Introduction to American Democracy GVT 110

An introduction to the American political system and constitutional framework. Focus will be on the interplay of various institutions (the Presidency, Congress and the Judiciary) in creating public policies. Contemporary public issues will be discussed, as will the role of political theory in shaping American democracy. Attention will be given to the role of the news media, public opinion, political ideology, political parties and interest groups in the American system. 4 credits

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Theory & Practice of International Relations GVT 261

Review of major approaches to the study of international relations. Definition of concepts such as power, nationalism, imperialism and dependency. Special attention to the use of force and conflict resolution. 4 credits

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Introduction to Comparative Politics GVT 281

This course examines various methods of comparing political systems. Institutions such as executive departments, legislatures, court systems and local governmental systems are examined comparatively. It includes analysis of the impact of different economic systems on political/governmental institutions, and on economic circumstances that impact government. It also looks at political socialization both in terms of process and comparative content. An effort is made to include countries from all regions of the world. 4 credits back to top^

Politics of Spain GVT 367

This course provides students with a basic grounding in political institutions and processes in contemporary Spain. Political developments are presented in their socioeconomic context, with special emphasis on the Spanish transition from a dictatorship to a democracy. Attention is also given to the issue of Basque and Catalan nationalism. 4 credits

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Crisis & Integration in Europe GVT 382

Why did 17 European countries surrender the sovereign control of their currency and create the Euro? Will Turkey become a member of the European Union? Will Europeans continue free riding the security protection of the United States? Is the integration process another layer of bureaucracy or an institutional instrument to dean with the permanent crises in Europe? There are some of the questions guiding the discussions in the class. 4 credits back to top^

Global Environmental Threats in the 21st C GVT 439

This course provides students with an overview of the major environmental problems from a scientific, economic, political, social and ethical perspective. It also focuses on how governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations and various business corporations determine the importance of enhancing the concept of conservation of nature and the protection of the planet's biodiversity, by searching to interconnect political, economic, social and natural systems with the aid of international environmental policies, that started with the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, in 1972, up to the recent negotiations discussed in the Copenhagen Treaty in 2009, knowing that the first step lies in the field of Environmental Education, in order to increase awareness of the need of establishing a sustainable lifestyle in the 21st Century. 4 credits

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Politics of the Middle East GVT 485

Interlocking themes making the contemporary Middle East an area of chronic conflict: Big Power rivalries; social and political change within individual countries; unity and rivalry involved in Arab nationalism; the Palestinian-Israeli-Arab dispute. 4 credits

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