Politics-Comparative Politics

This seminar explores America's efforts to exert influence through nation-building. Drawing on theoretical literature and case studies spanning from Reconstruction in the American South, through post-WWII Germany and Japan, to contemporary efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the course investigates the factors contributing to nation-building success or failure.

An examination of the causes and consequences of corruption around the world. Assesses the impact of corruption on political and economic development and explores the relationship between corruption and factors such as culture, institutions, economic policies, and natural resources. Prerequisite: PLCP 1010, PLCP 2120 or permission of instructor

Intensive analysis of selected issues and concepts in comparative government. Prerequisite: One course in PLCP or instructor permission.

Examination of how politics affects the historical development of markets and the impact of inequality on the development of markets and economic development more generally.

Investigates the ways social structures and institutions shape gender in sub-Saharan Africa, with an emphasis on the state. Topics include gender in the pre-colonial and colonial era, contemporary African women's movements, women in politics, development, HIV/AIDS and sexuality.

A critical analysis of important issues and works in comparative politics from diverse perspectives. Students are required to write weekly analytical essays and actively participate in small seminar discussions on issues including: democratic and authoritarian regimes, political economy of development, and ethnic and religious conflict. Prerequisite: Admission to Politics Honors Program

Independent study, under faculty supervision, for intensive research on a specific topic. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Comparative Politics Core Seminar

This course begins with the relationship of political science to identity politics. Next, we study the shift in treating identity as a given to a process and consider four approaches to identity formation. We then turn to two pressing challenges: how to study identity and the interactions of identity groups with one another. The final section of the course addresses the consequences of identity politics, such a mobilization and voting.

Special Topics in Comparative Politics

Analyzes the major theories explaining transitions to democratic regimes and their consolidation or reversion to authoritarian regimes. Case material is drawn from the 19th and 20th centuries from all regions of the world.

Examines political institutions in democratic and authoritarian regimes. Topics include approaches to studying institutions, the state, federalism, electoral systems, executives, legislative decision-making, delegation to bureaucracies, and judicial institutions. The course also assesses efforts to integrate formal and statistical analysis. Prequisite: a graduate course in PLCP, research methods or permission of instructor.

Special Topics in Comparative Politics

Provides a graduate-level survey of the contributions of rational choice analysis and game-theoretic modeling to topics of central concern in the subfield of comparative politics.

For master's research, taken before a thesis director has been selected.

For master's thesis, taken under the supervision of a thesis director.

For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.

For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.