International Relations Course Descriptions

An introduction to the nature of contemporary politics and government. Topics drawn primarily from American national, state, and local government and politics, with other political systems introduced for comparative purposes. Emphasis on such major concepts as power, legitimacy, political culture, conflict, and rational choice and on an examination of how a political system manages problems related to political change.

An introductory study of the cultural, political, and economic interactions among states and non-state actors in global politics. Special attention is paid to key issues, including international security, foreign policy decision-making, and the role of diplomacy in promoting cooperation. Required for the interdisciplinary area in international studies.

What activities are most appropriate for human beings? What is the purpose of political activity? What is the best practicable constitution for a political community? This course examines several philosophers’ arguments concerning the best political regime in light of their respective visions of human nature and happiness. PREREQUISITES: sophomore standing

Federalism is a compromise between freedom and equality. How much authority should member states have over elections? Education? The environment? Immigration? Observers characterize federalism both as a bulwark against tyranny and a perpetrator of inequality. This course considers federalism's development in the United States and Europe, its contradictions, and its survival in a global society. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor

This course examines variations in the institutional design and practice of democracy drawing on a range of national and historical cases. Course materials will address the following questions: Are there social, cultural, or economic prerequisites for democratic stability? How and why does the design of democratic institutions vary across national borders? Why does democracy sometimes produce undesirable social, political, and economic outcomes? And why and how do democracies collapse?

A study of the development, organization, structure, and activities of American political parties, with special attention to the recruitment and selection of presidential candidates. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor

This course provides an introduction to politics in less-developed countries, paying close attention to differences within the so-called developing world and the impact of economic realities on politics. In doing so, it addresses questions about the relationship between economic development and democracy and the impact of globalization on poor countries. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing and one of GOVT 110 or GOVT 140

Considers research approaches and methods political scientists use to create knowledge. The course will explore quantitative and qualitative techniques with theory and hands-on applications. The goal of the course is to improve students’ ability to read research critically and to make and test their own arguments in political science. Students should take this course in their sophomore or junior year. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor; seniors must obtain consent of instructor

Can a corrupt people create a just regime? What role must violence, deception, persuasion, and reflection play in promoting political justice? What are the ground and scope of citizens’ political obligations? This course studies the difficulties of creating and reforming political communities. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing

An analysis of patterns of interactions of state and non-state actors in a system without supreme authority, focusing on alternative theoretical frameworks rather than substantive problems. Special emphasis on “realist” and “liberal” theories; the nature and uses of power in international politics; and issues of security, including conventional war, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, environmental decay, and migration. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or 140 or sophomore standing

An examination of the politics of the American presidency, including the constitutional foundations of the office, elections, and the president's relationships with Congress, the courts, the public, media, and the executive branch. The main theme of the course is the difficulty of assessing presidential leadership, in particular sorting the effects of presidents' individual characteristics and strategies from contextual constraints and opportunities. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 and GOVT 271, or consent of instructor

This course covers the basics of congressional politics, including elections, the constitutional framework, committees, parties, and legislative procedures. Thematic focuses include strategies of legislative coalition building and the relative importance of partisanship, constituent pressures, and policy expertise in congressional politics. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 110 or consent of instructor

This course considers economic and democratic models for structuring the collective choices that become public policy. It then explores how major American institutions balance political control and technical expertise in the design, enactment and implementation of public policy. PREREQUISITES: GOVT 271 or MATH 107 or consent of instructor

PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing and at least one of: I&E 100 or I&E 145/GOVT 248

This course is designed for juniors and seniors who are completing the International Relations major. It is a career-focused course that examines the ways in which international relations is practiced on a local, national, and global scale. Activities include discussions with alumni, building connections with campus resources in graduate programs and fellowships, and the completion of a professional portfolio. PREREQUISITES: Junior standing, GOVT 340, and one additional course in IR/Comparative Politics (or consent of instructor)

This course will address an advanced topic in the sub-field of Comparative Politics, such as democracy and authoritarianism, politics of the city, political participation and social movements, gender and politics, or the comparative method.

Topic for Fall 2024: Comparative Authoritarianism
PREREQUISITES: GOVT 215, or GOVT 245, or consent of instructor.
Description: This course explores the reasons for the persistence and apparent resilience of authoritarianism despite successive “waves” of democracy in the decades since World War II. Course materials will address the following questions: What are the different types of authoritarian regimes? What are the strategies authoritarian elites use to stay in power? What are the limitations of these strategies? Why do mass protests against authoritarian rulers arise when they do? How do authoritarian leaders learn from and support each other? And how do authoritarian regimes leave legacies long after they collapse?

Political scientists often interpret politics as a game between strategic actors. This course surveys applications of game theory and social-choice theory to a wide variety of political phenomena, PREREQUISITES: Junior standing or consent of instructor

Specific topics will be listed when scheduled.