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. Enrollment limited to 20.

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: 241 or permission of the instructor.

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.

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.

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 particulare the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. We 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. Enrollment limit of 40.

An examination of the application of the First Amendment in historical context. Special attention to contemporary speech rights controversies. Enrollment limited to 20.

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.

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.

This seminar 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 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.