The course explores the influence of Asian cultures on the diplomacy and negotiating styles of East and Southeast Asian countries. Specific countries include Japan, China, North Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Case studies are based on current and on-going regional and global issues. Enrollment limited to 24.

Analysis of Japan’s diplomacy and foreign policy since World War II. Emphasis on various approaches to the study of Japan’s external relations, and on contending national identities debated in Japan, including pacifist, neo-mercantilist, civilian, normative and normal nation images. Case studies focus on relations with the U.S., Europe, East through Central Asia and other non-Western regions.

In this course we ask and answer the following questions: 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? Prerequisite: GOV 241 or permission of the instructor.

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.

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, we examine China’s political institutions, political economy, state-society relations, and the politics of Hong Kong and Taiwan.

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.

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. We first focus on key methods and concepts such as state and nation, asking where states come from and how are nations built. The course then addresses 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?

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.

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. Not open to first-year students.

A study of the leading ideas of the Western political tradition, focusing on such topics 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.