Government (BA in Government)
The Government Program
The Department of Government provides students with opportunities to investigate political phenomena ranging from the behavior of the individual citizen to relations among states in the international arena. The program seeks to develop awareness of the moral and ethical implications of political action as well as understanding of political institutions and processes from an empirical perspective.
The department maintains a strong commitment to the development of writing abilities and research skills. Most 300-level courses in the department require one or more papers. The 400-level seminars require a major paper based on independent student research. Some students, with the approval of the department, also elect an Honors project in Government.
Graduate Program
The department is actively involved in the Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) degree track of the Public Policy Program. For degree requirements, including information on admission to the traditional program and the accelerated MPP program, which is open to students of any undergraduate major, please review the Graduate Catalog or information on the Public Policy Program website http://www.wm.edu/as/publicpolicy/index.php.
Required Credit Hours: 33
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| GOVT 201 | Introduction to American Government and Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 202 | Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
| GOVT 203 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 204 | Introduction to International Politics | 3 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| GOVT 301 | Research Methods | 3 |
| Select one upper-level Government seminar numbered between 401 and 491 | 3 | |
| Electives | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
Major Computing Requirement
Students must satisfy a Major Computing Requirement in Government by successfully completing GOVT 301 Research Methods.
Major Writing Requirement
The Major Writing Requirement is fulfilled by obtaining a grade of “C-” or better in any course numbered between GOVT 401 Sem: American Politics and GOVT 491 Seminar: Government inclusive.
Note:
Students planning to major in Government are strongly advised to complete GOVT 201 Introduction to American Government and Politics, GOVT 202 Introduction to Political Theory, GOVT 203 Introduction to Comparative Politics, GOVT 204 Introduction to International Politics and GOVT 301 Research Methods before junior year.
One freshman seminar in Government may be counted toward the Government major.
It is recommended that majors complete ECON 101 Principles: Microeconomics-ECON 102 Principles: Macroeconomics and carry foreign language study beyond the 202-level.
No more than 6 total credits from any of the combination of the following courses may be counted toward the major in Government: GOVT 394 Directed Research, GOVT 494 Independent Study, GOVT 498 Internship, INTR 499 Washington, DC Summer Internship. Credits beyond 6 would still count toward the 120 credits needed for graduation.
Consult the Department website (http://www.wm.edu/as/government/) for updated information about curricular requirements, course offerings, and other opportunities.