Investigates a selected issue in American government or American political development. Prerequisite: One course in PLAP or instructor permission.

Examines the role of mass media in the political process including such topics as print, broadcast, and online news, media and election campaigns, political advertising, and media effects on public opinion and political participation.

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.

Reviews and analyzes the techniques and technologies of modern American election campaigns. Enrollment is limited. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Topics on a variety of Political issues.

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

This course explores the theoretical ideas that informed the creation and development of America's political system and considers some of the major contemporary challenges to the maintenance of American liberal democracy. Topics to be treated include the political thought of the American Founders, the place of religion in public life, the nature of written constitutions and the role of America in the world.

Analysis of selected issues and concepts in comparative politics.

Introduces core concepts in political economy, including the institutional bases for states and markets, and the way these interact through the exercise of exit, voice, and collective action. Empirical material drawn from the last five centuries.

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.