Welcome

The Department of Government and International Relations explores some of the most important political questions that face people of all countries. Why are some governments effective and others not? What causes wars or solidifies peace? Can public policies affect relations between women and men, and between different racial groups? Most important, who decides such questions and how?

The department offers courses that address these questions and others—in international relations, in American politics, and in comparative politics. The curriculum provides theories and concepts, relevant information, and tools for investigation for students to develop their own answers.

A variety of opportunities are available. Students are invited to participate in the Model United Nations and Mock Trial Programs. Students may also be interested in the Washington Center Internship and the American University Washington Semester. The University offers legal internships for academic credit such as the Washington Center and London Internship Programs, the American Civil Liberties Union, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Public Defender’s Services, the British Parliament, Alternative Sentencing Project, National Criminal Justice Association and a variety of independent law firms.

Students in fron of the U.S. Supreme Court Building

Professor Miller took a group of prelaw and government sutdents to hear oral arguments at the Supreme Court of the United States in November 2005. After hearing oral arguments, the students took a tour of the U.S. Capital thanks to Congressman McGovern and had a briefing from representatives of the Federal Judicial Center, the U.S. Sentencing Commission, and the Administrative Office of the Federal Courts.