This course serves as a rigorous introduction to quantitative empirical research methods, primarily for doctoral students in political science (but also suitable for other social scientists). The material covered will include probability theory, distributions of random variables, data visualization, principles of statistical inference (estimation and uncertainty), covariate adjustment (a.k.a. linear regression), and a brief introduction to causal inference. Simulations and data analysis will be conducted in the R statistical environment or Stata.

Development of American constitutional law and a study of the Supreme Court as a policy-making institution. Emphasis on landmark cases and the substantive impact of the Supreme Court in the American polity during different political eras.

Development of American constitutional law and a study of the Supreme Court as a policy-making institution. Emphasis on landmark cases and the substantive impact of the Supreme Court in the American polity during different political eras.

This course is part of the Political Science and Legal Studies Undergraduate Research Engagement Program (UREP). When possible, student interests are paired with faculty in need of research assistance.

This course offers an overview of the life of a legislator, from the campaign trail to the State House.

Power is a central feature of political life and one of the key concepts of political science. This course will examine the main approaches and controversies in the study of power. We will investigate how these approaches help us to better understand how power operates in the real world by engaging with various case studies, including: how power works in prisons, schools, at home, in local and global politics, in an Appalachian mining town, a small village in Malaysia, and in countless ways in every day life. (Gen. Ed. DG, SB)

This course will focus on general approaches to the problem of interpretation in texts and social practices. All areas of political science research entail the investigation of written, spoken, or visual evidence, including books, archival documents of all kinds, speeches, verbal explanations by actors of their actions, images, and so on. These various materials require interpretation, different materials posing different problems for the interpreter. This course is meant to encourage reflection upon the interpretive act.

Origin and evolution of political ideas and ideals that have shaped the American constitutional system. Tensions within and between liberalism and democracy and the impact of changing social and economic conditions on political beliefs and values. (Gen.Ed. HS)

Examination of the basic legal rules regulating relations among states and between states and other entities. Analysis of theories of international law and of how and to what extent legal rules and legal reasoning affect the policies of governments.

Introduction to contemporary public policy issues and debates. Various perspectives on public policy, including equality, justice, and efficiency. Emphasis on in-class discussion and debates. Applications may include environmental policy, affirmative action, immigration, welfare policy, education, health, and other public policies. (Gen. Ed. SB, DU)