Introduction to Comparative Politics surveys the major themes, theories, and methods of domestic politics around the globe in the modern era. Thematically, we examine the gap between rich and poor …
Studies the geographic, demographic, economic, and ideological factors conditioning the policies of states, and the methods and institutions of conflict and adjustment among states, including the functions of power, diplomacy, …
Introduces political philosophy as a mode of inquiry, and consideration of selected problems and writers in Western political theory.
Introduces core concepts in political economy, including the institutional bases for states and markets, and the way these interact through the exercise of exit, voice, and collective action. Empirical material …
Explores the theoretical ideas that informed the creation and development of America's political system and considers contemporary challenges to the maintenance of liberal democracy. Topics include the political thought of …
Western Political Theory from Plato to the Reformation. Among authors covered are Plato, Aristotle, Epictetus, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Martin Luther. For the medieval period, central themes are …
Examines the threat and use of military force in international relations. Includes deterrence theory and recent critiques, ethical and international legal considerations, domestic constraints, and the postwar U.S. and Soviet …
Examines the role of mass media in the political process including such topics as print, broadcast, and online news, media and election campaigns, political advertising, and media effects on public …
This course explores the critical and the constructive dimensions of African American political thought from slavery to the present. We will assess the claims that black Americans have made upon …
Provides students with the opportunity to be directly involved with the research, programming, operations, and outreach of the University's non-profit, non-partisan Center for Politics. Includes projects focused on state and …
Analyzes major themes in American foreign policy, emphasizing security issues, from World War 1 through the present. Prerequisite: Some background in the field of international relations or in U.S. history.
Topical offerings in American Politics
Analysis of selected issues and concepts in comparative politics.
Studies the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and the functional and territorial distribution of powers as reflected by Supreme Court decisions. Includes the nature of the judicial process. (No CR/NC …
This seminar considers how works of fiction enhance our understanding of the terms of democratic life.
Explores the role of political advertising in American democracy. Examines ad messages as strategic political communications, analyzing both classic and contemporary ads. Explores the effects (if any) of political advertising …
This seminar offers an overview of the rapidly-expanding literature on religion and international conflict
Reviews and analyzes the techniques and technologies of modern American election campaigns. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Examines the political economy of foreign direct investment (FDI) including the determinants of FDI and its economic and political consequences. Prerequisite: ECON 2010 and ECON 2020.
Course considers whether differences over the best societal, regional, or global order affect patterns of conflict and cooperation in international affairs; and if so, how. We emphasize both theory and …