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. We will consider 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 will introduce 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 will read and discuss exemplary research in American and comparative politics and international relations, the course will focus on "learning by doing" via a series of short projects driven by students’ interests.

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 will read texts on history and political economy, this course will treat Marx as a political thinker and Marxism as a school of political thought. Prerequisite: GOV 100. (E)

This course studies different urban experiences across the world. The course will introduce the process of urbanization and address the complex relationship between urbanization, globalization, and inequality. Throughout the course, we will 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.

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.

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.

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. We focus on three contemporary organizations: the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the European Union. Prerequisite: 241 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 50.

This course investigates the causes and consequences of the Arab-Israeli conflict as well as the viability of efforts to resolve it. We consider the influence of Great Power Politics on the relationship between Arab states and Israel, and between Palestinian Arabs and Israelis. Our 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.

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. Enrollment limited to 50.

Why and how do we hold elections? In this class, we study the rules that structure how we select leaders to represent us and the subsequent political behavior in response to those rules. Our 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. We have two questions motivating our journey in this course. First, do elections matter? Second, how should we hold elections? Enrollment limited to 50.