Government

GOV 100 Introduction to Political Thinking (4 Credits)

A study of the leading ideas of the Western political tradition, focusing on such issues as justice, power, legitimacy, revolution, freedom, equality and forms of government--democracy especially. Open to all students. Entering students considering a major in government are encouraged to take the course in their first year, either in the fall or the spring semester. Enrollment limited to 30. {S}

Fall, Spring

GOV 200 Introduction to American Government (4 Credits)

A study of the politics and governance in the United States. Special emphasis is placed on how the major institutions of American government are influenced by public opinion and citizen behavior, and how all of these forces interact in the determination of government policy. Designation: American. {S}

Spring

GOV 201 American Constitutional Interpretation (4 Credits)

The study of Supreme Court decisions, documents, and other writings dealing with Constitutional theory and interpretation. Special attention is given to understanding the institutional role of the Supreme Court. Designation: American, Theory. Not open to first-years. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 202 American Constitutional Law: The Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment (4 Credits)

Fundamental rights of persons and citizens as interpreted by decisions of the Supreme Court, with emphasis on the interpretation of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. Designation: American, Theory. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 203 Empirical Methods in Political Science (5 Credits)

The fundamental problems in summarizing, interpreting and analyzing empirical data. Discussions include research design and measurement, descriptive statistics, sampling, significance tests, correlation and regression. Special attention is paid to survey data and to data analysis using computer software. Restrictions: Students do not normally earn credit for more than one course on this list: ECO 220, GOV 203, MTH 220, PSY 201, SDS 201, SDS 220 or SOC 204. Enrollment limited to 75. {M}{S}

Spring

GOV 205 Colloquium: Indigenous Peoples in the New Global Order (4 Credits)

The status of indigenous peoples, both domestically and internationally, is dizzyingly complex. The course begins by looking at indigenous rights claims under both domestic and international laws to understand the nature of "group" rights. The course then explores the status of indigenous persons ion the US, looking at relationships among and between tribes and tribal members, between states and tribes, and between tribes and the federal government. Throughout, the course will draw comparisons with the treatment of indigenous claims across the globe. The second half of the course explores contemporary issues, such as claims of indigenous groups to the protection of sacred sites, the repatriation of indigenous remains, the treatment of indigenous children, and subsistence and other issues associated with environmental exploitation and development. Designation: American, Comparative. Enrollment limited to 24. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 206 The American Presidency (4 Credits)

An analysis of the executive power in its constitutional setting and of the changing character of the executive branch. Designation: American. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 207 Politics of Public Policy (4 Credits)

A thorough introduction to the study of public policy in the United States. A theoretical overview of the policy process provides the framework for an analysis of several substantive policy areas, to be announced at the beginning of the term. Designation: American. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 208 Elections in the Political Order (4 Credits)

An examination and analysis of electoral politics in the United States. Voting and elections are viewed in the context of democracy. Topics include electoral participation, presidential selection, campaigns, electoral behavior, public opinion, parties and Congressional elections. Designation: American. {S}

Fall

GOV 209 Colloquium: Congress and the Legislative Process (4 Credits)

An analysis of the legislative process in the United States focused on the contemporary role of Congress in the policy making process. In addition to examining the structure and operation of Congress, the course explores the tension inherent in the design of Congress as the maker of public policy for the entire country while somehow simultaneously representing the diverse and often conflicting interests of citizens from 50 different states and 435 separate Congressional districts. Designation: American. Enrollment limited to 20. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 210 Public Opinion and Mass Media in the United States (4 Credits)

This course examines and analyzes American public opinion and the impact of the mass media on politics. Topics include political socialization, political culture, attitude formation and change, linkages between public opinion and policy, and the use of surveys to measure public opinion. Emphasis on the media’s role in shaping public preferences and politics. Designation: American.

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 214 Colloquium: Free Speech in America (4 Credits)

An examination of the application of the First Amendment in historical context. Special attention to contemporary speech rights controversies. Designation: American, Theory. Enrollment limited to 20. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 218 Workplace Law in Capitalist America (4 Credits)

A critical introduction to government regulation of employment and to legal theories of freedom and justice in the workplace. Discussions include: 1) the development of laws granting workers the right to form labor unions and to collectively bargain, culminating with discussion of the current debate on labor rights in the "gig" economy and the upsurge of union organizing at Amazon, Starbucks and major tech companies; 2) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and other anti-discrimination laws designed to protect women, persons of color, the disabled and LGBTQ individuals in the workplace as well as the rights of immigrant workers;  3) privacy at work, including how law impacts the use of social media like Facebook and Twitter in the employment context; and 4) other selected legal issues facing marginalized, low-wage workers. Designation: American. Enrollment limited to 30. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 220 Introduction to Comparative Politics (4 Credits)

This course introduces students to comparative political analysis and provides a foundation to better understand major political, economic and social forces in a diverse set of countries. The course first focuses on key methods and concepts such as state and nation, asking where states come from and how are nations built. Students then address questions including: Why are some countries democratic and others authoritarian? How do states promote or stymie economic development? What role do civil society and social groups play in political and economic transition? The course combines theoretical and conceptual analysis with cases drawn from around the world. Designation: Comparative. {S}

Fall, Spring

GOV 221 European Politics (4 Credits)

This course focuses on the development of European democratic institutions in the context of military and economic conflict and cooperation. Includes an introduction to the process of European integration. Designation: Comparative. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 222 Colloquium: Politics and Government of Southeast Asia (4 Credits)

A comparative analysis of the politics and socio-economic issues of Southeast Asian states. The course recognizes both the patterns and the diversity of a region historically contested by major powers of the world and exerting important influences on global politics. Enrollment limited to 25. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 223 The Politics of Russia and Post-Soviet Central Asia (4 Credits)

This course examines recurring issues facing the Russian state and its citizens focusing on the complex interplay between formal institutions and informal politics as well as patterns of cooperation and antagonism in relationships with other countries, in particular the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Students will examine history to provide sufficient background information for the class, but will concentrate on the period between the end of the Soviet Union and the present day. Designation: Comparative. Enrollment limited to 40. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 224 Colloquium: Globalization From an Islamic Perspective (4 Credits)

This course explores the complex challenges facing Muslim-majority states when it comes to their political, economic, and social development in the 21st century. In particular, we will be exploring the various Islamically-inspired ideas ("isms") that have emerged with the onset of globalization; from Islanic feminism and Islamic environmentalism to political Islam and Islamic banking. Designation: Comparative. Enrollment limited to 20. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 226 Latin American Political Systems (4 Credits)

A comparative analysis of Latin American political systems. Emphasis on the politics of development, the problems of leadership, legitimacy and regime continuity. A wide range of countries and political issues is covered. Designation: Comparative. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 227 Contemporary African Politics (4 Credits)

This survey course examines the ever-changing political and economic landscape of the African continent. The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the unique historical, economic and social variables that shape modern African politics, and introduces students to various theoretical and analytical approaches to the study of Africa’s political development. Central themes include the ongoing processes of nation-building and democratization, the constitutional question, the international relations of Africa, issues of peace and security, and Africa’s political economy. Designation: Comparative. Enrollment limited to 35. {S}

Spring

GOV 228 Government and Politics of Japan (4 Credits)

An introductory survey and analysis of the development of postwar Japanese politics. Emphasis on Japanese political culture and on formal and informal political institutions and processes, including political parties, the bureaucracy, interest groups and electoral and factional politics. Designation: Comparative. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 229 Colloquium: Women and Politics (4 Credits)

An exploration of women’s participation in local, national and transnational politics. This course considers the expansion of women’s rights and representation and the role of women in international governance and transnational advocacy, while also investigating topics related to public health, security, work, the environment and development. Students discuss avenues for women’s political participation across the Global South, including cases from the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Designation: Comparative. Enrollment limited to 25. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 230 Chinese Politics (4 Credits)

The People’s Republic of China represents approximately one quarter of the world’s population, sustains the largest bureaucracy in the history of the world, and currently possesses of a system of political economy that combines elements of both communism and capitalism. This course introduces students to the basic concepts of political processes, political institutions and political events in China, primarily focusing on the reform era (1978-present). Specifically, the course examines China’s political institutions, political economy, state-society relations and the politics of Hong Kong and Taiwan. Designation: Comparative. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 231 Colloquium: Women's Social Movements in the Middle East (4 Credits)

This course explores how women’s social movements emerge and sustain themselves in the Middle East and North Africa. The class will cover issues ranging from women agitating for citizenship rights and the vote to questions of personhood, family code, and women's labor rights. Throughout the class, students consider how mobilized women negotiate a world of both contemporary and traditional religious and secular values to pursue their agendas in the public arena. Students leave this course with a fuller appreciation of the variety of issues around which women mobilize in the region as well as an understanding of the diverse strategies they adopt to meet their chosen goals. Designation: Comparative. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 232 Comparative Political Economy (4 Credits)

How do politics shape markets, and markets shape politics? Why do some countries become rich while others stay poor? Why does capitalism take many different forms, and what do these differences mean for societies, firms, and individuals? This class will be divided into three units. First, students explore the core theoretical texts of political economy. Second, students learn about the "varieties of capitalism" and the different forms that transitions from communism to capitalism have taken. The third unit focuses on the political economy of development, the role of politics in creating patterns of wealth and poverty around the world. Designation: Comparative. Enrollment limited to 24. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 233 Problems in Political Development (4 Credits)

This course explores the practical meaning of the term "development" and its impact on a range of global topics from the problems of poverty and income inequality to the spread of democracy, environmental degradation, urbanization and gender empowerment. We examine existing theories of economic development and consider how state governments, international donors and NGOs interact to craft development policy. Designation: Comparative. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 235 Colloquium: Colonialism and Postcolonialism in East Asia (4 Credits)

Colonial legacies continue to shape East Asian politics today, from the effects of anti-Japanese sentiment on Asian regional politics to Chinese leaders’ frequent invocations of the “century of humiliation” as part of a nationalistic turn in China’s foreign policy. A growing body of literature in history and the social sciences explores both the practice of colonialism in East Asia and its implications for contemporary East Asian politics. Drawing on examples from both Northeast and Southeast Asia, this course helps students understand variation in colonial institutions in East Asia, contrast East Asian countries’ paths out of colonialism, and analyze the legacies of colonialism for contemporary domestic and regional politics. Designation: Comparative. Enrollment limited to 24. {S}

Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 237 Colloquium: Politics of the U.S./Mexico Border (4 Credits)

This course examines the most important issues facing the U.S./Mexico border: NAFTA, industrialization and the emergence of the maquiladoras (twin plants); labor migration and immigration; the environment; drug trafficking; the militarization of the border; and border culture and identity. The course begins with a comparison of contending perspectives on globalization before proceeding to a short overview of the historical literature on the creation of the U.S./Mexico border. Though at the present time the border has become increasingly militarized, the boundary dividing the United States and Mexico has traditionally been relatively porous, allowing people, capital, goods and ideas to flow back and forth. The course focuses on the border as a region historically marked both by conflict and interdependence. Designation: Comparative. Preference to majors in government and/or Latin American studies. Enrollment limited to 20. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 238 Elections Around the World (4 Credits)

Why and how are elections held? In this class, students study the rules that structure how leaders are selected and the subsequent political behavior in response to those rules. The examination of elections worldwide involves a global overview of modern elections including those held in authoritarian regimes. By the end of the course, each student is an expert on an election of their choice. The class has two questions motivating the journey in this course. First, do elections matter? Second, how should elections be held? Designation: Comparative. Enrollment limited to 50. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 239 Social Justice Movements in Latin America (4 Credits)

This course examines the relationship between social movements and the state in Latin America. There is a focus on environmental, gender, and indigenous issues and movements and their relationship with state institutions. Designation: Comparative. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 240 NGOs in World Politics (4 Credits)

Since the end of the Second World War, there has been an enormous growth in the number of NGOs active globally, some working across borders on issues as diverse as poverty, health, women’s rights and emergency relief. Both international and national NGOs have taken on new roles in areas once considered the government domain. This course elaborates on how NGOs became crucial actors in world politics. The course explores the definition and purpose of NGOs and their history, looks at case studies of NGOs worldwide and considers the critique of NGOs. Enrollment limited to 40. (E) {S}

Spring

GOV 241 Introduction to International Politics (4 Credits)

An introduction to the theoretical and empirical analysis of the interactions of states in the international system. Emphasis is given to the historical evolution of the international system, security politics, the role of international norms in shaping behavior and the influence of the world economy on international relations. Not a course in current events. Designation: International Relations. Enrollment limited to 50. {S}

Fall, Spring

GOV 242 International Political Economy (4 Credits)

This course begins with an examination of the broad theoretical paradigms in international political economy (IPE), including the liberal, economic nationalist, structuralist and Marxist perspectives. The course analyzes critical debates in the post-World War II period, including the role of the Bretton Woods institutions (World Bank group and IMF), international trade and development, the debt question, poverty and global inequality, and the broad question of "globalization." Designation: International Relations. Prerequisite: GOV 241 or equivalent. First-year students may enroll only if they have completed GOV 241. Enrollment limited to 40. {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

GOV 243 Colloquium: The Politics of Outer Space Exploration (4 Credits)

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to understand how international space policy and visions of outer space exploration intersect with the global political, commercial, and cultural context. This course aims to acquaint students with space exploration from a social scientific and policy perspective, while also considering how culturally specific notions of outer space reflect on the ability to envision a collective future on Earth and beyond.

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 244 Foreign Policy of the United States (4 Credits)

Just what is "United States foreign policy"? By what processes does the United States define its interests in the global arena? What instruments does the U.S. possess to further those interests? Finally, what specific foreign policy questions are generating debate today? Designation: American, International Relations. Prerequisite: GOV 241 or equivalent. {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

GOV 247 International Relations in Africa (4 Credits)

This course provides an introduction to the international relations of contemporary Africa. It explores how Africa has redefined our understanding of international relations and its role as a global actor. Core themes include the politics of post-independence international alignments, the external causes and effects of authoritarian rule, and the continent's role in the global political economy. The course concludes with a consideration of pressing current issues on the African continent, including state failure, health interventions, issues of peace and security, and China’s growing economic and political influence. Designation: International Relations. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 248 The Arab-Israeli Dispute (4 Credits)

This course investigates the causes and consequences of the Arab-Israeli conflict as well as the viability of efforts to resolve it. Students consider the influence of Great Power Politics on the relationship between Arab states and Israel, and between Palestinian Arabs and Israelis. This exploration of the conflict touches on issues related to human security, terrorism and political violence, as well as broader questions of human rights, national identity and international governance. Designation: International Relations. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 249 International Human Rights (4 Credits)

This course examines international human rights and the legal regime designed to protect them. Beginning with a theoretical inquiry into the justification of human rights, the course moves into an analysis of the contemporary system, from the UN to regional associations to NGOs. With that background in place, the course turns to specific topics, including the rights of vulnerable persons (women, children, minority communities, internally and externally displaced persons); human rights concerns arising from globalization and corporate responsibility; environmental concerns; and issues of peacekeeping. It concludes by examining enforcement strategies, from humanitarian intervention to political mobilization to judicial enforcement of rights in both domestic and international tribunals. Designation: International Relations, Theory. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 252 International Organizations (4 Credits)

What role do international organizations play in world politics, and what role should they play? Do international organizations represent humanity’s higher aspirations or are they simply tools of the wealthy and powerful? This course explores the problems and processes of international organizations by drawing on theoretical, historical and contemporary sources and perspectives. The course focuses on three contemporary organizations: the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the European Union. Designation: International Relations. Prerequisite: GOV 241 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 50. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 255 Colloquium: The Politics of Global Tourism (4 Credits)

The tourism industry is arguably the world’s largest employer; it is undoubtedly the leading sector in trade in services. Although modern tourism has political, economic and social implications, it has been largely underexamined by political science and the subfield of international relations. This upper-level colloquium examines the sector and its many complicated dimensions and effects: environment, security, development, consumerism, and cultural exchange and understanding. It approaches these issues historically and with careful attention to a variety of cases and sub-sectors--e.g., eco-tourism, adventure tourism, health tourism, etc. Prerequisite: One course in international relations or comparative politics. Designation: International Relations. Enrollment limited to 18. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 256 Colloquium: Corruption and Global Governance (4 Credits)

What can international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank do about corruption? This course explores the theoretical and practical dimensions of the problem of corruption and analyzes how states and international organizations have attempted to combat the problem. Designation: Comparative, International Relations. Enrollment limited to 20. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 257 Colloquium: Refugee Politics (4 Credits)

This course examines refugees--i.e., people displaced within their country, to another country or, perhaps, somewhere "in between." Refugee politics prompt a consideration of the cause of refugee movements; persecution, flight, asylum and resettlement dynamics; the international response to humanitarian crises; and the "position" of refugees in the international system. In addition to international relations theory, the seminar focuses on historical studies, international law, comparative politics, refugee policy studies and anthropological approaches to displacement and "foreignness." Although special attention is devoted to the Middle East, other cases of refugee politics are examined. Designation: International Relations. Restrictions: government majors only. Other majors may register with instructor permission. Enrollment limited to 20. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 261 Ancient and Medieval Political Theory (4 Credits)

An examination of the great thinkers of the classical and (time permitting) medieval periods. Possible topics include family and the state, freedom and the gods, warfare faction, politics and philosophy, secular and religious authority, justice, citizenship, regimes and natural law. Selected authors include: Sophocles, Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Thucydides, Xenophon, Plato, Aristotle, Polybius, Cicero, Lucretius, Augustine, Aquinas and Marsilius. Designation: Theory. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 262 Early Modern Political Theory, 1500–1800 (4 Credits)

A study of Machiavellian power-politics and of efforts by social contract and utilitarian liberals to render that politics safe and humane. Topics considered include political behavior, republican liberty, empire and war; the state of nature, natural law/natural right, sovereignty and peace; limitations on power, the general will, and liberalism’s relation to moral theory, religion and economics. Readings from Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hume, Smith and others; also novels and plays. Designation: Theory. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 263 Political Theory of the 19th Century (4 Credits)

A study of the major liberal and radical political theories of the 19th century, with emphasis on the writings of Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Mill and Nietzsche. Designation: Theory. Restrictions: Not open to first-years. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 266 Contemporary Political Theory (4 Credits)

A study of major themes in the political thought of the early 20th century to the present. Readings will begin with a brief reflection on Hegel and Marx, before moving into considerations that animated the 20th  and 21st century, such as fascism, anti-colonialism, the welfare state, movements for civil rights, and migration. Throughout, we will pay particular attention to the tensions between freedom, justice, and equality that mark this period of political thinking. Designation: Theory. Successful completion of GOV 100 or another political theory course is strongly suggested. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 269 Feminist Political Thought (4 Credits)

Feminist political thought functions in two ways: first, to critique the masculinist and patriarchal forms of thought in mainstream political philosophy; and second, to generate forms of political thinking that advance the cause of liberation. This course develops these two strains of thinking. Students consider the politics of gender, sex and sexualities, law, formal and informal institutions, the political subject, and the roles that race, class, sexuality and nationality play feminist political thinking. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 270 Colloquium: Race & the Problem of American Citizenship (4 Credits)

This course examines the relationship between race and the discourse, concept and practice of citizenship as it has developed in the United States. The course interrogates how ideologies and experiences of race and citizenship have constituted each other over time, enabling forms of unequal political belonging to coexist with claims to equality, liberty and democracy. The course also considers how the meaning of citizenship has been challenged and reformulated by those who have contested racialized hierarchies and exclusions. While this course covers texts from early settlement and antebellum periods, focus is on the modern era, from the late 19th century through the present, drawing on historical texts as well as political theory to analyze both race and U.S. citizenship. Designation: American, Theory. Enrollment limited to 20. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 271 Colloquium: Global Cities (4 Credits)

This course studies different urban experiences across the world. The course introduces the process of urbanization and addresses the complex relationship between urbanization, globalization and inequality. Throughout the course, students explore a series of case studies to provide concrete examples of how different cities such as London, New York, Berlin, Shanghai, Stockholm and Istanbul responded to globalization by paying attention to different topics such as pandemics, migration and urban movements. In addition to the academic literature, students make use of newspapers and films to address the promises and political dilemmas of urban life. Designation: Comparative, International Relations. Enrollment limited to 24. (E) {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 272 Conceptualizing Democracy (4 Credits)

In the contemporary world, democracy is often considered not merely a form of government or one type of regime among many, but the very condition of political legitimacy. But what exactly does democracy entail? Is it an institution, a practice, a value, a virtue? This lecture course provides a survey of different historical and theoretical answers to these questions, from the foundations of self-government in ancient Athens through the present day. Designation: Theory. Enrollment limited to 30. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 273 Marxism (4 Credits)

What is the origin and political meaning of capitalism, and might there be a better way to organize our common world? These are the broad questions of Marxism, which continue to press upon us today. This lecture course is a general introduction to the writings of Karl Marx, the diverse school of thought which goes by his name and a few friendly critics along the lines of race and gender. Although this course examines texts on history and political economy, this course treats Marx as a political thinker and Marxism as a school of political thought. Designation: Theory. Prerequisite: GOV 100. Enrollment limited to 40. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 274 Colloquium: Decolonizing Democracy (4 Credits)

This course approaches the core questions of democratic theory from the perspective of anticolonial political thought. What is democracy, and why is it valuable—not in general, but as a way of organizing postcolonial political society and as a horizon of future possibility? Course readings will be drawn from a wide range of anti-, post- and de-colonial thinkers from around the world, including both texts from figures within anticolonial movements as well as contemporary work in postcolonial and decolonial political theory. Texts include selections from MK Gandhi, BR Ambedkar, CLR James, Kwasi Wirendu, Zhang Shizhao, Amilrar Cabral, Laura Cornelius Kellogg, and Leanne Simpson. Designation: Theory. Prerequisites: GOV 100. Enrollment limited to 20. {S}

Fall, Alternate Years

GOV 275 Colloquium: Passions and Politics (4 Credits)

Are emotions a danger or a resource for political life? Are they inherently unreasonable, or do they contain a kind of rationality? Are some emotions more politically acceptable than others? And how are the emotions of some--and the people to whom those emotions belong--valued over others? These are a few of the questions this class investigates through readings of ancient, early modern, and contemporary political thought. Each offering of this course focuses on a particular emotion-- such as anger, fear, or sadness--as an entryway for thinking about its political function. Designation: Theory. Prerequisite: GOV 100. Enrollment limited to 20. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 276 Political Visions of Nature (4 Credits)

Upon what visions of nature does modern political thought rest? When one looks back to the history of political thought, does one only find ideas of human dominion over nature or are there also buried alternatives? And what might these diverging pathways have to teach in the present moment? This course surveys the history of Western political thought from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century from the vantage point of the present ecological crises to track and understand these diverging pathways. Students read texts from agrarian republicanism, liberalism, socialism, anarchism, transcendentalism and other lesser-known schools of political thought. Prerequisite: GOV 100. Enrollment limited to 40. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 277 Colloquium: Desire and Power (4 Credits)

The desire for power is often the engine of politics (and much else). This class considers the relationship of desire, power and politics through the lens of psychoanalysis. It covers classic and contemporary work in psychoanalysis and texts in political thought, gender and sexuality studies, and critical theory. Throughout the semester, the course focuses on the role that desire and power play in political life through topics such as anxiety, trauma, the body, sexuality, group dynamics, aggression, colonialism and fascism. Enrollment limited to 20. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 282 Colloquium: The Politics of Data (4 Credits)

This course explores the political implications of the Big Data era through a focus on how data has corresponded with power throughout history. Topics include the development of statistics (“science of the state”) for taxation and government census; the parsing of the “deserving” and “undeserving” poor in social welfare programs; surveillance practices for policing and national security; data protection and regulation of online spaces; and the implications of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Special attention will be given to the ways in which new data technologies have driven social change. Prerequisite: one course in quantitative methods, such as GOV 203. Enrollment limited to 20. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 283 American Political Development (4 Credits)

This course covers the historical development of crucial American governing institutions, including Congress, the executive branch, the judiciary, political parties, the social welfare state, and institutionalized race and gender-based hierarchies. We will consider both how each institution has evolved over time and also how they have interacted with and responded to one another to produce the particular structural arrangements we observe in the 21st century. Designation: American. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 284 Colloquium: America in the 21st Century (4 Credits)

This class is a cross sectional exploration of the politics and major policy debates of the 21st century thus far. Organized around the George W. Bush, Obama and Trump presidencies, the course covers each president’s path to election, their relationships with Congress and the Supreme Court, their major domestic successes and failures, their foreign policies, and the politics of race and gender that permeated all three administrations. Designation: American. Enrollment limited to 20. {S}

Fall, Spring, Annually

GOV 291 Colloquium: Government Lab: Designing and Conducting Research (4 Credits)

This course introduces students to the basic building blocks of political science research, including developing a research question, conducting a literature review, defining concepts, selecting cases and presenting results. While students read and discuss exemplary research in American and comparative politics and international relations, the course focuses on "learning by doing" via a series of short projects driven by students’ interests. This course is primarily intended for students who are considering writing an honors thesis or special studies in government, attending graduate school or pursuing research opportunities after graduation. At least two prior government courses strongly recommended. Enrollment limited to 24. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 304pp Seminar: Topics in American Government-Pathologies of Power (4 Credits)

A comparative examination of McCarthyism, Watergate and Iran-Contra. A look at how our political institutions function under stress. Prerequisite: a 200-level course in American government. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 305ct Seminar: Topics in American Government-The Conservative Tradition (4 Credits)

This course focuses on the history of conservative political thought and the conservative movement in the United States. Students read scholarship that analyzes and explains the movement from a historical erspective, and much of the focus is on the thinkers who directly defined and contoured what it means to be a conservative in America, from the "father of conservatism" Edmund Burke to the Anti-Federalists to Milton Friedman to William F. Buckley to Ayn Rand to Allan Bloom. This class takes conservatism seriously both as an intellectual and a political tradition as it assesses and critiques its canon. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 305sf Seminar: Topics in American Government-Strange Bedfellows: State Power and Regulation of the Family (4 Credits)

This seminar explores the status of the family in American political life and its role as a mediating structure between the individual and the state. Emphasis is placed on the role of the courts in articulating the rights of the family and its members. Prerequisite: GOV 202 recommended but not required. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 306ps Seminar: Topics in American Government- Politics of U.S. States (4 Credits)

As national politics becomes increasingly polarized and dysfunctional the states have become a central focus for many groups to affect policy change. This seminar focuses on major topics in State Politics research including, direct democracy, the spread of policies, and the growth of political reforms, and the role of public opinion in determining state policies. Students complete research papers on a state politics topic of their choice. Prerequisite: a 200-level course in American government. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 307lp Seminar: Topics in American Government: Latinos the Politics of Immigration in the U.S. (4 Credits)

An examination of the role of Latinos in society and politics in the U.S. Issues to be analyzed include immigration, education, electoral politics and gender. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 312pb Seminar: Topics in American Government-Political Behavior in the United States (4 Credits)

An examination of selected topics related to American political behavior. Themes include empirical analysis, partisanship, voting behavior and turnout, public opinion and racial attitudes. Student projects involve analysis of survey data. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 338/ SDS 338 Research Seminar in Political Networks (4 Credits)

Offered as GOV 338 and SDS 338. How does the behavior of a state, politician or interest group affect the behavior of others? Does Massachusetts’s decision to legalize recreational marijuana influence Vermont’s marijuana policies? From declarations of war to the decision of who congress members' voting alignments, social scientists are increasingly looking to political networks to recognize the inter-connectedness of the world. This course presents the essentials of social network analysis and how they can be applied to American politics. Prerequisites: SDS 220 or an equivalent introductory statistics course. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 340 Seminar:Taiwan-Internal Politics and Cross-Strait Relations (4 Credits)

Regarded by some as a province of China, by others as a sovereign country, and by still others as somewhere in the middle, Taiwan is a longstanding source of tension in the US-China relationship. Taiwan has also undergone remarkable political and economic changes since the 1940s. This course in comparative politics and international relations addresses the historical roots, current challenges, and possible future of the US-PRC-Taiwan relationship. It also uses Taiwan as a case study to examine major themes in comparative politics: authoritarianism and democratic transitions, corruption, the political economy of rapid development, and identity politics. Prerequisites: at least one course in comparative politics, international relations, or East Asia. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 341is Seminar: Topics in International Politics-International Perspectives on Contemporary Security Issues (4 Credits)

This course examines major theories of war, conflict and political violence, and theories of international cooperation and governance. The class explores these theories, and their relationship to current trends in globalization and global governance, in the context of major international security challenges such as great power competition, nativism and irredentism; threats to democracy; proliferation; terrorism; insurgency; ethnic and racial conflict; failing states; environmental degradation; resource scarcity; demographic stress and migration; and global inequality and poverty. Students study the mechanisms and institutions designed to identify and manage these threats and the challenges of integrating and coordinating multiple international actors such as international organizations, NGOS, states and domestic actors in an era of dynamic complexity. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 342/ MES 342 Topics in Turkish Politics (4 Credits)

Offered as GOV 342 and MES 342. Topics course. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

GOV 342mt/ MES 342mt Seminar:Topics in Turkish Politics: Nationalism, Islam, and Democracy in Modern Turkey (4 Credits)

Offered as GOV 342mt and MES 342mt. This course familiarizes students with the political issues that have shaped Turkey since the 1980. Beginning with the Ottoman Empire's legacy and the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923, the course examines key developments such as Turkey's transition to democracy, nationalism, neoliberalism, the influence of political Islam, and the role of military coups in shaping governance. Students critically analyze major political movements, such as the rise of the AKP (Justice and Development Party), the Kurdish movement, and the legacy of the Armenian Genocide, while also studying the effects of neoliberal reforms and Turkey's evolving foreign relations with the Middle East, the European Union, and the United States. Contemporary social movements are addressed, including women’s rights, human rights activism, urban uprisings like the Gezi Park protests, and the refugees. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. (E) {S}

Spring, Variable

GOV 343cr Seminar: Topics in International Politics and Comparative Politics-Corruption (4 Credits)

How should political corruption be defined, and what can be done about it? This course explores the theoretical and practical dimensions of political corruption in a variety of different countries and contexts, and analyzes how governments, international organizations and activists have attempted to address the problem. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 345pd Seminar: Topics in International Politics- The Politics of Data (4 Credits)

This course aims to understand the political implications of the Big Data era through a focus on how data has corresponded with power throughout history, from ancient times to today. The course considers how new data sources and technologies have driven significant social change, such as through the development of statistics (“science that serves the state”) for taxation and government census, surveillance practices for policing and national security, classification for anti-poverty programs and data security regulations. The course presumes familiarity with basic probability and statistical concepts, such as that provided by GOV 203 or another introductory statistics course. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 347cm Seminar: Topics in International and Comparative Politics-Climate Migration (4 Credits)

Humans have long migrated in response to environmental change, but in recent decades (in the context of climate change), “climate migration” has become the focus of intense ideological, normative and empirical debates. This seminar approaches these debates, how they have evolved, and what is at stake. The course treats the implications for various policy domains and issue areas – e.g., border control, refugee reception, adaptation to climate change already in the pipeline, reparations, constructions of ideological whiteness, future scenario-building and apocalypticism. The course focuses primarily on social science analyses, but also engages novels and feature and documentary films. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 347cr Seminar: Topics in International and Comparative Politics-Comparative Regionalization (4 Credits)

This course investigates the role of international organizations as global actors and their involvement in the domestic politics of, and beyond, their member states. Areas of intervention include efforts in democracy promotion, economic development, peace and security, and regional integration.  This course moves beyond the focus on the traditional, Western actors, like the United Nations and European Union, and incorporates the processes undertaken by the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Organization of American States, among others. The goal of this course is to understand how these continental and regional organizations navigate the complexities of international and domestic politics. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 347es Seminar: Topics in International and Comparative Politics-Environmental Security (4 Credits)

This advanced seminar examines the political implications of treating environmental events and trends as matters of (inter)national security. It approaches the issue historically—examining the conceptual evolution of security over time and the relatively recent incorporation of environmental issues into security frameworks. Primary focus is devoted to climate change, but other ecological issues are examined as well: development, natural resource use, waste and pollution, biodiversity, etc. Prerequisite: GOV 241, GOV 242, GOV 244 or GOV 252. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 347gh Seminar:Seminar: Topics in International and Comparative Politics-Genocide, Mass Atrocities, and Human Rights (4 Credits)

This course provides students with the intellectual framework for understanding the numerous, complex, and often emotionally challenging issues related to genocide and other instances of mass atrocities. The course explores the theoretical, social, legal, and political basis in order to understand these events through thematic analysis and help frame genocide and mass atrocities as distinct analytical concepts in the social sciences. Examination of several major cases of genocide and mass atrocities from the turn of the 20th century to contemporary times provides the foundation for comparative analysis, as well as the exploration of selected broad themes. This course aims to provide a structured forum for analyzing universal questions relating to human rights and their gross violation. Prerequisite: GOV 220 or GOV 241. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 348ca Seminar: Topics in International Politics-Conflict and Cooperation in Asia (4 Credits)

The seminar identifies and analyzes the sources and patterns of conflict and cooperation among Asian states and between Asian and Western countries in the contemporary period. The course concludes by evaluating prospects for current efforts to create a new “Asia Pacific Community.” Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 363 Seminar: Dissent: Disobedience, Resistance, Refusal and Exit (4 Credits)

This course in political theory examines contemporary theories and practices of dissent, from civil disobedience to armed resistance to political exit. Are citizens morally obligated to obey unjust laws? What makes a law or political arrangement unjust? What kinds of protest actions are justified? What are the promises and limitations of nonviolence -- or violence? What effect do different forms of resistance have, and what is their political value? Is exiting -- quitting politics or leaving the polity -- a meaningful form of resistance? This course engages with these questions by reading contemporary texts from political science, sociology and philosophy alongside works by practitioners of forms of disobedience and resistance. Prerequisite: coursework in political theory or equivalent. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 367et Seminar: Topics in Political Theory-Environmental Political Theory (4 Credits)

What is the political significance of nature? This course engages this question through a critical analysis of readings in classic and contemporary environmental political thought with special emphasis on the political relationship between human beings and nature. Discussions include wilderness conservation, political ecology, environmental justice and more. The question which emerges through these readings, which is in the background of the entire course, is whether a democratic and just response to the challenges of the climate crisis might be found. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 367qs Seminar: Topics in Political Theory-Queering the State (4 Credits)

This course covers theoretical issues through the relationship between the state and queerness. The course begins with a historical theory of the state that emerges from its role in governing queer life. Students consider the social, economic, legal and biomedical implications of the straight state. Though mainstream LGBT politics advocates for more inclusion in the state apparatus, through rights and legal protections, radical queer thinkers insists thinking beyond the state and in resistance to it. Throughout, the students focus on whether it is possible to have a queer state, and if it is, whether that is desirable. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 367tp Seminar: Topics in Political Theory-Trans Politics (4 Credits)

Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. (E) {S}

Fall, Spring, Variable

GOV 369 Seminar: New Worlds in African American Political Thought (4 Credits)

African American political thought developed in response to the world-destroying and world-constructing forces of colonialism and racial slavery. Across three centuries, thinkers have worked to reconfigure the core projects of Western modernity to account for what has often been ignored: race-making and racial violence, as well as struggles to construct a new politics free from domination. Though this course focuses primarily on US thinkers, the course also explores the tradition’s global contours--examining how Black political thinkers responded to political dynamics within as well as beyond the United States and envisioned forms of liberation that required building new worlds. Prerequisite: coursework in political theory or coursework in the history of political thought. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required. {S}

Fall, Spring, Alternate Years

GOV 400 Special Studies (1-4 Credits)

For majors. Instructor permission required.

Fall, Spring

GOV 404 Special Studies (4 Credits)

For majors. Instructor permission required.

Fall, Spring

GOV 411 Washington Seminar in American Government (4 Credits)

Policy making in the national government. Takes place in Washington, D.C. Restrictions: Members of the Semester-in-Washington Program only. Enrollment limited to 12. Department permission required.

Fall

GOV 412 Semester-in-Washington Research Project (8 Credits)

Restrictions: Members of the Semester-in-Washington Program only. Enrollment limited to 12. Department permission required.

Fall

GOV 413 Washington Seminar: The Art and Craft of Political Science Research (2 Credits)

This seminar provides students participating in the Washington Internship Program with an overview of the various approaches to conducting research in the discipline of political science. Students are introduced to methods of quantitative and qualitative research, data acquisition and hypothesis testing. The seminar’s more specific goal is to help students understand the process of planning, organizing and writing an analytical political science research paper. Restrictions: Members of the Semester-in-Washington Program only. Enrollment limited to 12. Department permission require. {S}

Fall

GOV 430D Honors Project (4 Credits)

Department permission required.

Fall, Spring

GOV 431 Honors Project (8 Credits)

Department permission required.

Fall, Spring