This course is an introduction to political science research methods. We will address basic principles of research design and data analysis, including hypothesis testing, measurement, case selection and data gathering. What are the strengths and weaknesses of particular methods? How can we improve our ability to draw inferences from data? Our goals are to learn how to ask good questions and to consider different approaches to answering them.

Special Topics in Politics

Examines how and why legislators and legislative parties make the decisions they do. Compares legislative decision-making processes and outcomes in a variety of institutional settings. Prerequisite: At least two courses at the 3000 level in American politics and/or comparative politics.

Analysis of selected issues and concepts in comparative politics.

This course examines the development of American political thought from the Puritans through the Civil War. The questions they posed and attempted to answer are the eternal questions of all political thought, such as, what is the best form of government; what are the rights and obligations of citizens; what is the proper relationship between the state and religion.

Intensive analysis of selected issues and concepts in international relations. Prerequisite: One course in PLIR or instructor permission.

Western Political Theory from Plato to the Reformation. Among authors covered are Plato, Aristotle, Epictetus, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Martin Luther. For the medieval period, central themes are natural law, allegorical interpretation of Scripture, and the origins of modern liberal political theory.

Surveys developments since 1945 in democratic stability, party politics, and political economy in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Introduction to Comparative Politics surveys the major themes, theories, and methods of domestic politics around the globe in the modern era. Thematically, we examine the gap between rich and poor nations, between democracies and dictatorships, and between civil war and civic orders. Theoretically, we consider theories of political culture, political institutions, and political economy.

Introduces political philosophy as a mode of inquiry, and consideration of selected problems and writers in Western political theory.