Government (GOVT)
Diverse introduction to political and economic ideas, government institutions, free market processes, public issues, economic policy and political and economic activity, emphasizing the close relationship between a system of limited constitutional government and the free enterprise economy and providing an overview of the Christian worldview with regard to government and economics.
Note: GOVT 200 is a prerequisite to all upper level government courses.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A comparative survey of the scope, methodologies, and major schools of political science, including its links with history, economics, and other cognate fields.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200 (may be taken concurrently)
This course introduces pre-law students to the role of basic deductive and inductive logic in the context of legal reasoning, including the application of legal rules and the application of precedents. This course is ideal for students who plan to attend law school. It will explain the basic logic involved in the LSAT exam, as well as introduce students to the types of reasoning and argumentation encountered in the study of law.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
The issues, interest and institutions of American politics, emphasizing the struggle between liberalism and conservatism.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course will introduce students to the strategies, methods and practices of research and writing relevant to public policy analysis, formulation and decision making.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200 (may be taken concurrently)
Students will examine the parameters of tort law and learn how to analyze and apply principles of tort law. Through readings, lectures, discussions and individual research each student will analyze how American jurisprudence assigns social duties, assesses damages, and determines the distribution of burdens for the risks of harm to include; when a court should award money from one party to another for intentional acts, for negligent acts, and for certain non-negligent acts.
Offered: Resident and Online
Directed applicable work experience under supervision of the Director of Government Internships and an administrator or professional at the place of employment in the area of career interest. Application procedures processed through the Career Center. Must apply semester prior to internship.
Registration Restrictions: Sophomore status, 2.00 GPA, two courses in major, declared major, not more than one CSER behind
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
Political and economic thought of pagan antiquity, contrasting the ideas of Greece and Rome with religious precepts. The political and economic organization of European feudalism will also be examined.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
Survey of political and economic thought since the 16th century including the Christian influence in the development of modern Western freedom and justice. Emphasis will be placed on the emergence and scope of the disciplines of economics, political science, public administration and public policy.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
The office and legal powers of government executives, especially the President, including trends in the Presidency during periods of conservative and liberal dominance.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course provides an overview of the basic structure of the American court system while exploring the impact of the courts and examining the influence of and intersection with the legislative and executive branches of government.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
The U.S. Congress and state legislatures, their powers and organization, and how liberal and conservative forces exert influence through lobbying and elections.
Offered: Resident and Online
This course is an introduction to ethical theory to compliment public policy studies. It approaches the subject by way of historical exploration of moral philosophy, integrating areas of Western philosophy of religion, social and political philosophy as necessary. It surveys Western ethical thought by reading selected figures representative of Western ethical traditions. The selected traditions will highlight theoretical developments critical to the ethical dimension of public policy, including virtue theory, utilitarianism, deontological theory, natural law, as well as contemporary theories. Students will interact with the primary writings from representative ethical thinkers. They will explore the differing conceptions of morality with respect to their scope, purpose, and content. In addition, the course will trace the interactions of Western ethical thought with Christian theistic ethics. (Formerly ETHC 323)
Offered: Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
The goal of the course is to prepare the Christian public policy specialist to maneuver intellectually in the public square. This course examines the ethical dimensions of policy problems in a manner that addresses the tension between secular society and the traditional Christian faith. It explains the moral foundations of institutions and how conceptions of liberal society seek to define them. The course will equip the student to analyze major secular moral theories employed in policy arguments and to cogently represent the Christian conscience on important policy issues. It will discuss the proper uses of the Bible in formulating policy arguments and the role of science in policy deliberation. In addition, it will illuminate the way in which Christian beliefs may become involved in policy deliberation.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course explores the ethical standards governing the conduct of persons engaged in the practice of law and persons more generally in the legal sector. This course will cover both professional conduct and the application of Christian principles in the legal profession.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
Issues, interest and institutions of American state and local government in the framework of federalism.
Offered: Resident and Online
Online Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A study of the electoral process in America and the organizations such as political parties and interest groups that influence it. Topics included are political campaigns, electoral laws, voting behavior, and the development of political parties and interest groups. In election years, students are encouraged to participate in the campaign of the party of their choice.
Offered: Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course introduces the student to the concept of American exceptionalism, the belief that the United States is unique among the nations in advancing justice, liberty, and freedom. The student will examine theological, historical, and political perspectives on American exceptionalism and discuss the influence and impact of the United States on the dynamics of the international policy landscape. Finally, the student will thoughtfully examine when the United States has failed to achieve its highest liberty ideals and formulate strategies to secure her position as a positive model of representative, republican government and responsible citizenship to the nations.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An introduction to a variety of concepts and approaches to the study of the domestic politics of other countries.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A survey of the political systems of Britain, France, Germany and Russia, comparing how various forms of government provide for the requirements of their citizens and the tasks of governing.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An examination of key issues of the transformation of the former Soviet Union and its East European allies. The impact of the communist system on current regimes is evaluated with an emphasis on the role of the party structure, religion, and the security apparatus.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A study of the political systems of Latin America and the Caribbean basin in view of the geographical, historical, religious, cultural, economic, and international factors that shape them.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A study of the major political, economic, and cultural systems of East and South Asia, particularly China, India, and Japan, with special attention given to the rapid emergence of a robust international trade area along the Pacific Rim.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A study of the geographical, historical, religious, cultural, economic, and international factors that broke up the Islamic empires and that shape the politics of the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
Techniques for managing and resolving conflict in international relations. Emphasis is on current international issues like U.S. Arms policy and U.S. policy in the Middle East.
Note: (Offered fall semester)
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An introduction to law and philosophy of law, including categories of law, some legal terminology, justice, liberty, crime and punishment.
Offered: Resident and Online
Resident Prerequisite: GOVT 200 and (RSCH 201 or Inquiry Research with a score of 80 or Research Assessment with a score of 80 or Research (prior to 2017-2018) with a score of 80)
Online Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An overview for the pre-law student of legal research methods and legal writing. Attention will be given to online and traditional avenues of legal research, as well as standard formats for case briefs, citations, formal legal memoranda, legal analysis, case synthesis, and statutory interpretation. The course requires a major legal research paper.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course introduces the student to the historical and constitutional foundation for the 2nd Amendment. Biblical principles such as inalienable rights, justice, and the right to self-defense are discussed. Finally, students will be educated in the full range of rights associated with the 2nd Amendment, and how those rights have been undermined in today's political arena.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
Application of social ethics and economic theory to government, politics, social institutions, law and public policy questions. Topics include the role of a worldview in public policy, the role of civil government versus the role of the market, constitutional and legal decision-making, the morality of capitalism, the problems of special interest groups and public bureaucracies, the theory of regulation and specific public policy issues.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A broadly applicable, foundational study of resilience applied to the life of nations, with particular focus on the USA. Topics include God's intent for nations, spiritual infrastructure as an element of national power, an in-depth assessment of American spiritual infrastructure, and personal and policy considerations pertaining to life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, and major spheres of cultural influence.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An upper-division introduction to the field of intelligence and the Intelligence Community, and how it all works within the framework of the Department of Homeland Security.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An upper-division course studying field of intelligence analysis to give students a basic understanding of what it takes to be an analyst within the Intelligence Community. The course looks at some classic intelligence failures as well as some of the unpublished successes.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An upper-division study of intelligence from the earliest biblical times up through the modern period. The development of American intelligence is covered in detail.
Note: (Offered fall semester)
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A study of intelligence tools and their utilization within an institutional context. This course is not designed to teach students how to use intelligence tools but rather to give them an understanding of what constitutes an intelligence tool, how those tools have been developed over time, and how they support the consumers of intelligence products.
Offered: Resident
The course introduces undergraduate students to the traditional themes and questions that define the study of conflict and the uses of force in the pursuit of foreign policy goals. In addition to familiarizing students to the basics of strategic thinking, this course considers contemporary topics and challenges to international security, including nuclear weapons, WMDs, and types of warfare.
Offered: Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
Five-day seminars in Washington, D.C. during which students attend the relevant symposium hosted by the National Defense University or attend the National Intelligence Symposium hosted by the Association of Former Intelligence Officers. Academic requirements include a major paper on one of the topics covered during the symposium. Each symposium counts as one course.
Note: (Offered fall and spring semesters, when available) Note: Extra costs above tuition and fees apply.
Offered: Resident
Five-day seminars in Washington, D.C. during which students attend the relevant symposium hosted by the National Defense University or attend the National Intelligence Symposium hosted by the Association of Former Intelligence Officers. Academic requirements include a major paper on one of the topics covered during the symposium. Each symposium counts as one course.
Note: (Offered fall and spring semesters, when available) Note: Extra costs above tuition and fees apply.
Offered: Resident
This course introduces undergraduate students to the history of the emergence and consolidation of the modern state, as well as bordering practices common in world politics today. Grounded in geopolitics, this course considers the domestic political and international implications of state sovereignty as well as contemporary issues and topics such as nationalism, immigration, trade, counter-terrorism, and surveillance.
Offered: Online
This course introduces undergraduate students to the components of Just War Theory – jus ad bellum, jus in bello, and jus post bellum. In addition to providing an understanding of the history and religious foundations behind international use of force protocols, this course considers age-old questions about Christian involvement in war.
Offered: Online
This experience includes all government faculty members. Government majors should enroll for a minimum of three semesters. Students and faculty will participate in a series of events in which they will be exposed to current policy issues, politicians, graduates of the department and the research interests of faculty members and students through paper presentations, speeches, debates and films.
Offered: Resident
The political thought of the Pilgrims, the Puritans, and the Founding Fathers, emphasizing the impact of Christianity upon American political ideas.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
Principles of foreign trade and its impact on the domestic economy, means of restricting trade, the influence of the military systems and exchange and role of U.S. in underdeveloped areas.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course will introduce students to the basic principles and laws which govern contracts.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An analysis of the common problems of less developed countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America with a survey of theories of development.
Note: (Offered fall semester odd numbered years)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course will introduce students to the basic principles and laws which govern contracts.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course will introduce students to the procedural rules that govern civil litigation.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course will introduce students to the processes and practice of negotiation as it pertains to the legal profession.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course will address advanced concepts of logic and legal reasoning and engage the student in practical applications to reinforce sound legal thinking.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A survey of American constitutional development from British and colonial origins to the present, emphasizing the history of the Supreme Court and the development of the constitutional framework.
Offered: Resident and Online
An in-depth historical analysis of American constitutional law, emphasizing landmark Supreme Court decisions, especially in the field of civil liberties.
Note: (Offered spring semester)
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A course on U.S. foreign policy since 1945. Emphasis is not on a detailed examination of events but rather on the practical use of history for public policy-making and management.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A comparison of capitalism, socialism and communism, emphasizing the ideas and ideologies that are struggling today across the world.
Offered: Resident
This course is an introduction to the historical, archaeological, and theological significance of the Jewish Temple and its various forms in the Bible. (Crosslisted with BIBL 433)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A study of the political, cultural, and economic dynamics of the international system with special attention given to its geo-strategic dimensions.
Note: (Offered spring semester)
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An examination of international organizations, their nature, political processes, and impact in different issue areas, including peacekeeping and security, international development, human rights, international monetary policy, and control of the seas.
Note: (Offered spring semester)
Offered: Resident
This course traces the causes, development, consequences and outcome of the Middle East conflict from a biblical and Christian Zionist perspective. The relevant historical and biblical texts will be examined with respect to Israel's conflict with nations past, present and future and the contemporary interpretation of the conflict within Christianity. (Crosslisted with THEO 450)
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A survey of American social policy development with an emphasis on religion, education, information, civil rights and health/reproduction policies. The social policy development process will be examined within the context of contemporary political institutions.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This capstone course for public policy concentrators will emphasize the application of foreign, social and economic policy concepts. The student will be exposed to contemporary cases for which they will be required to build policy responses and political implementation strategies.
Offered: Resident and Online
Online Prerequisite: GOVT 458
This course examines key public policy and legal issues, trends and strategies related to the criminal justice context. Students will also examine and articulate recommendations for policy in this context and identify future legal challenges and issues.
Offered: Online
This course examines the contemporary legal, economic, political, religious, philosophical, and cultural issues impacting the political context in the areas of government, politics, and international relations. These factors will be considered in light of a Biblical perspective. Students will be challenged to apply key concepts of political science to these discussions.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: GOVT 458
This course examines key public policy and legal issues, trends and strategies related to the national security context. Students will also examine and articulate recommendations for policy in this context and identify future legal challenges and issues.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: GOVT 458
This course examines key public policy and legal issues, trends and strategies related to the health care context. Students will also examine and articulate recommendations for policy in this context and identify future legal challenges and issues.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: GOVT 458
This course examines key public policy and legal issues, trends and strategies related to the education context. Students will also examine and articulate recommendations for policy in this context and identify future legal challenges and issues.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: GOVT 458
This course examines key public policy and legal issues, trends and strategies related to religious liberty. Students will also examine and articulate recommendations for policy in this context and identify future legal challenges and issues.
Offered: Online
This course examines key public policy and legal issues, trends and strategies related to economic laws and regulations. Students will also examine and articulate recommendations for policy in this context and identify future legal challenges and issues.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: GOVT 200
The sources and impact of various forms of government intervention in the private business sector, including the economic effects of regulation, the legal functions of various agencies, and rulemaking and regulatory powers and limitations of government administrative agencies.
Offered: Online
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to publish legal scholarship, from a uniquely Christian worldview, in the “Liberty University Undergraduate Law Review,” which is published on periodic basis. The course will equip students with the tools and techniques necessary to draft and edit legal scholarship in the academic format.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course is designed to provide students with an integral analysis of the significant persons, ideas, events, issues and trends in the history of American political parties and politics and demonstrate the impact of successive worldviews on American political parties.
Offered: Resident and Online
This course will introduce undergraduate students to the basic principles and skills of advocacy in the American courtroom. Students will study principles of analysis, reasoning, evidence, organization and presentation needed to develop and offer legal arguments. The course will cover both pre-court preparation of legal arguments as well as the skills of identifying evidential issues and then creating persuasive arguments to support legal theories.
Offered: Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An overview of foundational principles of advocacy in the courtroom. This course will introduce students to the basic principles and skills of advocacy in the trial courts of America. Students will study the element of a trial, the Federal Rules of Evidence, and how to prepare and perform an opening statement, a direct cross-examination of witnesses, and a closing argument.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An overview of foundational principles of advocacy in the appellate arena. A survey of the principles necessary to successfully advocate before an appellate panel and a practical application of the elements in a competitive setting.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A cross-disciplinary study of terrorism as a form of organized political violence; its intellectual, cultural, political, and religious roots; and its uses in ethnic, sectarian, and international conflicts.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course will evaluate the main aspects of the war on terror. The course will focus on dilemmas relating to intelligence gathering, offensive and defensive actions taken against terrorist organizations, civil liberties and media coverage, and the strategies and approaches for combating terrorism.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 380
A study of counter-intelligence from the analytical and operational perspectives. It focuses on the security phase of intelligence covering those activities devoted to destroying the effectiveness of hostile competition's intelligence activities and to protecting one's own information and intelligence methods.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An upper-division study of tactical military intelligence operations and the related military branch intelligence agencies as well as the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
An upper-division course studying the concept of Strategic Intelligence, including the concept of fourth generation warfare, from the standpoint of the various intelligence agencies, the Department of State, and the Department of Defense.
Offered: Resident and Online
Five-day seminars in Washington, D.C. during which students attend the relevant symposium hosted by the National Defense University or attend the National Intelligence Symposium hosted by the Association of Former Intelligence Officers. Academic requirements include a major paper on one of the topics covered during the symposium. Each symposium counts as one course.
Note: (Offered fall and spring semesters, when available) Note: Extra costs above tuition and fees apply.
Offered: Resident
Five-day seminars in Washington, D.C. during which students attend the relevant symposium hosted by the National Defense University or attend the National Intelligence Symposium hosted by the Association of Former Intelligence Officers. Academic requirements include a major paper on one of the topics covered during the symposium. Each symposium counts as one course.
Note: (Offered fall and spring semesters, when available) Note: Extra costs above tuition and fees apply.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course examines from a distinctly Christian worldview how ethical standards apply to human conduct when related to intelligence work and the implications for the collection, analysis, and production of information. It combines lectures, discussion, case studies, and student presentations to critically analyze assumptions and alternatives, and to address issues of social, political, environmental perspectives in support of national security objectives.
Registration Restrictions: Upper division standing
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course is an examination of the use of propaganda supported by military, economic, or political measures. The course explores the early principles of psychological operations, the application of principles and research to influence an enemy's actions, and the role of research and collection of intelligence about the enemy. Upon completion of GOVT 488, the student will be able to identify delivery methods for dissemination of information to key audiences and to compare specific successful as well as unsuccessful PSYOP campaigns.
Registration Restrictions: Upper Division Standing
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This is a senior level course to be taken at the end of the junior year to give students an opportunity to acquire tradecraft learning in surveillance and counter-surveillance taught by intelligence professionals in Washington D.C. Extra costs above tuition and fees apply.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A critical examination of a variety of philosophical and social science methods that seek to explain and evaluate: political systems, behavior, ideologies, and collective decision-making. Special attention will be given to the political heritage of western/American civilization and the internal and external challenges it faces.
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
A capstone course in the application of the concepts, tools and techniques of Strategic Intelligence and Intelligence Analysis to real world scenarios, developed in conjunction with input and oversight from government intelligence agencies. This course is a culmination of the Strategic Intelligence curriculum, applying the tools and techniques taught in GOVT 381 and GOVT 484.
Offered: Resident
Resident Prerequisite: GOVT 200 and (RSCH 201 or Inquiry Research with a score of 80 or Research Assessment with a score of 80 or Research (prior to 2017-2018) with a score of 80)
Online Prerequisite: GOVT 200
The capstone course in Government provides - in the context of a biblical Christian worldview - an overview, discussion, and evaluation of leading figures, theories, subfields, and schools of thought within the broad field of political science.
Registration Restrictions: Senior Standing or at least 21 upper division hours in Government
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course provides advanced instruction on techniques of appellate advocacy, primarily brief writing and oral advocacy. Lectures on brief writing and oral advocacy, practical exercises, and guest presentations by members of the bar and the judiciary are part of this course. Students will prepare and submit briefs on assigned cases and will also present oral argument on those cases to a panel of judges at the ACMA regional tournament.
Offered: Resident
This capstone course is designed to synthesize all elements of intelligence studies into a final, interactive course and exercise. In addition to considering contemporary issues in intelligence and security, students apply knowledge gained throughout their undergraduate coursework on government, politics, economics, national security, and other foundational concepts to demonstrate and further develop their comprehension of the expansive topic of intelligence.
Offered: Online
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Offered: Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
This course is designed to synthesize all elements of National Security Studies into a final interactive course and exercise. Students will apply their knowledge of the aspects of U.S. National Security, including democracy, military operations, homeland security, politics and diplomacy, intelligence, the economy, and other contributing factors into a series of class discussions, decision papers, and a culminating exercise in order to demonstrate their comprehension of the expansive topic of National Security. Registration Requirements: Upper Division Standing
Offered: Resident and Online
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
Topics will vary from semester to semester. Course may be repeated for credit as topics vary.
Offered: Resident
Prerequisite: GOVT 200
Directed applicable work experience under supervision of the Director of Government Internships and an administrator or professional at the place of employment in government, political campaigns or political action organizations. Applications are processed through the department Faculty Intern Advisor. Applicants must apply the semester prior to starting the internship.
Registration Restrictions: Junior or Senior status and required GPA
Offered: Resident and Online