[PT] This course introduces the students to the philosophy of freedom and the conceptual complexity and diversity that can be observed in the history of philosophy and political thought when it comes to defining freedom. The most significant part of the course focuses on explaining three concepts of freedom: negative freedom, positive freedom, and republicanism (freedom as non-domination). The students will be introduced to the main proponents of each concept of freedom and the main critiques of each of these different ways of conceiving freedom.

[AP, LP, IL] Politics are not frozen in time, but are rather the product of developmental processes.  Building on a survey of crucial works in the American Political Development (APD) literature and on general approaches (rational choice, sociological, etc.) to understanding institutional change, this course will introduce ways of thinking historically about political institutions in the U.S.  Why did the party system evolve the way it did?  Where did the rules and procedures of Congress come from?  Where and when did important public services (transportation and communi

[IL] In the U.S., issues of stratification along the lines of income/wealth, spatial designation, and housing persist. These dimensions of place and space are basic components of the lived experience of many citizens. This course will explore the oftentimes disjointed perceptions and realities of poverty, neighborhoods, and housing policy in America.  We will examine some key theoretical and critical issues regarding both the existence and persistence of poverty in the U.S.

[IL] This course will consider how institutions, often contrary to their intended purposes, serve to disable individuals and limit their life potential. We will examine a variety of institutions, including state bureaucracies, facilities designed to house people with mental and physical conditions, schools, and prisons. We will also consider a range of disablements, resulting from visible and invisible disabilities as well as gender, sexuality, race and class-based discrimination.

(Offered as POSC 260 [G] and BLST 227.)  Students will develop a rich understanding of African politics from the pre-colonial period to the present and will be able to analyze and discuss contemporary African politics in light of historical forces. Specifically, students will be able to analyze and discuss local experiences of democracy and governance; the challenges of economic development; and national as well as international policy responses.

[IL] The study of Cuba’s politics presents opportunities to address issues of universal concern to social scientists and humanists in general, not just Latin Americanists. When is it rational to be radical? Why has Cuban politics forced so many individuals to adopt extreme positions? What are the causes of radical revolutions? Is pre-revolutionary Cuba a case of too little development, uneven development or too rapid development? What is the role of leaders: Do they make history, are they the product of history, or are they the makers of unintended histories?

[PT] Modernity – the age of individualism, increasing social autonomy, and political self-determination – was an era of enormous progression and novelty in political thinking. In it we find new conceptions of political rationality and affect (how to think and feel about politics), as well as reconceptualizations of such key concepts as equality and liberty, the state and civil society. These changes held much promise, shaping institutions that seemed destined to improve economic and social conditions for rapidly increasing populations.

(Offered POSC 208 [SC, IL] and ASLC 208.) This course provides an introduction to the major institutions, actors, and ideas that shape contemporary Chinese politics. Through an examination of texts from the social sciences as well as historical narratives and film, we will analyze the development of the current party-state, the relationship between the state and society, policy challenges, and prospects for further reform. First, we examine the political history of the People’s Republic, including the Maoist period and the transition to market reforms.

(Offered as SWAG 207, ASLC 207, and POSC 207.) This course will study South Asian women and gender through key texts in film, literature, history and politics. How did colonialism and nationalism challenge the distinctions between the “home” and the “world” and bring about partitions which splintered once shared cultural practices? What consequences did this have for postcolonial politics? How do ethnic conflicts, religious nationalisms and state repression challenge conceptions of “home”?

[SC] This course will examine the salience of race in American politics and public policy. Race--its construction and meaning--shapes and has been shaped by the politics and institutions of the United States.  The course will help students to develop an understanding of the historical, ideological and cultural foundations and contexts of racial politics. While attention will be directed to the emblematic black-white racial paradigm, we will also examine minority politics of Latinos, American Indians, Asian Americans and other groups.