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.

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.

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of women's experiences under communist and socialist regimes through to post-communist transition. The course explores the theoretical underpinnings of Marxist- Leninist views on gender equality and evaluates how these ideals translated into state policies vs. the lived experiences of women across the Soviet Union, the Eastern Bloc, and later Russia, Eastern Europe, China, and other socialist countries in the Global South.

This research seminar examines the political and institutional dynamics of Electoral Integrity Peer Review Mechanisms (EIPRMs) within African Regional Organizations (ROs), with a focus on their role in promoting electoral transparency and accountability. Students engage with literature on regionalism, electoral integrity, and African political development, while also contributing to an ongoing, grant-funded research project.

This course examines theories of judicial decision making; the institutional design, makeup, and procedures of the Supreme Court; its interaction with the other courts and branches of government; and its relationship to public opinion and societal change. The goal of this course is to critically assess the role of the Supreme Court in American political life. Designation: American. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.

This course examines the tension between positionality—one’s social, cultural, and political location—and humanity. Does one inhabit positions others cannot understand? Are there universal experiences, or are all experiences mediated by particular social, cultural, and political positions? What are the ethical responsibilities that come with recognizing one’s positionality?

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.

This colloquium approaches the politics of sex from the perspective of political theory. Sex means different things at different times and places, but has been regulated by both formal government and informal social institutions. This course deals with both the politics of sex and how sex itself is political.

A study of major themes in the political thought of the early 20th century to the present. Readings 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, the course pays 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.

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.