Courses

Introductory and General Courses

Primarily for Undergraduates

Government 20. Introduction to Comparative Politics
Catalog Number: 6166
Steven R. Levitsky
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 12
Provides an introduction to key concepts and theoretical approaches in comparative politics. Major themes include the causes of democratization, economic development, ethnic conflict, and social revolutions; as well as the role of the state, political institutions, and civil society. Examines and critically evaluates different theoretical approaches to politics including modernization, Marxist, cultural, institutionalist, and leadership-centered approaches. Compares cases from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Latin America to provide students with grounding in the basic tools of comparative analysis.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Social Analysis.

Government 30. American Government: A New Perspective
Catalog Number: 0263
Paul E. Peterson
Half course (fall term). M., W., (F)., at 11, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
Provides an overview of contemporary American politics, showing how recent changes in elections and media coverage have helped shape key aspects of American government. From the courts, Congress, and the Presidency, to the workings of interest groups and political parties, and, also to the making of public policy, the pressure on political leaders to run permanent campaigns has altered governmental institutions and processes. The course explains how and why.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Social Analysis.

Tutorials

*Government 91r. Supervised Reading and Research
Catalog Number: 2444
Cheryl Brown Welch
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Supervised reading leading to a term paper in a topic or topics not covered by regular courses of instruction.
Note: Limited to juniors and seniors. Does not count for concentration credit. Offered at the discretion of the individual instructors. Written proposal and signature of Director of Undergraduate Studies required.

*Government 99r. Tutorial — Senior Year
Catalog Number: 3652
Cheryl Brown Welch and members of the Department
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Note: Taken as two half courses by those who have elected the honors program and in order to write their senior theses.
Prerequisite: Two half courses of Government 98 or 90, in any combination.

Government 98. Junior Research Seminars

*Government 98aq (formerly *Government 90aq). Democracy and Judicial Review - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 7109 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Mark A. Graber
Half course (fall term). M., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Democracy and Judicial Review explores three central constitutional questions. Why do elected officials in democracies throughout the world tolerate an institution that declares legislation unconstitutional? Do any democratic reasons exist for entrusting some policy making to officials who enjoy life tenure? What responsibilities do courts have for protecting such democratic practices as free speech? While the primary focus of the seminar will be on American materials, we will also look at comparative materials.

*Government 98ax (formerly *Government 90ax). Crucial Events in Chinese Elite Poltics
Catalog Number: 7481 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Roderick MacFarquhar
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
A critical reexamination of major events in the politics of the People’s Republic and of the hitherto accepted Western analyses of them, using the new data made available in the PRC in recent years. The objective is to outline new hypotheses where necessary and more importantly, to explore what need there might be for new ways of studying Chinese politics.

*Government 98df (formerly *Government 90df). Topics in Early-Modern Political Thought - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 3049 Enrollment: Open to non-concentrators with permission of the instructor.
Eric M. Nelson
Half course (fall term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This research seminar is designed for Government concentrators who intend to write a senior honors thesis on some aspect of European political thought during the early-modern period (roughly from Machiavelli to Kant). Material covered in the course will reflect the particular interests of students who enroll. Topics might include rights, just war, property, the relationship between church and state, toleration, and the invention of political science. Students will be required to develop and complete a substantial research essay, and the course will emphasize the various stages of research design.

*Government 98dn (formerly Government 90dn). Mapping Social and Environmental Space
Catalog Number: 2017 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Sumeeta Srinivasan
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
This seminar will use mapping as a methodological technique to examine social and environmental issues. Students will be expected to use mapping software to examine spatial data for a location and topic of their choice for their final paper. Weekly discussions will be conducted in class on various mapping related topics. References will range from books like "How to lie with Maps" to current journal articles examining the use of GIS in social science.

*Government 98gc (formerly *Government 90gc). Gender, Politics, and Markets
Catalog Number: 1496 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Margarita Estevez-Abe
Half course (fall term). W., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Although improvements have been made during the past century, women are still treated differently within the family, workplace and in politics. Where does this difference originate? Is gender difference either necessary or desirable? Why does the status of women differ across countries?

*Government 98jm (formerly *Government 90jm). Comparative Constitutional Law and Religion
Catalog Number: 5104 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Ofrit Liviatan
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Introduction to key constitutional concepts using a cross-national comparative examination of religious freedom issues. Topics include: processes of constitution-making, implementing and enforcing constitutions, constitutional accommodation of diversity and the relationship between societies and their constitutions. Readings emphasize contemporary debates on religious affairs: the wearing of religious headscarves, public funding for religious institutions, same-sex marriage and more.

*Government 98jq. How to Win Elections: Political Science Perspectives - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 3148 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Francis Xavier Shen
Half course (fall term). W., 7–9 p.m. EXAM GROUP: 9
Want to run a campaign? Run for office yourself? If so, you’ll need to make decisions: Do you go negative? How do you frame the issues? In this research seminar, you will learn how the tools of political science can help you answer questions like these. Your original research for this course can be the springboard for a thesis or a campaign job. Discover just how powerful political science can be.

*Government 98kd (formerly *Government 90kd). The Supreme Court and American Politics - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 2859 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Ryan James Owens
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
The goal of this course is to provide students with a systematic understanding of the U.S. Supreme Court. After discussing the social scientific study of the Court, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. We will examine how various participants in the judiciary attempt to achieve their goals within the constraints of the institution and its surrounding environment.

*Government 98nk (formerly *Government 90hf). Voters, Parties, and Elections in Comparative Perspective - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 6598 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Arthur P. Spirling
Half course (fall term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Why do people vote the way they do? What role do parties play in democracies? Which electoral system is ’best’--- and why? This seminar seeks answers to these questions and is divided into three sections dealing with the fundamentals of modern democracy: voters, parties and elections. Readings will be both theoretical and empirical, and will cover voting behavior, party organization and strategy, electoral systems and electoral reform. Substantive focus will be on Western Europe.

*Government 98nl (formerly *Government 90nl). Election Polling and Public Opinion
Catalog Number: 3531 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Chase Henri Harrison
Half course (fall term). Th., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
Political polls and other survey methodologies are frequently used to understand and explain both voter intentions and public opinion. This course will examine the theoretical and practical issues involved in using polls and surveys. We will explore the normative assumptions involved in polling, study possible sources of error in survey measures, and discuss the prospective implications of polling for policy and governance.

*Government 98nm (formerly *Government 90nm). Race and Representation - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 1424 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Matthew B. Platt
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course explores the fundamental question of whether black members of Congress provide the highest potential quality of representation for their black constituents. Beginning with Reconstruction and continuing throughout the present Congress, we chart how the nature of black representation has changed in accordance with broader changes among black Americans themselves.

*Government 98qb. International Human Rights - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 5882 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Beth A. Simmons
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4.
This course explores the political conditions--international and domestic--that influence the creation, acceptance, operation and effectiveness of the international rules governing individual human rights. The course addresses international human rights law and practice in theoretical terms; considers social science methodologies for studying human righs law and practice; and examines in detail the international human rights regime itself. Four meetings are reserved to allow for individual and small group presentation of research projects and findings.
Note: Students who have completed Gov 1740 (International Law) have first priority.

*Government 98sg (formerly *Government 90sg). Global Justice - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 9860 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Eric Beerbohm
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This course examines how principles of justice bear upon the practice of global politics. What do cosmopolitan values - the equal worth of all persons and the existence of moral obligations binding all - require of citizens and their political institutions? Topics include theories of cosmopolitanism, world poverty and global distributive justice, the justification and demandingness of human rights, and the ethics of humanitarian intervention.

*Government 98tp (formerly *Government 90tp). International Politics of the Middle East - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 4671 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Stacey Philbrick Yadav
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This course examines international politics in the Middle East in the late colonial and post-colonial periods, focusing on the relationships between states, societies and markets. Placing particular emphasis on the many ways in which the "high politics" of states shape the lived experiences of different communities in the region, it works within existing theoretical frameworks in Comparative Politics and International Relations that envision politics as influenced by shifting constellations of interests, ideas, and institutions.

*Government 98vj. Collective Action, Sustainability and Development in Latin America - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 1595 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Juan Camilo Cardenas
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
We combine theory and evidence from ethnographic studies and behavioral lab and field experiments in Latin America to explore the possibilities and limitations of collective action in rural and urban settings for enhancing environmental sustainability, the provision of adequate public goods and assuring greater economic security and equality of opportunity. Students participate in classroom experiments, and work on a new experimental or behavioral research project to address an interesting question about Latin America.

*Government 98wc (formerly *Government 90wc). Islam in Western Europe: Between Integration and Radicalization - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 6835 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Jocelyne Cesari (Divinity School)
Half course (fall term). M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
From the Madrid and London bombings to the cartoons crisis, doubts have arisen regarding the ability of Muslims to integrate into European societies. This course will analyze the religious, cultural, and political situation of Muslims in Europe and discuss their accommodation to secular Western cultures and the different integration policies, primarily in France, Germany and the UK. It will also discuss the real risk and root causes of the radicalization of some of these European Muslims.

Political Methodology and Formal Theory 

Government 1000. Quantitative Methods for Political Science I
Catalog Number: 3990
Adam Glynn
Half course (fall term). M., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
An introduction to statistical research in political science with a focus on applied multiple linear regression.
Note: Frequently taken by graduate students satisfying department requirements. Also open to qualified undergraduates. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core requirement for Quantitative Reasoning.
Prerequisite: Gov. 50, or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.

Government 1008. Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
Catalog Number: 9732
Sumeeta Srinivasan
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
This course introduces Geographical Information Systems and their applications. GIS is a combination of software and hardware with capabilities for manipulating, analyzing and displaying spatially referenced information. The course will meet two times a week. Every week, there will be a lecture and discussion as well as a laboratory exercise where students will work with GIS software on the computer. No Prerequisites.

*Government 1017. Theoretical Foundations of Democratic Politics: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 7259 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Cheryl Brown Welch and members of Department
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
What explains voter turnout? What determines transitions from authoritarian to democratic regimes? How do legislative rules affect which legislation gets enacted? This course introduces students to the use of game theory and social choice theory in political science by focusing on these and other questions about democracy. The theories studied in the course have, however, a much wider application and will be useful to all students of politics, especially those planning on writing senior theses.

Government 1019 (formerly Government 1119). Basic Mathematics for Social Scientists - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 0989
Pedram Safari
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 5
The aim of this course is to provide the students of social sciences with a conceptual understanding of the basic notions of calculus and matrix algebra.

 

Political Thought and Its History

  *Government 1042. Theories of Peace and War in Western Political Thought: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 8881 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Cheryl Brown Welch and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). W., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
This course examines arguments for war and arguments for peace in western political thought. Related topics, such as just war theory, collective security, and religious pacifism, will be treated as well. Readings will include Augustine, Grotius, Kant, and Carl Schmitt.

Government 1052. History and Freedom in German Idealism
Catalog Number: 3628
Michael E. Rosen
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 13
The high period of German Idealism (from 1781, the date of the publication of Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, to the death of Hegel in 1831) is one of the most revolutionary in the history of philosophy. We shall study the period using the central ideas of history and freedom as our guide and trace how modern ideas regarding freedom, the self, and the historical character of knowledge have their origins in the Idealists’ thought.

Government 1060. Ancient and Medieval Political Philosophy
Catalog Number: 4978
Richard Tuck
Half course (fall term). M., W., (F.), at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Classical and medieval political philosophy, from Plato to Thomas Aquinas.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Moral Reasoning.

Cross-listed Courses

African and African American Studies 130. W. E. B. Du Bois: Social and Political Writings
Economics 2080. Economics and Politics: The Foundations of Economics in Political Theory
Ethical Reasoning 11. Human Rights: A Philosophical Introduction - (New Course)
[Historical Study B-34. The World in 1776]
[*History 73a (formerly History 1474). Republics and Republicanism]
History 1322. Heidegger and Arendt - (New Course)
[Moral Reasoning 17. Democracy and Inequality]
Moral Reasoning 22. Justice
[Moral Reasoning 58. Slavery in Western Political Thought]
[Moral Reasoning 68. Legalism: Ruly and Unruly Thought and Practices]
Philosophy 171z. Global Justice - (New Course)

 

Comparative Government

Government 1116. The Rise and the Fall of the Housewife - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 5339
Margarita Estevez-Abe
Half course (fall term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
This course examines how similar socio-economic changes affected women and their families differently in advanced industrial societies. It explores political factors that might explain why the housewife disappeared in some countries but not in others.

Government 1181. The Politics of the European Union - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 1877
Carina Sprungk
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 14
The European Union (EU) has evolved into a political community that deeply affects the daily lives of its citizens. This class surveys the development of European integration and gives an introduction into the EU’s political system. It focuses on (1) the history of European integration, (2) the institutions of the EU, (3) the major theories explaining the process of European integration and the functioning of the EU, (4) specific EU policy areas and (5) current issues and debates in EU Politics.

Government 1206. Contemporary Political Islam
Catalog Number: 0371
Emad Shahin (The American University in Cairo)
Half course (fall term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course provides students with an understanding of the phenomenon of political Islam and its impact on today’s politics. It analyzes the Islamic order and the model(s) that inspires modern Islamist activists; examines the ideas of main ideologues of contemporary Islamic movements; and presents case studies of mainstream and radical Islamic groups. The course concludes with a critical analysis of the future of political Islam and its relations with the West.

Government 1243. Russian Politics in Transition
Catalog Number: 1982
Timothy J. Colton
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
An examination of politics in the Russian Federation since the collapse of Soviet communism, focusing on the factors promoting and impeding the development of a stable democratic regime. Topics include the general dynamics of political and economic transformation, leadership, institution building, political culture, regionalism and federalism, electoral and party politics, state-society relations and interest groups, and Russian nationalism and neo-imperialism.

Government 1287. Contemporary Chinese Politics - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 4399
Nara Dillon
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 14
This course provides a broad overview of contemporary Chinese politics, examining both the Maoist revolutionary period and the post-Mao reform period. In addition to analyzing Chinese politics in comparative perspective, the course also introduces students to a variety of influential Chinese political theorists to gain an insider’s perspective on the country’s problems and potential.

Cross-listed Courses

Economics 2328. The Emergence of Modern Economic Growth: A Comparative and Historical Analysis

 

American Government, Public Law and Administration

For Undergraduates and Graduates

Government 1359. The Road to the White House - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 0913
Carlos E. Diaz Rosillo
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 5
Examines the role of presidential campaigns and elections in American politics. Studies the origins and evolution of the presidential nominating and electoral process and explores how modern campaigns inform, influence, and mobilize voters. Topics include the role of political parties and candidates, campaign strategies and issues, political advertisement and media coverage, and campaigning and governing. Special efforts will be made to incorporate major developments in the 2008 campaign with political science research on presidential campaigns and elections.

Government 1368. The Politics of American Education
Catalog Number: 8971
Paul E. Peterson
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 13
A comprehensive survey of the governmental institutions and political processes that shape education policy in the United States.

Government 1510. American Constitutional Law
Catalog Number: 0383
Richard H. Fallon
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Provides an introduction to contemporary American constitutional law, with a principal focus on decisions by the Supreme Court of the US. Topics to be studied include freedom of speech and religion, guarantees of due process and equal protection, and the powers of Congress and the courts.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Moral Reasoning
 

Government 1518. The American Legal System - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 9640
Robert A. Kagan
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
This course examines how the American political system, viewed comparatively and empirically, deals with selected problems - e.g., empowering and selecting judiciaries, adjudicating criminal cases, regulating environmental harm, compensating accident victims, remediating harsh inequalities. Formal requirements: a midterm examination, a final examination, and a substantial research paper based on field research concerning an actual legal dispute.

Government 1540. The American Presidency
Catalog Number: 4925
Roger B. Porter (Kennedy School)
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Course analyzes the development and modern practice of presidential leadership. Examines the institutional presidency, presidential selection, decision making, and the relationship of the presidency with the executive branch, Congress, courts, interest groups, the press and the public. Considers the political resources and constraints influencing the President’s ability to provide leadership in the US political system.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as PAL-115. Meets at FAS. 

Cross-listed Courses

African and African American Studies 128. Black Nationalism
Environmental Science and Public Policy 78. Environmental Politics
Historical Study B-61. The Warren Court and the Pursuit of Justice, 1953–1969
Social Analysis 66. Race, Ethnicity, and Politics in the United States

 

International Relations

*Government 1795 (formerly *Government 90q). US–Latin American Relations: Seminar
Catalog Number: 5153 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Jorge I. Domínguez
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
A study of political and economic relations between the United States and Latin American countries, and of the international relations of Latin America since 1960. Attention also given to foreign policy decision making in the US and Latin America, and to alternative approaches to the study of international relations and foreign policy.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10.
 

Government 1982. Chinese Foreign Policy, 1949–2007
Catalog Number: 8908
Alastair Iain Johnston
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Introduction to the descriptive history of China’s international relations with special focus on different theoretical explanations for changes in foreign policy behavior (e.g. polarity, history, ideology, leadership, bureaucracy, among others).
Note: No prior background in China or international relations theory required.