Introduction to the Western tradition of political theory; focus on particular problems and issues through a reading of classical and non-traditional texts. Topics include political obligation, justice, feminism, individuality, friendship, community, civil disobedience, power, others. (GenEd. SB)

This course introduces students to the practical application of soft power programs including, but not limited to, one and two way exchanges; Fulbright's; and other programs that seek to introduce people around the world to the US as well as introducing US citizens to the world. The course will cover a broad array of academic and practical issues including free speech and expression. We will start with an overview of the idea of exchange programs and then examine, by way of case study focusing on a specific region/nation(s) for each semester.

Not available at this time.

This course introduces core political economy concepts from both classical and modern thinkers while engaging in contemporary debates about the relationship between states and markets. Students will read Smith, Marx, List, Polanyi, Keynes, Hayek, and others, as well as engage with questions such as: What is political economy? Why and how do capitalist systems differ? Why are some countries wealthier and more prosperous than others? What is the role of the state in the economy, market, and development?

This course surveys some of the central texts of postcolonial theory.

This course examines the multiple roles that language plays in politics. Among the topics it covers: Orwellian doublespeak, Black English, hate speech, truthfulness in politics, gender neutral pronouns, partisan word labs, the linguistic construction of the "war on terror," folk tales as a form of political resistance, and familial metaphors in American political discourse. More abstractly, this course is organized around three broad themes: the place of language in political action, language as a political resource and the language of politics in America.

Asks whether there are religious, economic, or associational preconditions for, or impediments to, the establishment and consolidation of democracy. Students will develop their own research questions and write research papers.

This course explores revolutionary politics in the Arab world through examining the history of ideas that have animated Arab society since the mid 19th century, through colonial and postcolonial times, and up until the present. Besides the various social, economic, and political reasons for the Arab uprisings (which you may have learned about in other courses), this course argues that the way Arab thinkers, political leaders, and activists have theorized political change is important to gaining a better understanding of contemporary Arab politics.

Introduction to the Western tradition of political theory; focus on particular problems and issues through a reading of classical and non-traditional texts. Topics include political obligation, justice, feminism, individuality, friendship, community, civil disobedience, power, others. (GenEd. SB)

Introduction to the Western tradition of political theory; focus on particular problems and issues through a reading of classical and non-traditional texts. Topics include political obligation, justice, feminism, individuality, friendship, community, civil disobedience, power, others. (GenEd. SB)