Government

Overview

Government is the study of the foundations, and principles upon which the American and foreign governmental systems are based and how they operate in past and present societies. The Evangel University Government program examines the Christian heritage of American policy makers and integrates faith-inspired discussion of past and current government systems.

Government offerings are designed for students interested in careers in teaching, law, government service, politics, international relations, diplomacy, and civic activities.  Course work in government may be useful for those who plan to teach social studies on the secondary level.

Prelaw students are encouraged to complete a major in Government or History with a minor in Pre-Law.

Junior or senior Government majors may participate in the Washington Studies Program (GOVT 454), an internship program offered during part of the spring semester.  The program enables student to gain practical experience by working in government offices or federal organizations (e.g. Red Cross) that are regionally located, and attending a national conference in Washington D.C.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will: 

  1. Explain the structure, principles and processes of the American federal government.
  2. Explain the background, development, problems, and constitutional aspects of church-state relations in the United States.
  3. Utilize governmental research and writing methods to treat government as a discipline and a science through writing public opinion and policy papers and researching and analyzing political systems. 

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

GOVT 221 : Public Administration

Introduces the administrative process in public bureaucracies with special attention to the problem of democratic accountability.

Credits

3

GOVT 260-269 : Area-Topical Studies

Available as needed. Topics include 260: Ancient, 261: Medieval Europe, 262: Africa, 263: Asia, 264: Latin America, 265: American Religion and Society, 266: North America, 267: United States, 268: Western Europe, 269: Eastern Europe.

Credits

2 - 3

GOVT 272 : Introduction to American Law

Explores the origins, nature, functions, and limits of the American legal and judicial systems.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

GOVT 170 or permission of the professor.

GOVT 322 : Administrative Law and Process

Explores the development, elements, principles, policies, procedures, practical problems, judicial review, and enforcement of modern administrative law.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

GOVT 170.

GOVT 323 : The Legislative Process

Examines structural, functional, developmental, and comparative analysis of the American national and state legislative systems.

Credits

3

GOVT 334 : Political Philosophy

Examines foundational principles of Western political and social philosophy from Augustine to the present. Topics include philosophers such as Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx.

Credits

3

GOVT 341 : Municipal Administration

Explores administrative practices at the local government level. Topics include budgetary processes and the delivery of public services.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

GOVT 221.

GOVT 345 : American Public Policies

Explores the American public policy-making process and outcomes. Topics include government regulation of business, health and welfare, energy and environmental protection, crime and criminal justice, transportation, and urban affairs.

Credits

3

GOVT 348 : American Diplomacy

Explores diplomatic relations of the United States and the development and reflections of foreign policy. Cross-listed with HIST 348.

Credits

3

GOVT 349 : International Law

Examines the nature and development of the international legal system. Topics include rights and practices of nation states and the judicial settlement of international disputes.

Credits

3

GOVT 364 : Latin American Political Development

Examines Latin American political development. Topics include Central America, development of political practices and attitudes of the area, and development of political relations with the United States.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

EU writing proficiency.

GOVT 366 : The American Presidency

Explores the historical development, roles, and styles of the American presidency. Cross-listed with HIST 366.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

EU writing proficiency.

GOVT 391 : Introduction to Legal Research

Introduces the published sources and materials of the law. Topics include techniques and methodology for using these published sources, analytical and organizational approaches for drafting legal memoranda.

Credits

3

GOVT 435 : American Constitutional Law 1

Discusses major Supreme Court decisions dealing with judicial review, contract and commerce clauses, business relations, taxation, war, and foreign affairs.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

EU writing proficiency.

GOVT 437 : Church-State Relations

Explores the background, development, problems, and Constitutional aspects of church-state relations in the United States. Cross-listed with HIST 437.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

EU writing proficiency.

GOVT 454 : Washington Studies

Provides students with a 2-week program in Washington, D.C. Topics include student leadership activities and an internship in a congressional or other government office in the nation's capital. Cross-listed with HIST 454.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Approval of department chair and VP for Student Development.

GOVT 460-469 : Area Topical Studies

Available as needed. Topics include 460: Ancient, 461: Medieval Europe, 462: Africa, 463: Asia, 464: Latin America, 465: American Religion and Society, 466: North America, 467: United States, 468: Western Europe, 469: Eastern Europe.

Credits

2 - 3