This colloquium is an introduction to global environmental politics (GEP). GEP is a relatively recent addition to the field of international relations – emerging at the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s. As a subfield of study, it examines central questions about the environment; state sovereignty; the international system; traditional concepts in political theory such as citizenship and justice; policy processes at the local, national, and international levels; and north-south politics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
 

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.

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?

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.