This course provides an introduction to the international relations of contemporary Africa. It explores how Africa has redefined our understanding of international relations and its role as a global actor. Core themes include the politics of post-independence international alignments, the external causes and effects of authoritarian rule, and the continent's role in the global political economy.

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. Designation: International Relations. Enrollment limited to 50.

Why and how are elections held? In this class, students study the rules that structure how leaders are selected and the subsequent political behavior in response to those rules. The examination of elections worldwide involves a global overview of modern elections including those held in authoritarian regimes. By the end of the course, each student is an expert on an election of their choice. The class has two questions motivating the journey in this course. First, do elections matter? Second, how should elections be held? Designation: Comparative. Enrollment limited to 50.

How do politics shape markets, and markets shape politics? Why do some countries become rich while others stay poor? Why does capitalism take many different forms, and what do these differences mean for societies, firms, and individuals? This class will be divided into three units. First, students explore the core theoretical texts of political economy. Second, students learn about the "varieties of capitalism" and the different forms that transitions from communism to capitalism have taken.

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 particular the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Students 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. Designation: Comparative. Enrollment limited to 40.

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

This course examines and analyzes American public opinion and the impact of the mass media on politics. Topics include political socialization, political culture, attitude formation and change, linkages between public opinion and policy, and the use of surveys to measure public opinion. Emphasis on the media’s role in shaping public preferences and politics. Designation: American.

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. Designation: American.

An analysis of the executive power in its constitutional setting and of the changing character of the executive branch. Designation: American.

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. Enrollment limited to 30