2010-2011 HBU Catalog - Houston Baptist University

DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT
Faculty: Dr. Chris Hammons (Chair); Dr. Michael Bordelon; Dr. Paul Bonicelli; Dr. Robert Stacey
The government program focuses on theories of government, political institutions, government processes, and
political behavior. Students are offered courses in political theory, U.S. foreign policy, national politics, American
government, public policy, international relations, and law. Students are also introduced to traditional and
empirical methods of research in government.
The study of government assists students in developing reasoning and analytic skills and builds competencies in
written and oral communication. The Government major prepares students for careers in law, business, public
service, local, state, and national government, education, or any other field that requires strong analytic and
communication skills. The major also increases political awareness and promotes active citizenship and political
participation.
Government majors interested in pursuing internship credit for work related to their field of study should contact
the department chair. Only three (3) hours of internship credit will be counted toward the major.
Students who wish to enter law school after graduating from HBU are encouraged to take GOVT 2343 Public
Policy, GOVT 3344 The American Court System, GOVT 3348 American Political Thought, and GOVT 4313
Constitutional Law.
Departmental Honors in government is available.
GOVERNMENT MAJOR
Smith College 52
Required Courses (12 Hours)
GOVT 1313 Introduction to Government 3
GOVT 2313 American and Texas Government 3
GOVT 2334 Campaigns and Elections 3
GOVT 3348 American Political Thought 3
CHOOSE 2 COURSES (6 HRS) FROM EACH OF THE FOLOWING 4
24
CONCENTRATIONS
Political Theory (6 hrs)
GOVT 3345 – Ancient and Medieval Political Thought & GOVT 3353 –
Contemporary Political Thought
American Politics (6 hrs)
GOVT 3324 – State and Urban Politics or GOVT 3344 – The American Court
System or
GOVT 3374 – The United States Congress or GOVT 3384 – The Presidency
Public Law (6 hrs)
GOVT 2343 – Public Policy or GOVT 3394 – Law and Religion or GOVT
4313 – Constitutional Law
Global Politics (6 hrs)
GOVT 4353 International Relations +
GOVT 4333 United States Foreign Policy OR GOVT 4343 Intelligence & Nat‘l
Security
Total Hours in Major 36
2010-2011 HBU Catalog www.hbu.edu/catalog Page 99