Course Descriptions

GVPP Course Descriptions

• GVPP 201 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (3)

  This course is the basic American government course required of all government and Public Policy majors. This is an introduction to American ideology, government, and politics. The course also serves as a basic social science course available as a general elective for all undergraduate majors. Prerequisite: None. [GIK] [QQT] [SBS]

• GVPP 210 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL STUDIES (3)

  Introduces concepts within international studies. Students learn how history, geography, culture, politics and economics affect the approach taken by various actors in international relations. Through critical analysis, this course examines the role world politics plays in a variety of global issues and challenges. [QQT] [SBS] [GD]

• GVPP 279 SPECIAL TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (3)

  Exploration of topics in international affairs. Content varies depending upon the interests of faculty and students and may include studies in comparative or regional politics, international or global issues, or issues in foreign policy. Course may be repeated when topic changes. Prerequisite: Depends on course topic and level of difficulty.

• GVPP 284 POLITICS IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE (3)

  Politics in Comparative Perspective is designed to introduce students to the study of politics and Political Science. The course covers basic concepts in Comparative Politics including ideologies, political behavior, and political institutions. These concepts are used to explore the political experiences of representative countries from the Westem Democratic, Transitional, and Developing worlds. Coverage is also given to the impact of globalization on selected countries. Specific countries covered will vary with instructor. Prerequisites: None [GIK] [QQT] [SBS]

• GVPP 297 TOPICS IN POLITICS AND POLICY (1 - 3)

  Exploration of topics in politics and policy. The actual topic of the course will appear in the schedule of classes. Prerequisite; depends on course topic and level of difficulty.

• GVPP 300 AMERICAN POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS (3)

  The role and interrelationship of the federal, state, and local governments in the formulation and implementation of public policy are examined. Major contemporary issues are explored to illustrate the policy making process. The specific policy issues studied vary from semester to semester.

• GVPP 315 PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS (3)

  Students will gain a foundation in policy analysis -the process of creating, critically assessing and communicating information to determine which of various policy alternatives will best achieve agiven goal(s) within the American policy arena. Students will understand the policy process and analysis by: Defining, assessing, and describing public problems; Identifying policy goals and criteria to assess possible strategies; Crafting appropriate policy options by borrowing, adapting, and creating; Analyzing and predicting the effects of alternative policy options; and Communicating policy advice in written and oral presentations. Prerequisites: None.

• GVPP 320 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (3)

  The problems of municipal, state, and federal governments as these relate to organization, budgeting, personnel, welfare, control, reporting, public relations, federal-state-local relations, the city ­government in society, and the division of state and federal powers.

• GVPP 321 LEADERSHIP: AN EXPERIENTIAL APPROACH (3)

  Organized around developing leadership, this course will help students to identify goals and objectives and achieve them. This course will use adventure education and outdoor experience to support the development of personal and professional competencies for individuals interested in careers in community -serving nonprofit organizations.

• GVPP 322 BUREAUCRACY AND PUBLIC POLICY (3)

  An understanding of the institutional political, legal, and ethical challenges of public policy management in the contemporary administrative state

• GVPP 324 AMERICAN PUBLIC POLICY (3)

  Analysis of the formulation and implementation of governmental policies at all levels in such policy areas as art and cultural policy, economic stability, income maintenance, education, the environment, public finance, and older adult policy. Prerequisite: GVPP 300 or permission of instructor.

• GVPP 326 URBAN POLITICS AND PUBLIC POLICY (3)

  An examination of the ­organization and main functions of urban government, the major participants and key issues in the urban political process, and the political relationship between cities and other levels of government. The distinctive characteristics of the political process in the urban setting with special emphasis on Baltimore.

• GVPP 340 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (3)

  The role of the Constitution in the American system of government. Origins and historical development of the Constitution, the theory and operation of the federal court, and the effects of Supreme Court decisions on the relationship between ­different branches of government and on the rights of individuals in American society.

• GVPP 341 CIVIL LIBERTIES AND THE BILL OF RIGHTS (3)

  An advanced course about constitutional law that focuses on the Bill of Rights and issues of civil liberties that have arisen as the Supreme Court has changed its interpretation of the Constitutional basis of decisions related to those rights. The course stresses legal reasoning and research skills; it also provides information about Constitutional issues in relation to American governmental processes and policies. Suggested prerequisite: GVPP 340.

• GVPP 344 AMERICAN PRESIDENCY (3)

  An examination of the presidency in the American system of government. The powers of and limits on the president are studied as are the relationships between the president and other major actors in the political system.

• GVPP 345 THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS (3)

  An examination of legislatures in the American system of government. Emphasis is placed on the study of the representative function of legislatures, of the ways in which they operate, and their impact on public policy.

• GVPP 348 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (3)

  Emphasis on the organi­zation, powers, and functions of state, local, county, and municipal ­governments. Government in theory and practice at different levels in the state of Maryland.

• GVPP 360 PARTIES, CAMPAIGNS, AND ELECTIONS (3)

  A study of the rise, history, and functions of political parties in the United States. Campaign management and strategies as well as electoral tactics and movements are also examined.

• GVPP 362 MEDIA AND GOVERNMENT (3)

  A study of relationships among governments, public opinion, and the media. Analysis of the components of public opinion and their individual and collective influence on government. The functioning of the media and their influence on both government and public opinion.

• GVPP 381 AMERICAN POL ITICAL THOUGHT (3)

  A study of the political thought in the United States that has provided the foundations of American democracy from colonial times to the present, ­focusing on political concepts, principles, ideas, and issues.

• GVPP 382 POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES (3)

  Focuses on the philosophical and ideological bases for the state. The political ­economy and social structure of governing ideologies are examined and illustrated in discussions about democracy, capitalism, liberalism, fascism, communism, and socialism. Challenges to these ideologies as presented by religion and nationalism are also discussed.

• GVPP 384 COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT (3)

  An examination of the historical and social background, political process, governments, and institutions of representative foreign governments, including Great Britain, France, and Germany. The identification, comparison, and ­evaluation of the main components and characteristics of the governing process are examined

• GVPP 385 THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3)

  A survey course of global events and processes. This course covers issues of war and peace, arms and armaments, international governmental and non-governmental organizations, the politics of global economic relations both amongst nations of the developed north and between northern and southern states. Humanitarian and environmental issues will also be covered. Emerging trends in globalization, terrorism, and ethnic conflict will be considered. prerequisites: GVPP and CNCM 102.

• GVPP 386 AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY (3)

  An examination of the political, economic, and military considerations involved in the formulation and implementation of United States foreign policy. Included are the constitutional responsibilities for foreign policy, the economic context, ­military doctrine and the country’s ­traditional international relationships.

• GVPP 408 METHODS IN GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY (3)

  Focuses on research and analytical techniques, ­statistical measurement, and methods of science used in the study of governmental organizations, elections, political behavior, and policy analysis. [IL]

• GVPP 410 POLITICS AND RACE (3)

  Addresses race and its problems, possibilities, and limitations. Race is a critical issue in society; despite the removal of legal barriers and the guarantee of equal protection (Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965, Fair Housing Act of 1968), blacks and Hispanics continue to endure negative outcomes. Racism and discrimination in education, employment, health, income, and incarceration remain a part of the American social fabric. Prerequisite: none [GD]

• GVPP 423 PUBLIC BUDGETING AND PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION (3)

  Focuses on budgeting and personnel administration at the national, state and local government levels. Examined are the form, content, and processes of public budget development, and its review, execution, and management; also examined are the principles and functions of public personnel management, salary, schedules, unions, performance evaluation, and retirement. Prerequisite: GVPP 320 or permission of the instructor.

• GVPP 425 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND PROCESSES (3)

  The growth of the administrative process in the United States, the necessity for the delegation of legislative authority to administrative agencies, and the need for judicial control of the bureaucracy. Emphasis on federal, as well as State of Maryland, administrative and regulatory processes.

• GVPP 426 FOUNDATIONS OF DEMOCRACY I (3)

  This course examines the scope and nature of the fundamental values that are reflected in our system of democratic governance. Democracy joins individual citizens, neighbors and communities. Acting together they form the essence of an associational life-- that is to say, a life lived with reciprocal linkages to the well-being of others and to the common good. Particular attention will be placed on the decision making and organizational design systems that characterize our social, political and economic institutions, as well as community-serving nonprofits.

• GVPP 461 MARYLAND GOVERNMENT PROCESSES AND POLITICS (3)

  A study of the structure of Maryland’s three branches of government and their ­relationship to interest groups, political parties, and public policies.

• GVPP 463 INTEREST GROUP POLITICS AND LOBBYING (3)

  Examined within this course are interest groups as key components in the functioning of a pluralistic political system. The proliferation of interests from trade associations to the public, nonprofit interests will be documented. Also explored are the techniques of lobbying.

• GVPP 470 INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH (1 - 3)

  Individual research on a ­subject of mutual interest to both student and supervisory faculty. Depending on the scope and depth of research, from one to three credits may be earned for the successful completion of this course. The student may, upon approval, take up to two such courses. Prerequisite: A minimum of 12 credit hours in political science courses earned at the University of Baltimore and approval of the program director. This course may be taken for a continuing studies (CS) grade.

• GVPP 471 INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH (1 - 3)

  Individual research on a ­subject of mutual interest to both student and supervisory faculty. Depending on the scope and depth of research, from one to three credits may be earned for the successful completion of this course. The student may, upon approval, take up to two such courses. Prerequisite: A minimum of 12 credit hours in political science courses earned at the University of Baltimore and approval of the program director. This course may be taken for a continuing studies (CS) grade.

• GVPP 479 SPECIAL TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES (3)

  Selected topics in International Relations and/or Comparative Politics of mutual interest to faculty and students are examined in depth. Content varies according to the concurrent interests of faculty and students. The topic for study will appear under that name in the Schedule of Classes. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisites: None

• GVPP 480 ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY (3)

  Environmental politics and policy focuses on the process of public decision making as it relates to national and global environmental issues. The course will address policy making institutions and political behavior and how these have shaped American responses to such issues as clean air and water, energy use, and natural resource consumption, among others. The course will explore how agencies use risk assessment and other decision tools to establish regulatory objectives and how tax, regulatory and other policy tools are used to mange the environment. Prerequisites: None

• GVPP 481 GLOBALIZATION (3)

  This course is an examination of the rapid global changes shepherding in the 21 st Century. Students examine the social, economic and political effects of a smaller, more connected world. Global citizenship, intertwined economies, and global institutions joining nation-states as primary global actors are presented as macro-changes to national identities,economies and public policies. Prerequisites: None

• GVPP 482 TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORY (3)

  Selected political theory examines perennial issues in political thought within the frameworks of classical, medieval, renaissance, enlightenment, and modern political theory. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.

• GVPP 484 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY (3)

  Examination of the rapid changes in the postwar system of trade, production and finance. Students are exposed to discussions concerning the impact that these changes have presented to national identities and the public ­policy responses undertaken by states to maintain and enhance their position in the global trading system

• GVPP 485 THE FAR EAST IN WORLD AFFAIRS (3)

  Political, economic, and ­military aspects of India, Japan and Southeast Asia. Emphasis upon their ­contemporary foreign relations.

• GVPP 486 THE MIDDLE EAST (3)

  Political, economic, and military aspects of Turkey, Iran, Egypt, and the other Arab states, Israel, and the eastern Mediterranean. Emphasis on foreign ­relations. The interrelationship of these powers and their relationships with Western European powers, Russia, the People’s Republic of China, and the United States.

• GVPP 487 WESTERN EUROPE (3)

  Political, economic, and military aspects of Austria, the Benelux countries, France, Italy, and Germany. Emphasis upon their contemporary foreign relations

• GVPP 488 THE COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES & CHINA IN WORLD AFFAIRS (3)

  International relations of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the People’s Republic of China. An example of the political, ­economic, and military considerations of these two countries in the conduct of their relationships.

• GVPP 489 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION (3)

  The Study of the development and evolution of International Organizations including the United Nations, regional and functional organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Course focuses on the United Nation's principal organs and specialized agencies and on major International Inter-governmental organizations. Consideration is also given to non-governmental organization as we" as informal organization. Simulation or role playing exercises or trips to the United Nations may be included at the instructor's discretion. Prerequistes: GVPP 210 or CNCM 102

• GVPP 490 INTERNSHIP (3)

  Internship designed to broaden the ­educational experience of the student through work assignments with appropriate governmental agencies. Depending upon the academic value of the work assignments, the student may enroll for up to a total of six credits in this internship. Prerequisites: major in government and public policy or jurisprudence, minimum of 12 credits completed in GVPP courses with a GPA of at least 3.0, and approval of the program director. This course may be taken for a continuing ­studies (CS) grade.

• GVPP 491 INTERNSHIP II (3)

  Internship designed to broaden the ­educational experience of the student through work assignments with appropriate governmental agencies. Depending upon the academic value of the work assignments, the student may enroll for up to a total of six credits in this internship. Prerequisites: major in government and public policy or jurisprudence, minimum of 12 credits completed in GVPP courses with a GPA of at least 3.0, and approval of the program director. This course may be taken for a continuing ­studies (CS) grade.

• GVPP 493 HONORS SEMINAR (3)

  An advanced interdisciplinary seminar that focuses on important books and issues, encourages independent thinking, clear presentation, and an understanding of the concerns and methods of various disciplines. The course may be team taught; topic and instructor(s) may change from semester to semester. Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisites: 3.3 GPA and permission of the Honors Director.

• GVPP 494 HONORS PROJECT (3 - 6)

  Directed individual instruction in an advanced project of the student’s choice; the project must be academically related to this discipline. Each student works closely with a faculty director who guides his/her progress. The project must be of honors quality and must be finally approved by both the faculty director and a second faculty member. Course is eligible for a continuing studies grade. prerequisites: 3.3 GPA and permission of both the Denit Honors Program director and the faculty director.

• GVPP 497 TOPICS IN GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY (3)

  Intensive exploration of topics in political science of mutual interest to faculty and students. Content varies according to the concurrent interests of faculty and students. The topic for study will appear under that name in the Class Schedule.

• GVPP 499 SENIOR SEMINAR (3)

  A ­senior-level seminar required of all ­government and public policy majors. Topics considered include the perspectives of the major sub-fields of government and public policy and their relations with other disciplines. Students demonstrate their abilities to analyze, assess, and write about relevant issues and practices in government and public administration. Open to non-government and public policy majors only by permission of the instructor. [CAP]