Political Theory I

Political theory examines the ideas and institutions that shape political life.  This course introduces key texts and arguments about the best way to organize political power, how it should be used, and for what purpose.

We will address these larger questions by studying how major thinkers, ancient and modern, analyzed political diversity, division, and conflict.  What are the sources of conflicting identities, interests, passions, and values in politics?  How can partisanship and contestation avoid degenerating into open war and unjust domination?  Which institutions, laws, and practices are best able to manage conflict consistent with other political goals, such as freedom, equality, justice?  

Course goals: Demonstrate broad knowledge of key texts, thinkers, concepts, and debates in the history of political thought; compare, contrast, and classify definitions of diversity and their political significance; interpret texts and reconstruct their core arguments and concepts; evaluate arguments, concepts, and theories in terms of consistency, plausibility, and desirability; develop persuasive interpretations and arguments through textual analysis; present and defend ideas and arguments clearly in writing and discussion.

• MW 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
• Instructor: Nadia Urbinati
  CULPA: 29 Wikipedia Info
• 4 points

Political Theory I Discussion

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Political Theory I Discussion

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Political Theory I Discussion

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Political Theory I Discussion

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Political Theory I Discussion

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Political Theory I Discussion

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Political Theory I Discussion

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• 0 points

Introduction to American Politics

Intro American Politics

In this course, students will gain familiarity with some of the major questions and theoretical frameworks in the American Politics subfield of political science and learn how to think theoretically and empirically about politics.

• MW 6:10 p.m.-7:25 p.m.
• 4 points

Introduction to American Politics Discus

Intro Am Pol Discussion

Discussion section

• 0 points

Introduction to Comparative Politics

Intro Comp Politics

The course provides a broad overview of the comparative politics subfield by focusing on important substantive questions about the world today.  Particular attention will be paid to understanding differences between democracies and autocracies, on one hand, and between different forms of democracy, on the other.  What influences whether countries become and/or stay democratic?  On this basis, should we expect China to democratize?  Why do we care if a country is democratic or not?  Do democracies perform better (or worse) than non-democracies in policy areas of importance?  What is “good representation” and how do political institutions affect the prospects for achieving it?  How does the choice of democratic institutions influence the prospects for stable and successful democracy?  Are there particular institutional forms that are appropriate in particular contexts (such as ethnically divided Iraq), or do cultural factors overwhelm institutional considerations? 

In addressing these broad questions, the course has three ancillary goals.  The first is to teach students how to pose and evaluate falsifiable theoretical arguments about substantive questions of interest.  The second is to introduce the quantitative, formal and qualitative methodologies that political scientists use to develop and evaluate arguments.  Finally, the course will require students to develop knowledge of the political systems of a number of foreign countries.

• MW 4:10 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
• Instructor: John Huber
  CULPA: 15 h-index: 31 Info
• 4 points

Introduction to Comparative Politics Dis

Intro CP Discussion

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• 0 points

Introduction to Comparative Politics Dis

Intro CP Discussion

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Introduction to Comparative Politics Dis

Intro CP Discussion

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Introduction to Comparative Politics Dis

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Intro CP Discussion

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• 0 points

International Politics

Why do countries go to war? What conditions foster international cooperation? How do alliances between countries function? How are countries affected by global trade and investment, and in turn how does the political economy of individual countries shape international conflict and cooperation? How do ideas and culture (including both positive ideas like human rights and negative ideas like racism) affect international politics? What role do individuals and groups play in shaping international politics? What explains the international response to the COVID-19 pandemic? Why isn’t there significant cooperation on climate change, and can a new global cooperation emerge? What issues have garnered international attention, and how has that shaped the countries’ cooperation? What causes terrorism? Is the proliferation of nuclear (or cyber) weapons a threat to peace, and if so, how should the world response? Does UN peacekeeping work?

In this course we will begin to grapple with these questions. We will use theories developed by philosophers, political scientists and policy analysts, and we will examine the historical roots of today’s problems, in order to explain and predict the patterns of international politics and the possibilities for change. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to choose and develop their own theories to explain events.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the semester, students will accomplish the following:


Demonstrate broad factual and causal knowledge of important current and historical issues in international relations.

Apply contending theories from the political science literature and the policy world to analyze, compare, and evaluate events and trends in international relations.

Assess the value of competing theories in explaining events.

Synthesize facts and arguments across cases in order to reason critically and argue creatively, through both oral discussions in section and written essays.

• MW 11:40 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
• 4 points

International Politics Discussion

Int'l Politics Discussion

Discussion section

• 0 points

GANDHI, KING & POLS OF NONVIOLENCE

Since Gandhi’s experiments in mass
satyagraha
over a century ago, nonviolence has become a staple of protest politics across the globe.  From the Occupy movements to the Arab Spring to Movement for Black Lives, it might even be entering a new phase of revitalization.  At the same time, what exactly nonviolence is and what it can accomplish in politics is very much under debate.   This course aims to understand the politics of nonviolence by examining the political ideas and political careers of its most well-known twentieth-century advocates, M.K. Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.  

Though still venerated as founding figures of nonviolent protest, Gandhi and King have come to be remembered in ways that can misconstrue how they understood and practiced nonviolent politics.  To many, Gandhi is a saintly idealist, who wanted to imbue politics with the spirit of
ahimsa
, truth, and conscience.   Likewise, King is taken to be a spokesman for interracial brotherhood and Christian love.  While partly true, these images also downplay the political side of their nonviolence – the techniques of organizing and strategies of protest that made their movements successful. 

We will examine the evolution of Gandhi’s and King’s political thinking in relation to the movements they led – the Indian independence movement and the civil rights movement in the US.  We will consider how the theory and practice of nonviolence evolved and changed as it moved from one context to another.  We will be especially focused on understanding the dynamics of nonviolent protest.

• TR 4:10 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
• Instructor: Karuna Mantena
  CULPA: 3 Info
• 4 points

GANDHI, KING&NONVIOLENCE-DISC

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS UN3112.

• 0 points

GANDHI, KING&NONVIOLENCE-DISC

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS UN3112.

• 0 points

GANDHI, KING&NONVIOLENCE-DISC

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS UN3112.

• 0 points

GANDHI, KING&NONVIOLENCE-DISC

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS UN3112.

• 0 points

GANDHI, KING&NONVIOLENCE-DISC

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS UN3112.

• 0 points

GANDHI, KING&NONVIOLENCE-DISC

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS UN3112.

• 0 points

GANDHI, KING&NONVIOLENCE-DISC

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS UN3112.

• 0 points

GANDHI, KING&NONVIOLENCE-DISC

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS UN3112.

• 0 points

GANDHI, KING&NONVIOLENCE-DISC

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS UN3112.

• 0 points

GANDHI, KING&NONVIOLENCE-DISC

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS UN3112.

• 0 points

VOTING & POLITICAL BEHAVIOR

• TR 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
• Instructor: Yamil R Velez
  CULPA: 1 h-index: 8 Info
• 3 points

FREEDOM OF SPEECH & PRESS

Examines the constitutional right of freedom of speech and press in the United States. Examines, in depth, various areas of law, including extremist or seditious speech, obscenity, libel, fighting words, the public forum doctrine, and public access to the mass media. Follows the law school course model, with readings focused on actual judicial decisions.

• TR 2:40 p.m.-3:55 p.m.
• Instructor: Lee C Bollinger
  CULPA: 27 Wikipedia Info
• 3 points

The Rise of the Modern World Economy

Rise of Modern World Econ

Over the past thousand years, modern capitalism has expanded from its European starting point to the entire world. Modern economic activity started with a commercial revolution in the late Middle Ages, concentrated in European city states like Venice and Genoa. From the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, European colonialism spread this commercial revolution around the globe. The Industrial Revolution in northwestern Europe led to unprecedented and sustained economic growth, which allowed European nations to dominate the rest of the world economically, politically, and militarily, with mixed results for the rest of the world. Over the past hundred years, global capitalism has continued to present countries, and the people in them, with enormous opportunities, crushing constraints, and major political dilemmas. 

The course is an introductory overview of the economics and politics of international economic activity in historical and theoretical perspective.

• TR 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
• Instructor: Jeffry A Frieden
  Info
• 4 points

The Rise of the Modern World Economy Dis

Modern World Economy Disc

Over the past thousand years, modern capitalism has expanded from its European starting point to the entire world. Modern economic activity started with a commercial revolution in the late Middle Ages, concentrated in European city states like Venice and Genoa. From the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, European colonialism spread this commercial revolution around the globe. The Industrial Revolution in northwestern Europe led to unprecedented and sustained economic growth, which allowed European nations to dominate the rest of the world economically, politically, and militarily, with mixed results for the rest of the world. Over the past hundred years, global capitalism has continued to present countries, and the people in them, with enormous opportunities, crushing constraints, and major political dilemmas. 

The course is an introductory overview of the economics and politics of international economic activity in historical and theoretical perspective.

• 0 points

The Rise of the Modern World Economy Dis

Modern World Economy Disc

Over the past thousand years, modern capitalism has expanded from its European starting point to the entire world. Modern economic activity started with a commercial revolution in the late Middle Ages, concentrated in European city states like Venice and Genoa. From the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, European colonialism spread this commercial revolution around the globe. The Industrial Revolution in northwestern Europe led to unprecedented and sustained economic growth, which allowed European nations to dominate the rest of the world economically, politically, and militarily, with mixed results for the rest of the world. Over the past hundred years, global capitalism has continued to present countries, and the people in them, with enormous opportunities, crushing constraints, and major political dilemmas. 

The course is an introductory overview of the economics and politics of international economic activity in historical and theoretical perspective.

• 0 points

The Rise of the Modern World Economy Dis

Modern World Economy Disc

Over the past thousand years, modern capitalism has expanded from its European starting point to the entire world. Modern economic activity started with a commercial revolution in the late Middle Ages, concentrated in European city states like Venice and Genoa. From the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, European colonialism spread this commercial revolution around the globe. The Industrial Revolution in northwestern Europe led to unprecedented and sustained economic growth, which allowed European nations to dominate the rest of the world economically, politically, and militarily, with mixed results for the rest of the world. Over the past hundred years, global capitalism has continued to present countries, and the people in them, with enormous opportunities, crushing constraints, and major political dilemmas. 

The course is an introductory overview of the economics and politics of international economic activity in historical and theoretical perspective.

• 0 points

The Rise of the Modern World Economy Dis

Modern World Economy Disc

Over the past thousand years, modern capitalism has expanded from its European starting point to the entire world. Modern economic activity started with a commercial revolution in the late Middle Ages, concentrated in European city states like Venice and Genoa. From the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, European colonialism spread this commercial revolution around the globe. The Industrial Revolution in northwestern Europe led to unprecedented and sustained economic growth, which allowed European nations to dominate the rest of the world economically, politically, and militarily, with mixed results for the rest of the world. Over the past hundred years, global capitalism has continued to present countries, and the people in them, with enormous opportunities, crushing constraints, and major political dilemmas. 

The course is an introductory overview of the economics and politics of international economic activity in historical and theoretical perspective.

• 0 points

The Rise of the Modern World Economy Dis

Modern World Economy Disc

Over the past thousand years, modern capitalism has expanded from its European starting point to the entire world. Modern economic activity started with a commercial revolution in the late Middle Ages, concentrated in European city states like Venice and Genoa. From the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, European colonialism spread this commercial revolution around the globe. The Industrial Revolution in northwestern Europe led to unprecedented and sustained economic growth, which allowed European nations to dominate the rest of the world economically, politically, and militarily, with mixed results for the rest of the world. Over the past hundred years, global capitalism has continued to present countries, and the people in them, with enormous opportunities, crushing constraints, and major political dilemmas. 

The course is an introductory overview of the economics and politics of international economic activity in historical and theoretical perspective.

• 0 points

The Rise of the Modern World Economy Dis

Modern World Economy Disc

Over the past thousand years, modern capitalism has expanded from its European starting point to the entire world. Modern economic activity started with a commercial revolution in the late Middle Ages, concentrated in European city states like Venice and Genoa. From the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, European colonialism spread this commercial revolution around the globe. The Industrial Revolution in northwestern Europe led to unprecedented and sustained economic growth, which allowed European nations to dominate the rest of the world economically, politically, and militarily, with mixed results for the rest of the world. Over the past hundred years, global capitalism has continued to present countries, and the people in them, with enormous opportunities, crushing constraints, and major political dilemmas. 

The course is an introductory overview of the economics and politics of international economic activity in historical and theoretical perspective.

• 0 points

The Rise of the Modern World Economy Dis

Modern World Economy Disc

Over the past thousand years, modern capitalism has expanded from its European starting point to the entire world. Modern economic activity started with a commercial revolution in the late Middle Ages, concentrated in European city states like Venice and Genoa. From the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, European colonialism spread this commercial revolution around the globe. The Industrial Revolution in northwestern Europe led to unprecedented and sustained economic growth, which allowed European nations to dominate the rest of the world economically, politically, and militarily, with mixed results for the rest of the world. Over the past hundred years, global capitalism has continued to present countries, and the people in them, with enormous opportunities, crushing constraints, and major political dilemmas. 

The course is an introductory overview of the economics and politics of international economic activity in historical and theoretical perspective.

• 0 points

The Rise of the Modern World Economy Dis

Modern World Economy Disc

Over the past thousand years, modern capitalism has expanded from its European starting point to the entire world. Modern economic activity started with a commercial revolution in the late Middle Ages, concentrated in European city states like Venice and Genoa. From the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, European colonialism spread this commercial revolution around the globe. The Industrial Revolution in northwestern Europe led to unprecedented and sustained economic growth, which allowed European nations to dominate the rest of the world economically, politically, and militarily, with mixed results for the rest of the world. Over the past hundred years, global capitalism has continued to present countries, and the people in them, with enormous opportunities, crushing constraints, and major political dilemmas. 

The course is an introductory overview of the economics and politics of international economic activity in historical and theoretical perspective.

• 0 points

RESEARCH DESIGN: SCOPE AND METHODS

RESEARCH DESIGN: SCOPE&ME

This class aims to introduce students to the logic of social scientific inquiry and research design. Although it is a course in political science, our emphasis will be on the science part rather than the political part — we’ll be reading about interesting substantive topics, but only insofar as they can teach us something about ways we can do systematic research. This class will introduce students to a medley of different methods to conduct social scientific research.

• MW 4:10 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
• 4 points

SEMINAR IN POLITCAL THEORY

Arendt in 20th Century

Seminar in Political Theory. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

• W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Clara Maier
  Info
• 4 points

AMERICAN POLITICS SEMINAR

POLIT PARTIES IN US POLITICS

Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Pre-registration is not permitted. Seminar in American Politics Seminar. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

• T 10:10 a.m.-noon
• Instructor: Shigeo Hirano
  CULPA: 3 Info
• 4 points

AMERICAN POLITICS SEMINAR

BUREAUCRATIC POLITICS

Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Pre-registration is not permitted. Seminar in American Politics Seminar. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

• W 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Michael Ting
  CULPA: 4 Info
• 4 points

AMERICAN POLITICS SEMINAR

20TH C AFR AMER POLIT THOUGHT

Prerequisites: the instructors permission. Pre-registration is not permitted. Seminar in American Politics Seminar. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

• T 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
• Instructor: Fredrick Harris
  Wikipedia Info
• 4 points

COMPARATIVE POLITICS SEMINAR

Innovation

Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or the equivalent, and the instructors permission. Pre-registration is not permitted. Please see here for detailed seminar registration guidelines: http://polisci.columbia.edu/undergraduate-programs/seminar-registration-guidelines. Seminar in Comparative Politics. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

• T 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Caterina Chiopris
  Info
• 4 points

COMPARATIVE POLITICS SEMINAR

Voters, Leaders & Media

Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or the equivalent, and the instructors permission. Pre-registration is not permitted. Please see here for detailed seminar registration guidelines: http://polisci.columbia.edu/undergraduate-programs/seminar-registration-guidelines. Seminar in Comparative Politics. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

• W 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
• Instructor: Beatrice Bonini
  Info
• 4 points

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS SEMINAR

SECURITY TOPICS

Prerequisites: POLS UN1601 or the equivalent, and the instructors permission. Seminar in International Politics. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

• M 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Jack L Snyder
  CULPA: 27 Info
• 4 points

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS SEMINAR

Prerequisites: POLS UN1601 or the equivalent, and the instructors permission. Seminar in International Politics. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

• R 10:10 a.m.-noon
• Instructor: Allison J Carnegie
  Info
• 4 points

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS SEMINAR

Pol Multinat'l Enterprise

Prerequisites: POLS UN1601 or the equivalent, and the instructors permission. Seminar in International Politics. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

• T 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Calvin N Thrall
  Info
• 4 points

INTERNATIONAL POLITICS SEMINAR

War and Peace

Prerequisites: POLS UN1601 or the equivalent, and the instructors permission. Seminar in International Politics. Students who would like to register should join the electronic wait list. For list of topics and descriptions see: https://polisci.columbia.edu/content/undergraduate-seminars

• R 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Sarah Daly
  Info
• 4 points

HONORS SEMINAR

Prerequisites: admission to the departmental honors program. A two-term seminar for students writing the senior honors thesis.

• M 10:10 a.m.-noon
• Instructor: Kimuli Kasara
  CULPA: 26 h-index: 8 Info
• 4 points

QUANTITATIVE POLITICL RESEARCH

PRINC OF QUANT POL RESEAR

This course examines the basic methods of data analysis and statistics, through multivariate regression analysis, that political scientists use in quantitative research that attempts to make causal inferences about how the political world works. The same methods apply to other kinds of problems about cause and effect relationships more generally. The course will provide students with extensive experience in analyzing data and in writing (and thus reading) research papers about testable theories and hypotheses.

• TR 8:40 a.m.-9:55 a.m.
• Instructor: Robert Y Shapiro
  CULPA: 4 Wikipedia Info
• 4 points

PRINC OF QUANT POL RESEARCH 1-DISC

PRINC OF QUANT POL RES 1-

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS GU4710.

• 0 points

PRINC OF QUANT POL RESEARCH 1-DISC

PRINC OF QUANT POL RES 1-

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS GU4710.

• 0 points

QUANT METH 1 APPL REG CAUS INF

Fitting and understanding linear regression and generalized linear models, simulation, causal inference, and the basics of design of quantitative studies. Computation in R. Textbook: Regression and Other Stories by Gelman, Hill, and Vehtari.

• MW 10:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.
• Instructor: Andrew Gelman
  CULPA: 6 Wikipedia h-index: 112 Info
• 4 points

QUANTITATIVE METHODS 1 DISCUSSION

QUANT METH 1 DISCUSSION

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS GU4720.

• 0 points

QUANTITATIVE METHODS 1 DISCUSSION

QUANT METH 1 DISCUSSION

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS GU4720.

• 0 points

QUANT METH 3 EXPERIMENTAL METH

In this course, we will discuss the logic of experimentation, its strengths and weaknesses compared to other methodologies, and the ways in which experimentation has been — and could be — used to investigate social phenomena. Students will learn how to interpret, design, and execute experiments. Special attention will be devoted to field experiments, or randomized trials conducted in real-world settings.
 

Prerequisites: Students should have taken at least one or two semesters of statistics. Some understanding of probability, hypothesis testing, and regression are assumed. Familiarity with statistical software such as R is helpful. We will be working with data in class throughout the term. The examples used in the textbook and lectures are written in R, and R tutorials will be taught in special sessions early in the term.

• TR 5:40 p.m.-6:55 p.m.
• Instructor: Donald P Green
  CULPA: 2 h-index: 87 Info
• 4 points

QUANTITATIVE METHODS 3: DISCUSSION

QUANT METH 3-DISC

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS GU4724.

• 0 points

QUANTITATIVE METHODS 3: DISCUSSION

QUANT METH 3-DISC

This is the required discussion section for 
POLS GU4724.

• 0 points

Machine Learning & AI for the Social Sci

Machine Learning & AI Soc

In the first half of the course, students will learn a variety of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) models, ranging from regularized regression to random forest, deep learning, and foundation models. In the second half, students will learn how to use such ML and AI methods for the social sciences, e.g., how to use LLMs for text analyses, and how to use flexible ML models for causal inference. Students will collaborate to present discussion papers throughout the semester. The main goal of this course is to help students write a final paper that applies advanced ML and AI methods to social science questions. This course builds on the materials covered in POLS 4700, 4720, 4722, or their equivalent courses (i.e., probability, statistics, linear regression, logistic regression, causal inference with observational and experimental data, and knowledge of statistical computing environment R).

• TR 4:10 p.m.-5:25 p.m.
• Instructor: Naoki Egami
  h-index: 8 Info
• 4 points

Machine Learning & AI for Social Science

Mach Lrng & AI for Soc Sc

In the first half of the course, students will learn a variety of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) models, ranging from regularized regression to random forest, deep learning, and foundation models. In the second half, students will learn how to use such ML and AI methods for the social sciences, e.g., how to use LLMs for text analyses, and how to use flexible ML models for causal inference. Students will collaborate to present discussion papers throughout the semester. The main goal of this course is to help students write a final paper that applies advanced ML and AI methods to social science questions. This course builds on the materials covered in POLS 4700, 4720, 4722, or their equivalent courses (i.e., probability, statistics, linear regression, logistic regression, causal inference with observational and experimental data, and knowledge of statistical computing environment R).

• 0 points

Machine Learning & AI for Social Science

Mach Lrng & AI for Soc Sc

In the first half of the course, students will learn a variety of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) models, ranging from regularized regression to random forest, deep learning, and foundation models. In the second half, students will learn how to use such ML and AI methods for the social sciences, e.g., how to use LLMs for text analyses, and how to use flexible ML models for causal inference. Students will collaborate to present discussion papers throughout the semester. The main goal of this course is to help students write a final paper that applies advanced ML and AI methods to social science questions. This course builds on the materials covered in POLS 4700, 4720, 4722, or their equivalent courses (i.e., probability, statistics, linear regression, logistic regression, causal inference with observational and experimental data, and knowledge of statistical computing environment R).

• 0-1 points

RESEARCH TOPICS IN GAME THEORY

Prerequisites: POLS W4730 or the instructors permission. Advanced topics in game theory will cover the study of repeated games, games of incomplete information and principal-agent models with applications in the fields of voting, bargaining, lobbying and violent conflict. Results from the study of social choice theory, mechanism design and auction theory will also be treated. The course will concentrate on mathematical techniques for constructing and solving games. Students will be required to develop a topic relating political science and game theory and to write a formal research paper.

• TR 2:40 p.m.-3:55 p.m.
• Instructor: Carlo Prato
  h-index: 11 Info
• 4 points

TOPICS GAME THEORY - DISC

• 0 points

M.A. PROSEMINAR

This course introduces students to the different subfields of the discipline by presenting various perspectives on one key topic in political science. Throughout the course, both theoretical and empirical debates surrounding the study of democracy are explored. Although the specific topic may change from year to year, the goal and structure of the course will remain the same: to contribute to the students understanding of an important topic in political science and discuss it through the lens of the different subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. By doing so, students will also learn the technical language, important concepts, and different methodological approaches of each subfield. Please note that this course is only for students in the Political Science Departments M.A. Program.

• F 10:10 a.m.-noon
• F 12:10 p.m.-2 p.m.
• Instructor: Chiara Superti
  CULPA: 3 Info
• 4 points

ISSUES IN POLITICAL THEORY

Prerequisites: the instructors permission prior to registration. A survey of selected issues and debates in political theory. Areas of the field discussed include normative political philosophy, history of political thought, and the design of political and social institutions.

• R 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Turkuler Isiksel
  CULPA: 3 h-index: 9 Info
• 4 points

THEORIES & DEBATES-AMER POL II

This is the second of two semester-long courses that provide graduate students with an overview of the scholarly study of American politics. G6210 and G6211 constitute the American politics field survey. The field survey is designed for political science doctoral students who intend to specialize in American politics, as well as for those students whose primary interests are comparative politics, international relations, or political theory, but who desire an intensive introduction to the American style of political science. In this course we will cover a range of topics related to American politics that, for the most part, are not covered in G6210. Our focus will be on public opinion and political behavior. The reading assignments are a mix of foundational contributions (i.e. the canons of American politics literature) and recent research. The first part of each seminar session will aim to clarify and probe enduring puzzles, theories, and debates highlighted in the foundational texts. The latter portion of the seminar session will focus on how recent studies contribute to ongoing debates and define the research agenda going forward.

• W 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Donald P Green
  CULPA: 2 h-index: 87 Info
• 4 points

COMPARATIVE POLITICS SURVEY I

This is the first course in the two-semester sequence surveying covering foundational research in comparative politics across the developed and developing world. The course is designed for Ph.D. students preparing for comprehensive exams and who intend to conduct research relating to comparative politics, and has two core objectives. The first objective is to expose students to a range of arguments organized around questions motivating major research agendas in comparative politics. The second objective is to expose students to processes of theorizing, hypothesis formation, and testing and to strengthen students’ analytical skills in evaluating and critiquing political science research. It should go without saying that these two classes cannot exhaustively cover the many important works, topics, and methodologies in the field.

The Fall semester of this sequence will primarily focus on citizen-level and politician-level behaviors, while the Spring semester will focus on more macro-level institutions and applications of the building blocks covered in this course. However, it is not necessary to take the classes in a particular order.

• W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: John Marshall
  h-index: 20 Info
• 4 points

THEORIES OF INT'L RELATIONS

Prerequisites: the instructors permission prior to registration. Issues and problems in theory of international politics; systems theories and the current international system; the domestic sources of foreign policy and theories of decision making; transnational forces, the balance of power, and alliances.

• R 10:10 a.m.-noon
• Instructor: Elizabeth N Saunders
  Wikipedia Info
• 4 points

Theory of Democracy Revisited

This colloquium will study democracy in its most representative contemporary interpretations and its challenges in comparative theoretical perspective. Starting with democracy’s procedures and institutions (the “rules of the game”) the colloquium will examine their main interpretations and most recent variations; it will end with a discussion of plebiscitary leadership, populism and lottocracy. The aim of the colloquium is to give students of political theory and political science some basic theoretical tools for analyzing, understanding and evaluating contemporary mutations in democratic visions and practices in several western countries.

• T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Nadia Urbinati
  CULPA: 29 Wikipedia Info
• 4 points

Political Theory of Democratization, De-

Democ, De-Democ, Regime C

Concern about the retreat of democracy, democratic recession and/or democratic backsliding are proliferating in the political theoretical and comparative politics literature. While domestic and external threats to democracy and reverse waves are not new, there is widespread agreement that today even long-consolidated, wealthy democracies are now at risk and that new dynamics of de-democratization are at play. This course will involve an in-depth study of the political theory and comparative politics literature on the relevant concepts and dynamics: transition, democratization, de-democratization, democratic backsliding, hybridization, “post-democracy” and the assumptions undergirding them. We will discuss the various concepts of democracy and regime used or presupposed in the relevant literature and assess how these have evolved. The purpose of the first part of the course is to rethink the basic concepts and theories regarding democracy breakdown, transitions to democracy, democratic consolidation, backsliding and hybridization of democratic regimes and to clarify the conceptual and political issues regarding thresholds, cycles, and the like. The last third of the course will focus on cycles of democratization, de-democratization and re-democratization in the case of the U.S.: the oldest representative constitutional democracy and the one most typically taken as the exemplar of a consolidated democratic regime.

• W 2:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Jean L Cohen
  CULPA: 7 Wikipedia h-index: 63 Info
• 4 points

Political Communication

POLS GR8228 is designed as a graduate-level introduction to the study of political communication. As an introduction to the field, it is structured to cover a wide range of topics and methodological approaches. No single course can provide comprehensive coverage of a fascinating subfield with as long and diverse a history as political communication. As such, this seminar will focus on relatively recent work. Students will leave this course with a strong grasp of major theories, trends, methods, findings and debates in this area of study, as well as the gaps in our knowledge and promising directions for future research.

• M 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Eunji Kim
  Info
• 4 points

Historical Political Economy

Over the past thousand years, modern capitalism has expanded from its European starting point to the entire world. Modern economic activity started with a commercial revolution in the late Middle Ages, concentrated in European city states like Venice and Genoa. From the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, European colonialism spread this commercial revolution around the globe. The Industrial Revolution in northwestern Europe led to unprecedented and sustained economic growth, which allowed European nations to dominate the rest of the world economically, politically, and militarily, with mixed results for the rest of the world. Over the past hundred years, global capitalism has continued to present countries, and the people in them, with enormous opportunities, crushing constraints, and major political dilemmas. 

The course is an introductory overview of the economics and politics of international economic activity in historical and theoretical perspective.

• T 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Caterina Chiopris
  Info
• 4 points

CIVIL & ETHNIC WARS

This course explores the causes, dynamics and outcomes of civil wars and insurgencies. It addresses when and why violence is employed in place of peaceful solutions to conflict and what accounts for individual and mass recruitment into armed organizations. It aims to understand variation in warring groups’ cohesion, repertoires of violence, and relations with civilians, state counterinsurgency methods, and the political economy of conflict. The course concludes by examining war duration and termination. Students will be pushed to grapple with research written in many traditions including philosophical, statistical, game theoretic, and qualitative materials.

• R 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Instructor: Sarah Daly
  Info
• 4 points