Spring Undergraduate Courses 2009
Introductory and General Courses
Primarily for Undergraduates
Government 10. Introduction to Political Thought
Catalog Number: 8836
Eric Beerbohm
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
This course investigates the central problems of political theory that concern the justification of democracy. Is democratic rule the uniquely just form of collective decision-making? What political institutions best express the democratic values of equality, deliberation, and participation? What are the moral responsibilities of citizens - whose representatives exercise political power in their name? Is democracy a human right? Readings integrate contemporary work in political philosophy with canonical thinkers, including Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, and J.S. Mill.
Government 50. Introduction to Political Science Research Methods
Catalog Number: 6500
Arthur P. Spirling and Muhammet Ali Bas
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 4. EXAM GROUP: 9
Can exit polls detect election fraud? What are the determinants of political corruption? Is Islam incompatible with open government? In what sense (if any) does democracy reduce the probability of war? This course introduces basic statistical techniques used in quantitative political methodology to give scientifically rigorous answers to these questions and many others. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, sampling, estimation, hypothesis tests, and applied linear and logistic regression.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core requirement for Quantitative Reasoning.
Cross-listed Courses
Historical Study A-12. International Conflict and Cooperation in the Modern World
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 97. Tutorial — Sophomore Year
Catalog Number: 3023
Nancy Lipton Rosenblum and Timothy J. Colton
Half course (spring term). M., 2–3:30, and tutorial sections to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This is a new one-semester course designed to provide all Government Department concentrators with a unified and challenging intellectual experience in the study of politics. The course covers a selection of topics on the theme of "Democracy" and draws on materials ranging from classics in political theory to cutting edge research in the discipline today.
*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 98ak (formerly *Government 90ak). Reason and Decision in 20th Century Political Thought - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 4123 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Dana Richard Villa (University of California, Santa Barbara)
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Critics on the left and right issue dire warnings about the politics that results from denying reason’s power to adjudicate between different values, ways of life, and forms of political regime. Such denials, they claim, invariably issue in an extremist politics of blind commitment. This course surveys a variety of thinkers to whom this charge seemingly applies, including Weber, Schmitt, Heidegger, Arendt, Berlin and Foucault.
*Government 98cq (formerly *Government 90cq). Europeanization and Domestic Change - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 2209 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Carina Sprungk
Half course (spring term). Th., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
European Union (EU) Studies have focused for a long time on analyzing and explaining the process of European integration. However, scholars have recently started asking to which extent this process feeds back into EU member states and triggers domestic change. Several studies show that EU membership changes domestic institutions, policies and policy-making processes in a sustainable way. In the framework of this course, we will analyze the level and scope of EU-induced domestic change and explain it by drawing on (neo-) institutionalist theories.
*Government 98dl. Analyzing Foreign Policy: Theory and Practice of International Relations - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 0837 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Manjari Chatterjee Miller
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3.
What accounts for state behavior? Are foreign policy decisions influenced by leaders’ beliefs and domestic politics or an inevitable consequence of the structure of the international system? This junior seminar has two goals. First, you will learn to apply analytical tools from IR theory, including cultural/ideological explanations, domestic political theories and systemic/structural factors, to state behavior and foreign policy. The primary examples discussed in class will be drawn from the behavior of two rising powers today, India and China. Second, you will select a specific case study of foreign policy behavior for analysis using the tools you have learned.
Note: Open to qualified sophomores and seniors.
*Government 98eo (formerly *Government 90eo). Globalization and American Foreign Economic Policy
Catalog Number: 9955 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Michael J. Hiscox
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Examines the foreign economic policies of the US in the context of increasing global economic integration. Topics include: globalization benefits and costs, winners and losers; lessons from history; trade policy; multinational corporations; debt crises; labor standards; and international environmental issues.
*Government 98fg. Presidents, Governors, and Mayors: Chief Executive Power in Comparative Perspective - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 8598 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Carlos E. Diaz Rosillo
Half course (spring term). W., 7–9 p.m. EXAM GROUP: 9
Analyzes the foundation, development, and exercise of chief executive power at the national, state, and local levels of government in the United States. Examines the applicability of different political science theories of presidential power to the broader exercise of chief executive power. Explores the sources and limits of executive authority, the roles and responsibilities of political chief executives at different levels of government, and the way in which institutions affect the exercise of chief executive power.
*Government 98gl. Human Rights, Inhuman Wrongs - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 5106 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Cheryl Brown Welch
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course examines the notion of crimes against humanity: its roots in natural law and the transnational anti-slavery movement, its emergence in the twentieth century at the intersection of human rights and humanitarian law, and its place at the heart of the modern imagination of political evil. It introduces the normative commitments, politics, and institutions involved in defining and prosecuting contemporary crimes against humanity (genocide, deportation, torture, rape) and considers the major comparative cases.
*Government 98gs (formerly *Government 90gs). Civil Society in Asia
Catalog Number: 7546 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Susan J. Pharr
Half course (spring term). Th., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
This seminar explores the concept of civil society with a focus on Asia. It looks at the Western origins of the idea of civil society, public space, and social capital; debates over their applicability outside the West; the relation between civil society and democracy; the forms civil society takes under conditions of repression; and how civil societies arise in the first place. Special attention to China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and India.
*Government 98hl (formerly *Government 90hl). The Political Economy of China’s Market Reforms - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 8091 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Nara Dillon
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
After an introduction to different theoretical approaches to the political economy of development, this course will examine China’s post-Mao economic reforms in comparative perspective. Some of the topics covered include the one-child policy, foreign trade and investment, the role of labor, rural-urban migration, and the rise of inequality.
*Government 98ia (formerly *Government 90ia). Sino-US Relations in an Era of Rising Chinese Power
Catalog Number: 9006 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Alastair Iain Johnston
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Assesses theoretical arguments and empirical evidence concerning the implications of Chinese economic and military modernization for conflict and cooperation between China and the US. Some issues examined include global arms control, trade, the environment, and regional security.
Government 98oa (formerly Government 90oa). Inequality and American Democracy
Catalog Number: 2053
Theda Skocpol
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
The “rights revolutions” of the 1960s and 1970s removed barriers to full citizenship for African Americans, women, and other formerly marginalized groups. But inequalities of wealth and income have grown since the 1970s. How do changing social and economic inequalities influence American democracy? This seminar explores empirical research and normative debates about political participation, about government responsiveness to citizen preferences, and about the impact of public policies on social opportunity and citizen participation.
*Government 98qa (formerly *Government 90qa). Community in America
Catalog Number: 4941 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Robert D. Putnam
Half course (spring term). W., 1:30–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 8
Has the social fabric of America’s communities and the civic engagement of its citizens changed over the last generation? Why? Does it matter? What lessons might we find in American history? These questions are at the focus of this seminar.
*Government 98tm (formerly *Government 90tm). Contemporary Arab Political and Social Thought
Catalog Number: 5418 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Emad Shahin (The American University in Cairo)
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course focuses on the development of political and social thought in the Arab world since the end of the nineteenth century. It examines the various attempts at achieving reform or an "Arab awakening," and the social and political contexts that gave rise to several competing ideologies. Discussions will cover the Islamic ideology, early reform movements, intellectual encounters with the West, Islamic modernism, regional nationalism, Arab nationalism, radical ideologies, and Islamic revival.
*Government 98vg. Topics in Recent Political Theory - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 0819 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Michael E. Rosen
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
The course is intended for (although not restricted to) students considering writing a thesis in political theory. We will start by reading some of the most important recent writings in English-language political theory before moving on to further topics selected to reflect the research interests of individual course participants.
Political Methodology and Formal Theory
Government 1002. Advanced Quantitative Political Methodology
Catalog Number: 0181
Gary King
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Introduces theories of inference underlying most statistical methods and how new approaches are developed. Examples include discrete choice, event counts, durations, missing data, ecological inference, time-series cross sectional analysis, compositional data, causal inference, and others.
Prerequisite: Government 2000 or the equivalent.
Government 1010. Survey Methods and Design
Catalog Number: 8482
Chase Henri Harrison
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 1. EXAM GROUP: 15
Surveys and polls are fundamental to the study of public opinion and behavior, and they play an increasingly prominent role in electoral politics. This course is designed to teach students the skills necessary to implement, use, and interpret opinion surveys. The course will focus on the concepts and principles necessary for designing a reliable and valid survey questionnaire, and will be structured as a reading course on survey methods and a practicum in survey design.
Government 1011. Practicum in Survey Research
Catalog Number: 7359
Chase Henri Harrison
Half course (spring term). Th., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
This course will be designed to provide students the opportunity to put into practice the principles and concepts of survey research. Students will experience the survey process first hand by designing, implementing, and analyzing their own survey on any topic of their choosing or by working with a faculty member on an ongoing survey project. This broad, hands-on approach will provide a supervised environment in which students can gain practical experience in conducting surveys.
Government 1016. Spatial Models for Social and Environmental Policy - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 0737
Sumeeta Srinivasan
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Introduces the fundamental statistical and mapping tools needed for analysis of environmental and social policy. Topics are linked by environmental and social themes and include spatial statistics; surface estimation; raster algebra; suitability modeling and remote sensing. Students acquire technical skills in both mapping and spatial models. Software packages used include STARS - Space-Time Analysis of Regional Systems, GeoVISTA, ArcGIS, Geoda and MULTISPEC.
Prerequisite: Some prior experience with GIS and knowledge of basic statistics.
Government 1020. Intermediate Mathematics for Social Scientists - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 7487
Pedram Safari
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
This course is geared toward graduate students of social sciences (such as government, education, psychology, etc.). The focus is on a conceptual understanding of vector calculus and probability, as well as applications.
Cross-listed Courses
Social Analysis 46. Thinking about Politics: A Rational Choice Approach
*Government 1035. Democratic Theory and Electoral Law - (New Course) *Government 1036. Athenian Democracy and its Critics: Seminar - (New Course) *Government 1039. Democratic Theory *Government 1057. Global Distributive Justice and Political Borders: Seminar - (New Course) Government 1061. The History of Modern Political Philosophy Government 1111. Political Institutions in Democracies and Non-Democracies *Government 1174. Ending War and Building Peace: Seminar - (New Course) Government 1184. Government and Politics in Europe - (New Course) *Government 1209. Post-Communist Islam Government 1218. Globalization, Development, and the Middle East Government 1295. Comparative Politics in Latin America Economics 2328. The Emergence of Modern Economic Growth: A Comparative and Historical Analysis Government 1300. The Politics of Congress Government 1510. American Constitutional Law Government 1521. Bureaucratic Politics: Government, Economic, Social and Military Organizations Government 1524. Agenda Setting in Congress - (New Course) *Government 1597. Advanced Topics in Health Policy Moral Reasoning 74. The Theory and Practice of Republican Government Government 1732. The Origins of Modern Wars Government 1744. The Geopolitics of Emotion - (New Course) Government 1780. International Political Economy Government 1790. American Foreign Policy *Government 1966. The Arab-Israeli Conflict Today: A Contemporary Policy Perspective [French 190. Albert Camus]Political Thought and Its History
For Undergraduates and Graduates
Catalog Number: 3584 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Dennis F. Thompson
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
An exploration of the theoretical dimensions of contemporary controversies about the electoral process in the United States. Among the topics considered are concepts of representation in racial districting, the meaning of free choice in a two-party system, and the limits of majoritarianism in the governance of elections. Readings in political theory and election law.
Catalog Number: 0784 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Cheryl Welch and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course investigates the ancient Athenian experience of democracy through the writings of some of its staunchest supporters and fiercest critics. Topics covered include Athenian democratic ideals in theory and practice; the relationship between democracy and tyranny; Athenian democracy and imperialism; and the role of rhetoric in democracy. Readings include Athenian historians, philosophers, dramatists, and rhetoricians, as well as modern scholars.
Catalog Number: 5297 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Jane Mansbridge (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This course traces the evolution of western democratic theory from the ancient Greeks to the present, with particular emphasis on the institutions that influenced and were in turn influenced by these evolving theories. Readings from Aristotle and Hobbes through Habermas and Foucault, with one foray into Islamic thought. The course has two aims: to give an appreciation of the history behind the ideas that shaped today’s democracies and to pose critical normative questions for today.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as PAL 216.
Catalog Number: 1889 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Cheryl Brown Welch and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This seminar examines the problem of global distributive justice in contemporary political theory. Should we conceive of justice in global (universal) terms? Do political borders have moral significance, should states (or other entities) have a right to control their borders? We discuss national self-determination, immigration, international institutions, the moral/legal status of non-state actors. Syllabus includes Rawls, O’Neill, Scheffler, Pogge, Nagel, Beitz, Blake, Risse, Singer, Wenar, Cohen and Carens.
Catalog Number: 5035
Nancy Lipton Rosenblum
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 13
Political philosophy from Machiavelli to Nietzsche, with attention to the rise and complex history of the idea of modernity.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Moral Reasoning.
Government 1093. Ethics, Biotechnology, and the Future of Human Nature
Catalog Number: 4613
Michael J. Sandel and Douglas A. Melton
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Explores the moral, political, and scientific implications of new developments in biotechnology. Does science give us the power to alter human nature? If so, how should we exercise this power? The course examines the science and ethics of stem cell research, human cloning, sex selection, genetic engineering, eugenics, genetic discrimination, and human-animal hybrids.
Note: May not be taken concurrently with LS 60. May not be taken for credit if LS 60 has already been taken. Moral Reasoning 22 (Justice) is recommended as background. Enrollment may be limited.Comparative Government
For Undergraduates and Graduates
Catalog Number: 7400
Nahomi Ichino
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 12
This course broadly examines how formal political institutions vary across countries, why these differences matter, and how these institutions change. Topics covered include regime type, presidentialism, parliaments and legislatures, government formation, rules governing elections, the franchise, political parties, the judiciary, bureaucracy, and federalism.
*Government 1117. Comparative Public Administration: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 3761 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Cheryl Brown Welch
Half course (spring term). M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
This seminar revisits key concepts and theories of public administration exploring from a US-European comparative perspective the organizational structure, main features, principles, and task allocation in contemporary regulatory regimes, the policy-making role of public bureaucracies, as well as problems of administrative accountability. Examining current public management reform efforts, this course analyzes how globalization affects purpose and functioning of administrative systems and evaluates patterns best suited for efficiency articulating basic ideas for sustainable good governance.
*Government 1172 (formerly *Government 90a). Contemporary British Politics: Seminar
Catalog Number: 6263 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
James E. Alt
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Focuses on changes in economy, society, and politics in the transition from empire to small country. Topics include the evolving party system, electoral behavior, and a range of policy questions involving economic management, the welfare state, the European Community, race relations, and Northern Ireland.
Catalog Number: 7776 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Cheryl Welch and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). Tu., 4–6.
How do wars end? How can democratic politics emerge in the wake of violent conflict? This seminar explores the challenges of ending war and political violence, achieving and implementing peace agreements, and consolidating the peace that follows. We explore the evolving nature of war in the 21st century (terrorism, genocide, state collapse), investigate the issues related to negotiating ceasefires and peace treaties, and learn from a variety of current case studies.
Catalog Number: 5705
Carina Sprungk
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 13
This course introduces into Government and Politics in Contemporary Europe. It will enable students to explore similarities and differences among the political institutions, public policies and societies of European states. The course explores the historical evolution of selected Western, Central, and Eastern European countries; and addresses some of the major challenges they are currently facing. Special emphasis will be put on comparative methods and how they can be used to analyze similarities and differences both between European states and between Europe and other advanced industrialized democracies.
Government 1203. Capitalism and Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe
Catalog Number: 7078
Grzegorz Ekiert
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 12
General introduction to East European politics focusing on the countries outside the former Soviet Union. Examines critical periods and dynamics of political and economic changes in the region from the end of World War I to the recent enlargement of the European Union.
Government 1204. Islam and International Relations from World War II to Bin Laden - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 3339
Jocelyne Cesari (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 9. EXAM GROUP: 2
The main purpose of this course is to analyze the different meanings and theories of jihad and how they influence International Relations and current conflicts in Afghanitan or Iraq. The course will review the use of jihad in Muslim empires and contemporary State systems, and will also analyze the modern concept of jihad in political movements like Hamas and Hizbu’llah and Al Quaida. No specific knowledge of Arabic or Islam is required.
Catalog Number: 5816 Enrollment: Limited to 25.
Thomas Simons
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Examines the contemporary situations of Muslims in the post-Soviet space and Eastern Europe. After sessions on Islam as a religion and in history and on Muslims in the Russian Empire and under Communism, focuses on post-Soviet developments in the four main Eurasian areas where Muslims live, in Russia and in independent new states. Ends with sessions on Chechnya and on Muslims in the Balkans. Main theme: the interplay of socio-economic development, religion, and politics.
*Government 1217 (formerly *Government 98bm). Israeli National Security Strategy, Policy and Decision Making
Catalog Number: 6236 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Chuck Freilich
Half course (spring term). M., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Israel confronts an external environment of nearly unremitting hostility. Israel has responded by developing a disproportionate defense establishment and "hunkering down" decision making style. The course focuses on basic tenets and issues of Israel’s national security strategy and its structures and processes of decision making. It is designed for those with a general interest in Israel and Mid East, comparative politics and practitioners/future practitioners, with an interest in "real world" analysis.
Catalog Number: 3963 Enrollment: Limited to 30.
Emad Shahin (The American University in Cairo)
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course focuses on globalization, development, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It investigates globalization and the politics and strategies of development in the MENA . The topics that the course covers include: the impact of the global economy on MENA countries; the mismanagement of the region’s resources; types of political regimes; problems associated with state-led growth, privatization, and corruption; the limits of liberalization; and regional integration vs. globalization. The assigned readings analyze specific case studies.
Catalog Number: 4241
Steven R. Levitsky
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2–3:30, and a section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Examines dynamics of political and economic change in modern Latin America, focusing on Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, and Venezuela. Topics include the rise of populism and import-substituting industrialization, revolutions and revolutionary movements, the causes and consequences of military rule, the politics of economic reform, democratic transitions, and democratic consolidation. The course analyzes these phenomena from a variety of different theoretical perspectives, including cultural, dependency, institutionalist, and leadership-centered approaches.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core requirement for Social Analysis.Cross-listed Courses
Social Studies 50. Genocide - (New Course) American Government, Public Law and Administration
For Undergraduates and Graduates
Catalog Number: 8868
David C. King (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
Government 1300 explores theories of representation, the history of Congress, campaigns and elections, lobbying, institutional rules, committees, party leadership, and how Congress works with other institutions. Taught by the chair of Harvard’s program for Newly Elected Members of Congress, Government 1300 will bring elements of the elections - and the subsequent 110th Congress - into the classroom.
Government 1362. Democratic Citizenship Public Opinion and Participation in the US
Catalog Number: 8628
Claudine Gay
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Course examines the nature of public opinion and political participation. Considers how people acquire, organize, and apply their political beliefs; historical and contemporary patterns of public opinion, with emphasis on conflicts of values and social groups; who votes and why; the role of the media and political campaigns in mobilization and in formation of public opinion; and linkage between opinion, participation, and policy, with attention to whether citizens can discharge the responsibilities of democratic citizenship.
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.
Catalog Number: 6271
Daniel P. Carpenter
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
A theoretical and historical analysis of bureaucratic organizations in various domains of modern society, including military organizations, business corporations, non-profit organizations, regulatory agencies, executive departments, and religious organizations. Theories include institutional, transaction-cost, reputation-based, and cultural theories of formal organizations. Readings and cases will include the US Army and other militaries, the business corporation in industrializing America and today, the FDA and the Forest Service, the Catholic Church, and police and educational organizations.
Catalog Number: 1092
Matthew B. Platt
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 9. EXAM GROUP: 2
This course is interested in understanding how and why Congress pays attention to certain issues rather than others. The intent is to provide a comprehensive look at the roles of institutional design, citizen participation, political entrepreneurism, and media coverage in placing issues onto the congressional agenda. Students will be encouraged to integrate knowledge from a variety of subfields in American politics to offer a broader view of how issues are placed onto the congressional agenda - and ultimately - shift public policy.
Catalog Number: 2981 Enrollment: Limited to 20.
Daniel P. Carpenter
Half course (spring term). W., 4:30–6:30. EXAM GROUP: 9
Explores current issues in national and global health care policy. Topics have included: the politics of health care reform, the politics of special interests, pharmaceutical policy, comparative health systems, cost containment, global health, racial and ethnic disparities in care, quality measurement and improvement, income inequality and health, and organizational influences on car quality. A research paper will be required.
Prerequisite: Extra-Departmental Courses 186 (formerly General Education 186).Cross-listed Courses
Social Analysis 54. American Society and Public Policy
International Relations
Catalog Number: 7668
Stephen Martin Walt (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring term). M., W., (F.), at 1. EXAM GROUP: 6
This course explores the causes of war. It examines the different theories that have been devised to explain organized violence between states (or groups seeking to control a state), and evaluates these competing theories by exploring several major conflicts of the past 100 years: World War I, World War II, the Cold War, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the recent wars in the Persian Gulf. The course also considers the phenomenon of ethnic conflict, the implications of nuclear weapons and the question of whether large-scale war is becoming "obsolescent."
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core requirement for Historical Study A.
Catalog Number: 4753
Dominique Moisi
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 2. EXAM GROUP: 16
Are emotions useful to understand and deal with the complexities of international relations? Are we in a "clash of emotions", with the United States and Europe dominated by a culture of fear, the Moslem-Arab world paralyzed by a culture of humiliation and Asia stimulated by a culture of hope?
Catalog Number: 0272
Strom Thacker (Boston University)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 2:30–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Analyzes the interaction of politics and economics in the international arena. Focuses on international trade, investment, monetary, and financial relations. Includes discussion of developed, developing, and formerly centrally-planned nations.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Social Analysis.
Catalog Number: 8017
Robert L. Paarlberg (Wellesley College)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 14
Examines and explains the international actions of the US Government. Explanations drawn from history, international relations theory, and from the study of American political and bureaucratic institutions. Emphasis is placed on the recent rise of the US to a position of unprecedented military dominance, how this military power has been used, and how other states, non-state actors, or global governance institutions have responded.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core requirement for Social Analysis.
Catalog Number: 3863
Chuck Freilich
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
The seminar traces the background of this unusually bitter, all-encompassing, resolution-resistant conflict. Primary emphasis is on the issues as they stand today (Israel - Palestinians, Syria, Lebanon, Iran), the sides’ concerns, fears and policy objectives. Students will write policy papers from the perspective of leaders from the different countries and participate in simulations. The course is suitable for all, especially those interested in "real world" politics and considering careers in the field.
Cross-listed Courses
Historical Study A-51. The Modern World Economy, 1873-2000
[Moral Reasoning 28. Ethics and International Relations ]
Social Studies 53. Modern War: The War in Iraq: A Case Study - (New Course)