)
Politics of South Africa
Prerequisite: GFCP 212, GFCP 581 or permission of instructor
Study of the socio-political structures of white supremacy and the political transition to majority rule. Emphasizes the confrontation between African and Afrikaaner nationalisms, the consequences of economic growth on the patterns of racial stratification, and the complicated process contributing to the creation of the multi-racial democratic society.

GFCP 595 - (3) (S)
Selected Problems in Comparative Politics
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Independent study, under faculty supervision, for students who are preparing for intensive research on a specific topic.

International Relations

GFIR 101 - (3) (Y)
International Relations
Study of the geographic, demographic, economic, ideological, and other factors conditioning the policies of states; and the methods and institutions of conflict and adjustment among states, including the functions of power, diplomacy, international law and organization.

GFIR 201 - (3) (Y)
Evolution of International Relations
Study of the factors which determine continuity and change in the international system. Emphasizes periods of conflict and change, with case studies ranging from the Peloponnesian War to the contemporary post-Cold War system.

GFIR 202 - (3) (Y)
Foreign Policies of the Powers
A comparative analysis of the content and definition of foreign policies of select states in historical and contemporary periods.

GFIR 205 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Political Economy
An introduction to core concepts in political economy, including the institutional bases for states and markets, and the way these interact through the exercise of exit, voice, and collective action. Empirical material drawn from the last five centuries.

GFIR 304 - (3) (O) International Politics
Prerequisite: One course in GFIR or permission of instructor
Comparative analysis of major periods in international politics, emphasizing the definitive traits of the contemporary era.

GFIR 305 - (3) (Y)
Philosophy of International Relations
Prerequisite: GFIR 101 or GFIR 201 or permission of instructor
Analysis of the philosophical foundations of the study of international relations as formulated by classical and contemporary thinkers.

GFIR 306 - (3) (Y)
Military Force in International Relations
Prerequisite: One course in GFIR or permission of instructor
Examines the threat and use of military force in international relations. Topics include deterrence theory and recent critiques, ethical and international legal considerations, domestic constraints, and the postwar U.S. and Soviet experiences with the use of force.

GFIR 308 - (3) (Y)
International Politics in the Nuclear Age
Prerequisite: One course in GFIR or permission of instructor
Considers the impact of nuclear weapons on the relations among states.

GFIR 311 - (3) (Y)
International Law: Principles and Politics
Prerequisite: One course in GFIR or permission of instructor
Addresses the following questions: What are "international legal rules?" How do they originate? How do they evolve over time? Of what political consequence are they? And, what is their relationship to morality? Special attention is given to the international legal rules governing territoriality, nationality, human rights, and the recourse to armed force.

GFIR 321 - (3) (Y)
International Organizations
Prerequisite: One course in GFIR or permission of instructor
An introduction to the nature, functions, and significance of international organizations in international relations. Special attention is given to the United Nations.

GFIR 338 - (3) (Y)
Theories of International Political Economy
Prerequisite: GFIR 205 or permission of instructor
Examines international conflict and cooperation over economic issues, using a variety of theoretical perspectives. Topics include the domestic sources of foreign economic policy and the relationship between economic and military security, and are drawn from the 19th and 20th centuries.

GFIR 340 - (3) (Y)
Foreign Policy of the United States
Prerequisite: Some background in the field of international relations or in U.S. history
An analysis of major themes in American foreign policy, emphasizing security issues, from World War I through the Nixon administration.

GFIR 341 - (3) (Y)
Contemporary U.S. Foreign Policy
Prerequisite: GFIR 340 strongly recommended, but open to students with at least some background in the field of international relations or in U.S. history
An analysis of contemporary American foreign policy, from the Carter administration to the present. Issues include security policies, the end of the Cold War, and America's role in the post-Cold War period.

GFIR 351 - (3) (Y)
Western Europe in World Affairs
Prerequisite: Some background in the field of international relations or in the history of Western Europe
Study of the content and formulation of the foreign policies of the major Western European countries in the twentieth century.

GFIR 355 - (3) (Y)
Russia/USSR in World Affairs
Prerequisite: Some background in the field of international relations or in the history of Russia
A survey of the international relations of the Russian state, looking at Imperial legacies, the Soviet era from 1917-85, the Gorbachev era, and post-Soviet problems of Russian foreign policy.

GFIR 356 - (3) (Y)
Russian-American Relations
Prerequisite: GFIR 355 or GFIR 340 offer best background, but open to students with at least some background in the field of international relations or in the history of Russia
An analysis of Soviet-U.S. and Russian-U.S. relations, with a focus on the post-1945 period; Cold War and contemporary issues.

GFIR 360 - (3) (Y)
Political Economy of Asia
An introduction to the political economy of East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia at three levels: first, the role played by Asia in the global political economy, and vice-versa; second, the regional interactions and patterns within Asia; and third, the national political economies of the region.

GFIR 365 - (3) (Y)
International Relations of the Middle East
Prerequisite: Some background in the field of international relations or in the history of the Middle East
Study of the emergence of the contemporary inter-state system in the Middle East; the important role played by outside powers, especially the United States; the effect of the Cold War on the region; the persistent conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors and the efforts to reach peace; and the difficulty of constructing a stable order in the Persian Gulf.

GFIR 366 - (3) (Y)
Ideas, Institutions, and Public Policy
Alexis deTocqueville's Democracy in America serves as the primary text for an examination and critical analysis of the ideas, institutions, and public policy decisions that constitute the foundation and have influenced the development of liberal democracy in the United States.

GFIR 375 - (3) (IR)
South Asia in World Affairs
Prerequisite: Some background in the field of international relations or in the history of South Asia
Topics include the international relations of India; factors that condition its foreign policy; relation between internal need for unity, stability and development, and foreign policy; and India as a regional power and as a global leader of nonalignment.

GFIR 415 - (3) (Y)
Economics and National Security
Prerequisite: One course in international relations, history or economics
The seminar explores the connections between economics and national security from three angles. First, does economic interdependence between nation-states foster a peaceful world, as liberals argue, or does it increase the likelihood of war, as realists contend? Second, what are the economic causes of the rise and decline of great powers? Third, what are the economic roots of great power imperialism against smaller states?

GFIR 421 - (3) (Y)
World Order
Prerequisite: Two courses in GFIR or permission of instructor
Seminar analyzing the problem of world order and examining various theoretical approaches to its solutions.

GFIR 424 - (3) (S)
Seminar: Topics in International Relations
Prerequisite: One course in GFIR or permission of instructor
An intensive analysis of selected issues and concepts in international relations.

GFIR 438 - (3) (Y)
America in a World Economy
Prerequisite: GFIR 205 or permission of instructor
Seminar focusing on politics of the international trade and monetary systems, with special emphasis on third world industrialization, trade conflicts between the U.S. and Japan, and the global debt crisis.

GFIR 498 - (3) (S)
Senior Thesis
Prerequisite: Three courses in GFIR and permission of instructor
Designed to allow especially motivated students to receive credit for supervised work on a thesis in the area of international relations.

GFIR 505 - (3) (Y)
Ethics and International Relations
Is ethical action in international affairs possible--or does the absence of global moral concensus and central world government doom states and citizens to the amoral pursuit of clashing national interests? Considers contrasting arguments by philosophers and social thinkers (e.g. Thucydides, Machiavelli, Kant, and Weber) and specific issues in contemporary international politics, including intervention and the use of force, human rights, alternatives to the state system, and the moral responsibilities of leaders and citizens.

GFIR 507 - (3) (Y)
Norms and Value Systems in International Relations
Prerequisite: Two courses in GFIR or permission of instructor
Analysis of the formation, operation, and effect of norms, values, and "regimes" in international relations. Considers topics such as human rights, the role of religion and ideology, and the relationship of norms to international institutions.

GFIR 508 - (3) (IR)
American National Security Policy
Prerequisite: Two courses in GFIR or permission of instructor
An analysis of the changing definitions of national security by U.S. administrations from World War II to the present.

GFIR 522 - (3) (IR)
Political Conflict Management in International Organizations
Prerequisite: GFIR 321 or GFIR 421 or permission of instructor
Analysis of the principles and methods involved in the management of political conflicts by international organizations. Includes case studies of peaceful settlement, peacekeeping operations, and sanctions. Emphasizes the political role of the secretary general and the problems of organizing international sanctions.

GFIR 538 - (3) (IR)
International Political Economy
Prerequisite: GFIR 205 or permission of instructor
An intensive analysis of concepts and selected issues, both historical and contemporary, to be found in the interfacing of politics and economics in international relations.

GFIR 542 - (3) (Y)
Patterns and Processes of United States Foreign Policy
Prerequisite: GFIR 340 and GFIR 341 are strongly recommended, but open to students with at least some background in American government or international relations
Study of the politics of the American foreign policy process as illustrated through comparative analysis of case studies.

GFIR 551 - (3) (IR)
Western Europe in World Affairs
Prerequisite: Two courses in GFIR or permission of instructor
Study of the changing role of Western Europe in twentieth century international relations, the loss of Europe's world hegemony, and the shifts of power among the states of Western Europe.

GFIR 555 - (3) (Y)
Russian/Soviet Foreign Policy
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
A thematic analysis of Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian foreign policy.

GFIR 562 - (3) (Y)
Latin America in World Affairs
Prerequisite: Some background in the field of international relations and/or in the history of Latin America
Topics include relations of Latin-American states with each other, the United States, Western Europe, and other states; inter-American security; Latin American relations with the Soviet Union and Cuba; and the United States security doctrine.

GFIR 571 - (3) (Y)
China in World Affairs
Prerequisite: Some background in the field of international relations and /or in the history of China
Topics include international relations of China; conditioning historical, political, economic, and social forces; and the aims, strategy, and tactics of China's foreign policy.

GFIR 572 - (3) (Y)
Japan in World Affairs
Prerequisite: Some background in the field of international relations and/or in the history of Japan
Study of the international relations of Japan; domestic and foreign factors and forces that condition its foreign policies; and the political, economic, military, and social problems resulting from contacts with China, the Soviet Union, and the Western powers.

GFIR 582 - (3) (IR)
Africa and the World
Prerequisite: Some background in the field of international relations and/or in the history of Africa
Overview of the international politics of sub-Saharan Africa, including inter-African relations as well as Africa's relations with the major powers, and the international dimensions of the Southern African situation. Explores alternative policy options open to African states. Considers a number of case studies which illustrate the policy alternatives.

GFIR 595 - (3) (S)
Selected Problems in International Relations
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Independent study, under faculty supervision, for students who are preparing for intensive research on a specific topic.

Political Theory

GFPT 101 - (3) (Y)
Introduction to Political Theory
Introduction to political philosophy as a mode of inquiry, and consideration of selected problems and writers in western political theory.

GFPT 301 - (3) (Y)
Ancient and Medieval Political Theory
Study of the development of political theory from Greek antiquity through the Medieval period.

GFPT 302 - (3) (Y)
Modern Political Thought
Study of the development of political theory from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century.

GFPT 303 - (3) (Y)
Contemporary Political Thought
Prerequisite: One course in political theory or permission of instructor
Study of the course of political theory from the late 19th century through the present. This includes the major critical perspectives on modern politics and culture (existentialism, feminism, post-modernism, "critical theory") and explores the problems that have preoccupied political theory in this period (alienation, language, individualism and discrimination).

GFPT 305 - (3) (Y)
Survey of American Political Theory
A survey of the development of the American tradition of free government with emphasis upon the major contributors and their critics.

GFPT 403 - (3) (Y)
Democracy and Its Critics
Prerequisite: One course in political theory or permission of instructor
Seminar surveying the major contributors to democratic theory, the central problems that any democratic theory has to answer, and the criticisms leveled at the various philosophical attempts to give a firm ground for democratic practices.

GFPT 424 - (3) (Y)
Seminar: Topics in Political Theory
Prerequisite: One course in political theory or permission of instructor
Investigation of a special problem of political theory such as political corruption, religion and politics, science and politics, or the nature of justice.

GFPT 480 - (3) (Y)
Political Economy
Prerequisite: Previous course work in GFA, economics, or philosophy departments
Seminar focusing on historical and contemporary theorists who relate politics and economics.

GFPT 498 - (3) (S)
Senior Thesis
Prerequisite: Three courses in political theory and permission of instructor
Designed to allow especially motivated students to receive credit for supervised work on a thesis in the area of political theory.

GFPT 501 - (3) (Y)
Nature of Political Inquiry
Prerequisite: Only for undergraduates with permission of instructor
Analysis of important conceptual issues encountered in the scientific study of politics.

GFPT 502 - (3) (Y)
Basic Problems of Political Philosophy
Prerequisite: GFPT 101 or GFPT 302 or permission of instructor
Examination of the character of political philosophy and its justification under contemporary circumstances.

GFPT 503 - (3) (Y)
Marxist Theories
Prerequisite: GFPT 101 or GFPT 302 or permission of instructor
Study of the basic political, sociological and philosophical ideas advanced by Marx and Engels, and their historical backgrounds; the later developments and varieties of Marxist thought in the twentieth century; and the principal critic, and chief debates.

GFPT 505 - (3) (Y)
Liberal Theories
Prerequisite: GFPT 101 or GFPT 302 or permission of instructor
Study of the political and philosophical ideas of the thinkers who contributed to the emergence of the modern liberal state.

GFPT 506 - (3) (Y)
Plato and Aristotle
Prerequisite: GFPT 101 or GFPT 301
Study of the political and philosophical ideas of the founders of the tradition of political philosophy.

GFPT 515 - (3) (Y)
Continental Political Thought
Prerequisite: One course in political theory or permission of instructor
A survey of the main currents of Continental political thought from the eighteenth century through the present.

GFPT 595 - (3) (S)
Selected Problems in Theory and Method
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Independent study, under faculty supervision, for students who are preparing for intensive research on a specific topic.

Continue to: Corcoran Department of History
Return to: Chapter 6 Index