POLI 120-01 10639 |
Foundations of International Politics |
Days: M W F
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Time: 09:40 am-10:40 am
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Room: CARN 06A
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Instructor: Sheharyar Imran
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Details
This course has three broad goals. The first is to develop the foundational knowledge and conceptual literacy necessary to engage with International Relations' multidimensional concerns. These include issues such as world order, power, hierarchy, political violence, international law, development, religion, human rights, gender, humanitarianism and international organizations (such as the United Nations). The second is to introduce students to the different perspectives or intellectual frameworks for making sense of international relations (also known as global or world politics), including realist, liberal, constructivist, historical materialist, postcolonial and feminist approaches. The third is to encourage students to reflect on some of the ethical issues inherent in both the study and practice of international politics. Emphasis will also be placed on developing a range of critical, analytical, research and writing skills required for the further study of international politics. The course is thus intended to prepare students for advanced work in the field, although it is also appropriate for those merely seeking to satisfy an interest in the study of global politics.
General Education Requirements:
Internationalism
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 140-01 10640 |
Foundations of Comparative Politics |
Days: M W F
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Time: 09:40 am-10:40 am
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Room: CARN 206
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Instructor: Felipe Ribeiro
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Details
In Comparative Politics we use comparison to analyze political outcomes within and across countries, Why do Mexican presidents exercise strong centralized authority while Brazilian presidents must contend with powerful governors? Why do Muslims and Hindus fight in some Indian states but not in others? Why does Rwanda have such a high proportion of female legislators whereas the U.S. has such a low proportion? When confronted with large-scale protests in their cities, do state security forces in China, Russia, and the United States respond with similar methods or do they differ? Through comparative analysis, students will learn to describe diverse political institutions, to propose explanations for divergent outcomes, and to evaluate scholarly and popular arguments about politics.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
Internationalism
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 160-01 10641 |
Foundations of Political Theory |
Days: T R
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Time: 01:20 pm-02:50 pm
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Room: CARN 304
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Instructor: Della Zurick
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Details
An examination of the evolution of influential political concepts and theories from ancient cultures to the present day, by those writing in/from/to the West. Introduction through textual analysis to historical and contemporary understandings of key terms such as authority, legitimacy, liberty, republicanism, democracy, revolution and "the good." Additionally, the course provides an introduction to political theory methods of analysis and critique, through the development of skills in reading, critical thinking, and writing.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
Distribution Requirements:
Humanities
Course Materials
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POLI 160-02 11000 |
Foundations of Political Theory |
Days: M W F
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Time: 01:10 pm-02:10 pm
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Room: CARN 05
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Instructor: Della Zurick
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Details
An examination of the evolution of influential political concepts and theories from ancient cultures to the present day, by those writing in/from/to the West. Introduction through textual analysis to historical and contemporary understandings of key terms such as authority, legitimacy, liberty, republicanism, democracy, revolution and "the good." Additionally, the course provides an introduction to political theory methods of analysis and critique, through the development of skills in reading, critical thinking, and writing.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
Distribution Requirements:
Humanities
Course Materials
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POLI 194-F1 10642 |
Human Rights, Human Wrongs |
Days: M W F
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Time: 10:50 am-11:50 am
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Room: THEATR 213
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Instructor: Wendy Weber
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*First-Year Course Only*
Details
This course will begin with an introduction to human rights as a global framework for understanding and addressing key issues and challenges in the world today. After this introduction, we will explore a number of these issues and challenges, potentially including climate change, displacement, inequality, authoritarianism and genocide. For each ‘human wrong,’ we will explore the nature of the challenge as well as the possibilities and limitations of the human rights framework (as well as related frameworks on refugees and on war and armed conflict) in crafting a response. Class sessions will be discussion-based and assignments will include a mix of writing assignments and in-class activities (simulations, etc.).
General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 202-01 10643 |
US Campaigns and Elections |
Days: M W F
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Time: 10:50 am-11:50 am
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Room: CARN 206
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Instructor: Julie Dolan
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Details
Analysis of institutions and procedures such as parties and elections, and also informal activities such as social movements, interest groups, and community action.
General Education Requirements:
U.S. Identities and Differences
Quantitative Thinking Q1
Writing WA
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 203-01 10644 |
Politics and Inequality: The American Welfare State |
Days: M W F
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Time: 09:40 am-10:40 am
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Room: LIBR 250
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Instructor: Lesley Lavery
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*Cross-listed with AMST 203-01 (10645)*
Details
The readings and assignments in this course are designed to help students understand how social policies and programs contribute to Americans' lived experiences. We will examine various theoretical justifications for the policies that constitute the American welfare state, then confront and dissect major strands of the American social safety net to better understand how political institutions and policy mechanisms contribute to both diversity and inequality in individuals' social, economic and political outcomes (based in race, class, gender, dis/ability, region, political jurisdiction, etc.).
General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
U.S. Identities and Differences
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 203-F1 10646 |
Politics and Inequality: The American Welfare State |
Days: M W F
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Time: 10:50 am-11:50 am
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Room: LIBR 250
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Instructor: Lesley Lavery
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*First-Year Course Only; cross-listed with AMST 203-F1 (10647)*
Details
The readings and assignments in this course are designed to help students understand how social policies and programs contribute to Americans' lived experiences. We will examine various theoretical justifications for the policies that constitute the American welfare state, then confront and dissect major strands of the American social safety net to better understand how political institutions and policy mechanisms contribute to both diversity and inequality in individuals' social, economic and political outcomes (based in race, class, gender, dis/ability, region, political jurisdiction, etc.).
General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
U.S. Identities and Differences
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 206-01 10648 |
US Constitutional Law and Thought |
Days: T R
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Time: 09:40 am-11:10 am
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Room: CARN 206
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Instructor: Patrick Schmidt
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Details
An exploration of the structure of the American Political System as seen through the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. The central topics include the development of the federal-state relationship, the separation of powers in the national government, the limits of government power over the economy, and the role of the judiciary. This course takes in the sweep of American history from 1789 to the present. Prerequisite(s): POLI 100 recommended.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 213-01 10649 |
Politics in Action |
Days: W
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Time: 08:30 am-09:30 am
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Room: CARN 107
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Instructor: Lesley Lavery
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*2 Credits*
Details
This course is designed to encourage and facilitate students' direct involvement with politics, while reflecting and discussing what they learn with peers. Students in this course will partner with a local organization of their choice with help from the Internship Office and/or Civic Engagement Center (CEC) to determine the best fit among a wide range of social change, community organizing, political, legal, and direct service organizations. Through reflection and deep discussion, students will reflect individually and as a cohort, learning from each other as well as their organizational partners.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
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POLI 213-02 10650 |
Politics in Action |
Days: W
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Time: 12:00 pm-01:00 pm
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Room: CARN 206
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Instructor: Lesley Lavery
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*2 Credits*
Details
This course is designed to encourage and facilitate students' direct involvement with politics, while reflecting and discussing what they learn with peers. Students in this course will partner with a local organization of their choice with help from the Internship Office and/or Civic Engagement Center (CEC) to determine the best fit among a wide range of social change, community organizing, political, legal, and direct service organizations. Through reflection and deep discussion, students will reflect individually and as a cohort, learning from each other as well as their organizational partners.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
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POLI 215-01 10301 |
Environmental Politics/Policy |
Days: T R
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Time: 03:00 pm-04:30 pm
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Room: THEATR 204
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Instructor: Roopali Phadke
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*Permission of instructor required; first day attendance required; cross-listed with ENVI 215-01 (10300)*
Details
This course provides an introduction to the field of Environmental Politics and Policy. Using a comparative approach, the course engages the meaning and development of environmental governance. We will explore the tandem rise of the modern environmental movement and profound new environmental legislation in the U.S. and internationally. Topics investigated will include: deforestation, hazardous wastes, climate change, population growth, and loss of biodiversity.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 242-01 10651 |
Political Economy of Development |
Days: T R
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Time: 01:20 pm-02:50 pm
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Room: CARN 204
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Instructor: Lisa Mueller
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Details
The leaders of NGOs, governments, and social enterprises recognize that problems such as poverty, pandemic disease, and inequality almost always have political causes and consequences. People with a background in Political Economy of Development are in high demand for their expertise on achieving positive outcomes for humanity and the environment. Few topics in Political Science have more direct relevance to policy-making and matters of "real-world" urgency. This course will provide you with knowledge that you can apply, if you wish, to a variety of roles in the development sector. By the end of the semester, you will complete a portfolio of assignments that simulate the kinds of projects you would do as a professional development analyst, Foreign Service officer, impact evaluator, or social entrepreneur. This class emphasizes practical skills but also covers theories and philosophies of development. Readings, discussions, and activities will help you grapple with (but not necessarily answer) the following questions: What defines someplace as more "developed" than someplace else? What explains variation in development? Does social science hold the key to good development policies? What can I personally do to improve the world?
General Education Requirements:
Writing WA
Internationalism
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 250-01 10737 |
Comparative-Historical Methods for Social Science |
Days: M W F
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Time: 10:50 am-11:50 am
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Room: THEATR 001
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Instructor: Erik Larson
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*Cross-listed with SOCI 275-01 (10736)*
Details
This course introduces students to comparative and historical methods used in the social sciences, most prominently but by no means exclusively in sociology and political science. Comparative-historical researchers use huge comparisons to understand big structures and large processes that have immense importance for social life. The course addresses questions such as: How do social scientists gather and analyze evidence about macrosocial phenomena? What types of logic guide the definition and selection of cases? In addition, we learn about analytical choices facing comparative-historical researchers, including different methods of comparison and analysis of historical evidence. Beyond reading and discussing material about comparative-historical methods, we will analyze examples of research and apply lessons we learn to gain more familiarity with using comparative-historical methods.
General Education Requirements:
Internationalism
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 269-01 10654 |
Empirical Research Methods |
Days: M W F
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Time: 01:10 pm-02:10 pm
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Room: CARN 06A
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Instructor: Julie Dolan
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Details
This course will equip you with the skills and intuition to think about politics in a more critical and organized way. You will practice the scientific method - identifying a problem worthy of study, developing testable hypotheses, designing a research strategy, gathering data, analyzing data, and interpreting your results - and contemplate the philosophical conundrums that underlie our efforts to describe, explain, and interpret complex phenomena. Empirical Methods: The department requires its majors to take one course in empirical research methodology before their senior year. In addition to this course, there are a number of other courses that fulfill this requirement, including: POLI 272, SOCI 269, SOCI 270, SOCI 275. In some cases, research methods courses taken in other social science disciplines may be used to fulfill this requirement following approval by the political science department chair.
General Education Requirements:
Quantitative Thinking Q3
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 277-01 10408 |
Metaphysics in Secular Thought |
Days: T R
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Time: 03:00 pm-04:30 pm
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Room: HUM 212
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Instructor: Kiarina Kordela
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*Cross-listed with GERM 277-01 (10407), RELI 277-01 (10409)*
Details
All readings and class taught in English; no pre-knowledge required. A widespread tendency in contemporary Western societies is to associate metaphysics with religion, if not with what is often dismissively called the "irrational." This course will dismantle this myth by reading closely European philosophy and political theory, mostly since the seventeenth century, in their relation to theology and their reception by twentieth-century critical theory. This will allow us to examine the ways in which secular thought emerges not as an alternative to metaphysics-something which thought cannot supersede anyway-but rather as a different way of dealing with the very same metaphysical questions and issues that concern religion, from the meaning of life to the imminence of death, and from (actual or imagined) guilt to the hope for redemption. We shall endeavor to identify the similarities and differences between the 'secular' and the 'religious' ways, including their respective relations to rationality and their functions in ideology. Readings may include: Aristotle, Talal Asad, George Bataille, Walter Benjamin, Kenneth Burke, Richard Dienst, Emile Durkheim, Michel Foucault, Sigmund Freud, Peter Harrison, Jacques Lacan, Karl Marx, Marcel Mauss, Carl Schmitt, Baruch Spinoza, Alberto Toscano, Max Weber, Slavoj Zizek.
General Education Requirements:
Internationalism
Distribution Requirements:
Humanities
Course Materials
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POLI 294-01 10655 |
A New Cold War? US-China Relations in the 2020's |
Days: T R
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Time: 01:20 pm-02:50 pm
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Room: CARN 305
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Instructor: Andrew Latham
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Details
This is a course about the end of the so-called “unipolar moment” in world politics (1991-201?) and the character of the international order that has succeeded it. The end of the Soviet-American Cold War, of course, gave rise to a “new world order” dominated militarily by the United States, economically by the developed capitalist countries, and ideologically by the liberal-democratic West. That world order persisted, more or less unchallenged, for about three decades (though the expectation among some – notably Francis Fukyama – was that it would last much longer as the triumph of liberal capitalism in 1991 marked the “end of history” in the sense that, with communism vanquished, there were no competing ideologies left standing to drive history dialectically forward). Now, however, we appear to be witnessing the end of “the end of history” – and the return of some older, more deeply-etched patterns of geopolitical competition and conflict.The question at the heart of this course is: “what are those older, more deeply-etched patterns?” Are they, as some very influential thinkers would have us believe, the patterns of the “Cold War” – the patterns etched during the era of existential Soviet-American rivalry from the late-1940s until the late-1980s? Or is that framing not only misleading, but dangerous? The course begins with an exploration of the bold claim that we are now mired in a “Cold War II.” It then surveys some of the literature challenging that claim and exploring some of the dangerous consequences of adopting it. It then proceeds to review the evidence, looking not only at the debates about Chinese and American grand strategy but at the actual interaction of these two powers in key regions of the world – with the ultimate goal of answering the question: “is this relationship a Cold War or something else?”
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 294-02 10656 |
Marx and Foucault |
Days: M W F
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Time: 10:50 am-11:50 am
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Room: CARN 204
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Instructor: Rothin Datta
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*First day attendance required*
Details
In two separate interviews in the 1970s, Michel Foucault claims he hides his citations of Karl Marx. These claims undermine the dominant scholarly narrative according to which Marx and Foucault offer contradictory frameworks of analysis. Through an exploration of key texts by these authors, this class will explore the possibility of reading Marx and Foucault as theoretical allies rather than enemies. In particular, we will focus on the possibility of reading Marx’s critique of political economy and Foucault’s genealogical analysis of power and subjectivity together. We will compare the methods of the authors, consider their approaches to the study of history, and ask what it means to take up their theoretical work politically.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 294-03 10856 |
Global Leadership |
Days: T R
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Time: 03:00 pm-04:30 pm
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Room: CARN 411
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Instructor: Ahmed Samatar
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*Cross-listed with INTL 380-01 (10456)*
Details
Leadership is among the deepest features of associational life, pervading every profession and institution, especially in the age of complex global change. Thus this seminar explores leadership. We begin with the relationship between structure and agency, and then focus on vision and invention, integrity and legitimacy, flexibility and decisiveness. Readings draw from Western, Islamic, and Indian sources. The main paper will focus on a major individual from any century or locale, chosen by the student. Prerequisite(s): Open to all but first year students.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 294-04 10858 |
Politics of Latin America |
Days: M W F
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Time: 02:20 pm-03:20 pm
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Room: CARN 206
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Instructor: Felipe Ribeiro
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*Cross-listed with LATI 294-01 (10860)*
Details
This course seeks to provide an overview of politics in Latin America, examining the formation of the region's political institutions. The course begins by learning about the evolution of political institutions during the 1930s and 1940s, influenced by industrialization and populism, which laid the groundwork for military dictatorships. We will explore how many of these regimes decline and regional democratic transition. In the second half of the course, we'll analyze how countries across the region have adapted to contemporary challenges, such as identity politics, criminal violence, and economic inequality. The course will blend lectures and student-led discussions, exploring the work of academics, musicians, and authors who have contributed to our understanding of the region.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Course Materials
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POLI 320-01 10657 |
Global Political Economy |
Days: T R
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Time: 09:40 am-11:10 am
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Room: OLRI 100
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Instructor: Sheharyar Imran
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*Cross-listed with INTL 320-01 (10658)*
Details
This course will examine the historical origins and political contours of global capitalism through a focus on the international relations of colonialism and empire. We will analyze how concepts, institutions, and social relations such as private property, commodity production, markets, and free labor have been central to the construction of capitalist modernity. We will analyze these pillars of the global economy beyond the commonplace assumption of their emergence in Europe and examine how they have been shaped by global relations of conquest, indigenous dispossession, slavery, racialized exploitation, imperial war, and forms of social control such as policing and incarceration. We will trace the afterlives of these structures beyond formal decolonization and further explore abolitionist and anti-colonial modes of structuring political-economic life.
General Education Requirements:
Internationalism
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 323-01 10659 |
Humanitarianism in World Politics |
Days: T R
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Time: 01:20 pm-02:50 pm
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Room: HUM 216
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Instructor: Wendy Weber
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Details
The past two decades appear to have been very successful ones for humanitarianism. Funding for humanitarianism has skyrocketed; humanitarian organizations have expanded their public support, as well as their activities; and, increasingly, humanitarian issues have found a place at the center of policy decisions. It is also generally agreed that humanitarianism is in crisis owing to the growing awareness of the sometimes harmful effects of aid; the expansion of the concept of humanitarianism to include human rights, development, and peace-building; and the increasing involvement of states in humanitarian operations. This advanced-level course explores the nature and dilemmas of contemporary humanitarianism. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore-standing or permission of instructor.
General Education Requirements:
Writing WP
Internationalism
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 394-01 10660 |
Just War and the Politics of Violence |
Days: T R
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Time: 03:00 pm-04:30 pm
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Room: CARN 304
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Instructor: Della Zurick
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Details
When, if ever, is war justified? Do political ends really justify the means used to achieve them? When it comes to war, are there means (e.g., targeting civilians or using chemical weapons) that would never be justifiable no matter the ends? These are some of the questions that animate this class and, together, we will confront them by way of a deep study of "just war" theories. We'll learn about "warism" as a political ideology that takes war for granted, assuming it is both justified and necessary. Then we can contrast warism with pacifism and turn our attention to anti-war protests. As we think about war, we'll also think more broadly about how violence relates to politics. What is the relationship between violence and power? Is violence the most effective means to pursue political ends? Here, we ought to consider how the very idea of war influences how we think about politics itself (and why so many US policies are framed as wars, e.g., War on Poverty and War on Drugs). In all, the class is rooted in approaches to politics that emphasize political theory and social justice.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 400-01 10661 |
Senior Research Seminar |
Days: M W F
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Time: 01:10 pm-02:10 pm
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Room: CARN 204
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Instructor: Rothin Datta
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*Permission of instructor required*
Details
The goal of the Senior Research Seminar (Capstone) is to launch students on a culminating academic experience organized around the supervised independent study of a political science topic of particular interest and relevance. The Seminar is premised on the assumption that students will have a working familiarity with the foundational knowledge in the sub-field(s) relevant to their reserach project, a mastery of the practical skills introduced in foundation courses and further developed in intermediate courses, and a willingness to engage actively in a rigorous, sustained inquiry into an important topic. In each section of the seminar, a faculty member will coach students through the process of defining a significant and important political science research question, developing a thesis, designing an appropriate research program and writing a 25-35 page original capstone.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 400-02 10662 |
Senior Research Seminar |
Days: T R
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Time: 01:20 pm-02:50 pm
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Room: CARN 05
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Instructor: Patrick Schmidt
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*Permission of instructor required*
Details
The goal of the Senior Research Seminar (Capstone) is to launch students on a culminating academic experience organized around the supervised independent study of a political science topic of particular interest and relevance. The Seminar is premised on the assumption that students will have a working familiarity with the foundational knowledge in the sub-field(s) relevant to their reserach project, a mastery of the practical skills introduced in foundation courses and further developed in intermediate courses, and a willingness to engage actively in a rigorous, sustained inquiry into an important topic. In each section of the seminar, a faculty member will coach students through the process of defining a significant and important political science research question, developing a thesis, designing an appropriate research program and writing a 25-35 page original capstone.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 400-03 10663 |
Senior Research Seminar |
Days: M W F
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Time: 01:10 pm-02:10 pm
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Room: CARN 105
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Instructor: Wendy Weber
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*Permission of instructor required*
Details
The goal of the Senior Research Seminar (Capstone) is to launch students on a culminating academic experience organized around the supervised independent study of a political science topic of particular interest and relevance. The Seminar is premised on the assumption that students will have a working familiarity with the foundational knowledge in the sub-field(s) relevant to their reserach project, a mastery of the practical skills introduced in foundation courses and further developed in intermediate courses, and a willingness to engage actively in a rigorous, sustained inquiry into an important topic. In each section of the seminar, a faculty member will coach students through the process of defining a significant and important political science research question, developing a thesis, designing an appropriate research program and writing a 25-35 page original capstone.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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POLI 400-04 10664 |
Senior Research Seminar |
Days: T R
|
Time: 03:00 pm-04:30 pm
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Room: CARN 204
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Instructor: Lisa Mueller
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|
*Permission of instructor required*
Details
The goal of the Senior Research Seminar (Capstone) is to launch students on a culminating academic experience organized around the supervised independent study of a political science topic of particular interest and relevance. The Seminar is premised on the assumption that students will have a working familiarity with the foundational knowledge in the sub-field(s) relevant to their reserach project, a mastery of the practical skills introduced in foundation courses and further developed in intermediate courses, and a willingness to engage actively in a rigorous, sustained inquiry into an important topic. In each section of the seminar, a faculty member will coach students through the process of defining a significant and important political science research question, developing a thesis, designing an appropriate research program and writing a 25-35 page original capstone.
General Education Requirements:
Distribution Requirements:
Social science
Course Materials
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