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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 RequirementsA new general studies curriculum was approved by the Gallaudet faculty on June 25, 2007. Students entering in Fall 2007 follow the new curriculum. An introduction to the new General Studies Curriculum is online, presented in ASL and English.
Summary of Requirements
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2006-2007
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2007-2008
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| General Studies |
60
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40
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| Additional Pre-Major Courses |
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6
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| Major and Related Courses |
30
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30
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| Free Elective Courses |
34
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44
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| TOTAL |
124
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120
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The requirements below are for students who enter during or after Fall 2007. Students who entered in previous semesters will find their requirements in the archived catalogs.
2007-2008 Course Requirements
Required pre-major courses 6 hours
GOV 101 American Government and Contemporary Affairs I (3)
GOV 102 American Government and Contemporary Affairs II (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 350 Constitutional Law (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 395 International Law and Organization (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)
Summary of requirements General studies courses 40 hours Pre-major courses 6 hours Major courses 30 hours Free elective courses 44 hours Total 120 hours
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