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.
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 2. EXAM GROUP: 7
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.
*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 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 98au (formerly *Government 90au). Political Economy]
Catalog Number: 8213 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Torben Iversen
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines modern theories of political economy and their applications to macro problems in advanced democracies. Why do some governments and countries generate better economic performance than others? Why are some economies more egalitarian than others? How do politicians manipulate the economy for partisan gain, and how are politicians constrained by institutions and the global economy? We seek to answer these questions using the most promising theories in political science and economics.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
*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 98bc (formerly *Government 90bc). Courts and Social Change]
Catalog Number: 9386 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Kevin M. Quinn
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Many commentators argue that courts, particularly the Supreme Court, have brought about non-trivial social change. This course looks at the processes by which such changes might occur and examines the empirical support for claims of court-driven social change.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
[*Government 98bg (formerly *Government 90bg). Parties and Elections]
Catalog Number: 9098 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Nahomi Ichino
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines political parties and elections in new and established democracies in the developing world. Topics covered: societal cleavages and party systems, economic voting, ethnic voting, patronage and vote buying, electoral fraud and election governance, the effect of electoral rules and other institutions.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
[*Government 98cn (formerly *Government 90cn). Democracy and Authoritarianism in Africa] - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 1455 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Nahomi Ichino
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
A study of how democratic and authoritarian regimes rule and stay in power in Africa, with a focus on transitions to democracy and the difficulties of sustaining electoral competition and building political institutions.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
*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 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 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). M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
What accounts of 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 workshop 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. Second, you will choose specific case study for analysis, using the tools you have learned.
Note: Open to qualified sophomores and seniors
*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 98ec (formerly *Government 90ec). Hume, Smith, and Kant]
Catalog Number: 6195 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Michael Frazer
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
A reading of the major moral, political and economic writings of David Hume, Adam Smith and Immanuel Kant.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
[*Government 98ef (formerly *Government 90ef). Black Politics in the Post Civil Rights Era]
Catalog Number: 3345 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Claudine Gay
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Course examines shift among African Americans from protest to politics. Emphasis is on development and use of political resources as the means to achieve policy objectives in the post-Civil Rights Era. Beginning with 1965 Voting Rights Act, course will explore the issues, opportunities, and challenges that have defined African American political life in the last forty years, as well as the attitudes and debates that have shaped efforts to increase African American influence over the political process.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
*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 98fj (formerly *Government 90fj). Political Persuasion]
Catalog Number: 5033 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
D. Sunshine Hillygus
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines political persuasion and democratic decision-making, with particular attention paid to government persuasion campaigns such as presidential elections. What is the function of political persuasion in American democracy? What techniques do political elites use to attempt to influence mass opinions and behavior? Who is most likely to be influenced by such appeals? What is the role of the mass media? Readings drawn from political communication, political psychology, and political behavior.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
*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 98gk (formerly *Government 90gk). New Democracies in Comparative Perspective - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 6607 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Grzegorz Ekiert
Half course (spring term). M., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Emerging democracies confront several social, economic and political challenges that make their survival and consolidation difficult and uncertain. This seminar will examine problems new democracies face using examples of recent democratic transitions from various parts of the world.
*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 98hf (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 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 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 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 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 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 98pn (formerly *Government 90pn). The Chinese Revolution in Comparative Perspective]
Catalog Number: 8639 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Elizabeth J. Perry
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
The course will cover general theories of revolutionary change as well as specific studies of revolutionary movements in China, from the 19th century Taiping rebels to the present. We will examine the causes and consequences of these movements for Chinese politics, and consider their similarities and differences to revolutionary uprisings elswhere around the world.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Preference given to Government concentrators.
*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 98qj (formerly *Government 90qj). Art, Truth, and Society]
Catalog Number: 5210 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Michael E. Rosen
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
A look at two important and ambitious attempts to give an account of aesthetic value that connects art to its place in society: Hegel’s Lectures on Aesthetics, and Adorno’s Aesthetic Theory.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
*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 98sp (formerly *Government 90sp). Future of War]
Catalog Number: 6012 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Stephen P. Rosen
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines the character and implications of political and technological factors that could affect the future conduct of war.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
*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 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 98vc (formerly *Government 90vc). International Law: Theory and Research
Catalog Number: 1382 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Beth A. Simmons
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Addresses advanced issues on the links between international law and international politics. Focus is on theories of international law creation and diffusion, theories of commitment (international law’s signaling role) and theories of compliance. Empirical literature includes case studies and quantitative studies in a range of issue areas. Research design and methods are stressed. Grades are based on participation and an individual research paper.
Prerequisite: Government 1740.
*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.
*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.
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 1004. Introduction to Agent-Based Modeling]
Catalog Number: 7516
Elizabeth M. Penn
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This course will provide a hands-on approach to modeling individual and group behavior using computer simulation techniques. An emphasis will be placed on in-class examples and student projects. No prior programming experience is necessary.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
[Government 1006. Mathematics of Elections]
Catalog Number: 9430
Elizabeth M. Penn
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Voting procedures provide the commonest means of aggregating preferences of individuals into societal outcomes. This course will examine the effects that different voting procedures have on how groups make decisions. Topics will include Arrow’s Theorem and other legislative paradoxes, and why the choice of electoral procedure is critical to our understanding of how "good" and "bad" decisions are made. We will also study electoral systems currently in use in over fifty of the world’s democracies.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
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 1009. Advanced Geographical Information Systems Workshop
Catalog Number: 8150
Sumeeta Srinivasan
Half course (spring term). M., W., (F.), at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
This course is a workshop for students who have taken the introductory Geographical Information Systems course and want to explore detailed applications. The course will meet two times a week for a lecture and a laboratory exercise.
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 1014. Scope and Methods in Political Science] - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 2175
Muhammet Ali Bas
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This course is an introduction to the methods political scientists use to answer questions about politics. The goals are 1) to provide students with the analytic tools to evaluate political science research, and 2) to improve students’ abilities to pose and answer research questions on their own. Topics to be covered are qualitative and quantitative reasoning (statistics), and game theory.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
[Government 1015. Strategic Models of Political Economy]
Catalog Number: 5117
John W. Patty
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
A first course in formal methods in political economy. The course is meant to introduce students to modeling techniques as well as the practice of applying such techniques to the study of political science and economics. Though theoretically motivated, the course will also discuss the role of empirical evaluation in model building and testing.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core requirement for Quantitative Reasoning.
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 2001. Advanced Quantitative Research Methodology
Catalog Number: 8941
Gary King
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Graduate-level version of Gov. 1002. Meets with Gov. 1002, 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. Will require extra homework and examination problems in addition to those for Gov. 1002.
Prerequisite: Government 2000 or the equivalent.
Government 2002. Topics in Quantitative Methods
Catalog Number: 8168
Michael C. Herron
Half course (fall term). W., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Introduction to two broad areas of modern statistics---graphical modeling and nonparametric inference. Illustrates how ideas and methods from each of these areas can be fruitfully applied to two different application areas-- statistical natural language processing and causal inference.
Prerequisite: Government 2000 and Government 2001, or equivalent, or permission of the instructor.
[*Government 2003. Hierarchical Bayesian Modeling]
Catalog Number: 3713
Kevin M. Quinn
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Provides students a solid understanding of Bayesian inference and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Topics covered include: Bayesian treatment of the linear model, Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, assessing model adequacy, and hierarchical models.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Government 1000 and Government 2000, the equivalents, or permission of the instructor.
[Government 2005. Formal Political Theory I]
Catalog Number: 1719
John W. Patty
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
A graduate seminar on microeconomic modeling, covering price theory, decision theory, social choice theory, and game theory.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Government 2006. Formal Political Theory II
Catalog Number: 5487
James Robinson
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Continuation of Government 2005.
*Government 2009. Methods of Political Analysis
Catalog Number: 1080 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Peter A. Hall
Half course (fall term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Covers the issues and techniques central to designing and researching a good dissertation, whether quantitative or qualitative, including principles of research design, case selection, comparison, measurement, and causal relations, with many practical examples.
Note: Open to all doctoral students, regardless of year, and to advanced undergraduates.
Government 2010. Strategies of Political Inquiry
Catalog Number: 7421
Michael J. Hiscox and Nahomi Ichino
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Introduces how to do research—assessing scholarly literatures, identifying interesting questions, formulating research designs, learning methods, and writing up results. We discuss each for both quantitative and qualitative studies.
Note: Primarily for graduate students; also taken by undergraduates preparing for senior thesis research.
[Government 2011. Social Choice Theory]
Catalog Number: 3229
Elizabeth M. Penn
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This course will cover advanced topics in formal modeling that might not otherwise be covered in a non-cooperative game theory course. Topics will include social choice theory, spatial modeling, fixed point theorems and mechanism design.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
*Government 1042. Theories of Peace and War in Western Political Thought - (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 1057. Global Distributive Justice and Political Borders: Seminar - (New Course)
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.
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.
Government 1061. The History of Modern Political Philosophy
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 1082. What is Property?]
Catalog Number: 2723
Eric M. Nelson
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
This course will investigate the major theories of property in the Western political tradition and address such key questions as: How do we come to own things? What claims do others have on the things we own? Is the community the ultimate owner of all goods? Do property rights really exist, and, if so, what is their source? Readings will include the Bible, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, More, Harrington, Locke, Marx, and Nozick.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. 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 MCB 60. May not be taken for credit if MCB 60 has already been taken. Moral Reasoning 22 (Justice) is recommended as background. Enrollment may be limited.
*Government 2034. Ethics Economics, and Law
Catalog Number: 4652
Michael J. Sandel
Half course (fall term). M., 5–7 p.m.
Explores controversies about the use of markets and market reasoning in areas such as organ sales, procreation, environmental regulation, immigration policy, military service, voting, health care, education, and criminal justice. The seminar will examine arguments for and against cost-benefit analysis, the monetary valuation of life and the risk of death, and the use of economic reasoning in public policy and law.
Note: Offered jointly with the Law School as LAW - 93375A. Meets at the Law School. Open to GSAS students with permission of the instructor.
*Government 2049. Philosophical Foundations of Rational Choice Theory
Catalog Number: 3552
Richard Tuck
Half course (fall term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course will look first at the idea of rationality in modern economics, and then at the application of this idea to a number of important issues in political science, culminating in the question of social co-operation.
Note: Open to qualified undergraduates.
Government 2056. Political Thought of the English Revolution
Catalog Number: 5107
Eric M. Nelson
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course will survey the remarkable range of political responses to the English constitutional crisis of 1640 to 1660, from theories of divine right to the arguments of the Levellers. Readings will include Filmer, Harrington, Lilburne, Milton, Nedham, Parker, and Sidney. Special attention will be paid to the idiosyncratic perspective of Thomas Hobbes.
*Government 2057. Religion in a Secular Age - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 7684
Michael J. Sandel and Charles M. Taylor
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
What does it mean to live in a secular age? How have the role of religion and the conditions of faith changed in recent centuries? Seminar will explore themes from Charles Taylor’s A Secular Age.
Note: Open to GSAS students and others by permission of the instructors.
[Government 2059. Rawls]
Catalog Number: 4751
Michael E. Rosen
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
We shall cover the full range of Rawls’ writings and set ourselves the task of developing a sympathetic account of the continuities and changes in his thought as he responded to criticism of his project.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
[Government 2079. Hume]
Catalog Number: 6648
Richard Tuck
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This course is an opportunity to study in depth the ethical and political writings of David Hume, including the Treatise, the Enquiries, the Essays, the History of England, and his minor works.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Though primarily for graduates, it is open to qualified undergraduates.
Government 2081. Political Thought of Michael Oakshott - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 5868
Patrick T. Riley
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
The political, moral, and historical thought of Michael Oakeshott, including Experience & Its Modes (1933), Hobbes’ Leviathan (1946, 1974), The 1958 Harvard Lectures, Rationlism in Politics (1962), and On Human Conduct (1975), and On History (1982, 2004).
[Government 2088. Ethical Foundations of Political Thought]
Catalog Number: 2378
Michael E. Rosen and Eric Beerbohm
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This class will cover areas of contemporary moral philosophy (for instance, utilitarianism, freedom, the nature of value, consent, well-being and desert) that are of particular relevance to political theorists.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
[*Government 2090. Ethics and Biotechnology]
Catalog Number: 0942
Michael J. Sandel
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
The seminar explores the moral and political implications of recent advances in biotechnology. Topics include cloning, stem cell research, genetic engineering, eugenics, and patenting of life forms.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Law School as 93370-11. Meets at the Law School. Open to GSAS students with permission of the instructor.
Government 2091. Bentham - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 2443
Richard Tuck
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course is an opportunity to study the moral and political thought of Jeremy Bentham, and to understand the character of early Utilitarianism.
Government 2092. Economics and Political Theory - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 0360
Michael E. Rosen
Half course (spring term). W., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
The course will address points of intersection between economics and political theory: well being, the operation of markets, the nature of rationality, collective action and social choice, allocation, redistribution and justice, for example.
Government 1111. Political Institutions in Democracies and Non-Democracies
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 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 1170. Nation-Building and Democracy in the Development of Europe
Catalog Number: 2585
Daniel F. Ziblatt
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
The course introduces students to the political development of western and eastern Europe, providing students with key historical context for understanding the challenges of on going European integration and enlargement. The main focus will be on the issues of feudalism, state-formation, revolution, industrialization, nationalism, and democracy to explore the origins and consequences of the historic divide between the two halves of Europe.
*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.
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 1184. Government and Politics in Europe - (New Course)
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 1197. The Political Economy of Africa
Catalog Number: 9130
James Robinson
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
The basic social science literature on Africa’s development. Particular emphasis on political economy.
Government 1203. Capitalism and Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe
Catalog Number: 7078
Grzegorz Ekiert
Half course (fall term). W., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
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. is Jihad?: Islam and International Conflicts 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.
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 1209. Post-Communist Islam
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.
Government 1218. Globalization, Development, and the Middle East
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.
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 2. EXAM GROUP: 16
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.
Government 1295. Comparative Politics in Latin America
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.
[Government 2122. Civil Wars: Theory and Policy]
Catalog Number: 0885
Monica D. Toft (Kennedy School)
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
This course introduces students to the theoretical and comparative study of civil wars. The course aims to provide students with solid analytical and historical foundations and highlight the policy dilemmas associated with civil wars.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Open to junior and senior undergraduates with permission of instructor. Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as IGA-315. Meets at the Kennedy School.
Government 2123. International Courts
Catalog Number: 1527
Jens Meierhenrich
Half course (spring term). F., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This seminar provides an introduction to the role of courts in municipal and international law, with particular reference to their evolution and effects.
[Government 2131. Comparative Politics of Latin America]
Catalog Number: 3337
Jorge I. Domínguez
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Topics: historical paths, economic strategies, inflation and exchange rates, international explanations of domestic outcomes, authoritarian and democratic regimes, state institutions, the Roman Catholic Church, social movements, parties and party systems, and voters and voting behavior.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
*Government 2136. Political Regimes and Regime Change - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 5702 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Steven R. Levitsky and Daniel F. Ziblatt
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course examines theoretical approaches to democratization, evaluating them in light of historical and contemporary cases. We examine themes such as the relationship of free markets/democracy, the proliferation of hybrid regimes, and authoritarian persistence.
Government 2148. Civil Society, West and East
Catalog Number: 4675
Susan J. Pharr and Grzegorz Ekiert
Half course (fall term). Th., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
Focusing in particular on European and Asian settings, the seminar examines debates over what civil society is, notions of public space and social capital, and the role of civil society in political transitions.
*Government 2158. Political Institutions and Economic Policy
Catalog Number: 6448 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Kenneth A. Shepsle and Jeffry Frieden
Half course (spring term). M., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
We explore the role of political institutions in the formation, implementation, and regulation of economic policy. Theories from positive political theory and comparative and international political economy are examined and applied to substantive issue areas.
*Government 2160. Politics and Economics
Catalog Number: 7780 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
James E. Alt and Torben Iversen
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Covers the political economy of policymaking and institutional change. Readings include a mixture of foundational approaches and recent research, covering a variety of methodological perspectives. The topical emphasis is on democracy, accountability, inequality, redistribution, and growth.
Government 2176. Politics of Social Inequality in the Developed Democracies
Catalog Number: 7083 Enrollment: Open to qualified undergraduates
Peter A. Hall
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Considers competing perspectives on the social well being of nations and its determinants. Topics include: the politics of inequality in the development of democracy, the electoral causes and consequences of inequality, change in varieties of capitalism, the impact of culture and institutions on inequalities of income and health, with a focus on Europe and the OECD countries.
Government 2213. Comparative Politics of Post-Socialism
Catalog Number: 6876
Timothy J. Colton, Rawi Abdelal (Business School), and Grzegorz Ekiert
Half course (spring term). W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
A research seminar designed to define an agenda for the comparative analysis of political developments among post-socialist systems. Emphasis placed on the formation of research proposals, methods of analysis, theory-building, and the presentation of comparative empirical research.
Government 2218. Topics in Russian Politics
Catalog Number: 0872
Timothy J. Colton
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
A research seminar on selected problems in the politics and government of post-Soviet Russia. Intended for students with some prior study of the subject.
Government 2221. Comparative Politics and the Middle East
Catalog Number: 7459
Emad Shahin (The American University in Cairo)
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course aims at equipping graduate students with the theoretical and empirical skills necessary to link the discipline of comparative politics to the Middle East as an area study.
Government 2227. The Politics and Economics of Africa
Catalog Number: 8307 Enrollment: Open to juniors and seniors with instructor’s permission.
Nahomi Ichino
Half course (fall term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Examines social science research on the politics and political economy of Africa.
[Government 2262. Politics and Political Economy in Japan]
Catalog Number: 7446
Susan J. Pharr
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Japanese politics and political economy in comparative perspective. Analyzes the: 1955 system and post-1993 changes; political economy debates; changing role of parties and bureaucracy; electoral system effects; social policy choices; and problems of marginality.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Open to qualified undergraduates.
Government 2284. Chinese Authors on Chinese Politics
Catalog Number: 7556
Roderick MacFarquhar
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
An examination of how PRC authors have analyzed the politics of their country and comparisons with relevant Western accounts.
Note: Open to qualified undergraduates.
Prerequisite: A good reading knowledge of Chinese and previous course work on Chinese politics.
*Government 2285. Political Science and China
Catalog Number: 1566
Elizabeth J. Perry
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This graduate seminar gives students control over the secondary literature on Chinese politics, with special attention to competing theoretical and methodological approaches.
Note: Requires background in contemporary Chinese history / politcs.
[*Government 2286. Research Seminar on Chinese Politics]
Catalog Number: 7361
Elizabeth J. Perry
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Focuses on primary sources for the study of Chinese politics: archives, documents, gazetteers, yearbooks, interviews, etc. Students write a major research paper, using primary sources.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Government 2285 required.
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 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.
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.
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 1521. Bureaucratic Politics: Government, Economic, Social and Military Organizations
Catalog Number: 6271
Daniel P. Carpenter
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 2. EXAM GROUP: 16
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.
Government 1524. Agenda Setting in Congress - (New Course)
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.
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.
*Government 1597. Advanced Topics in Health Policy
Catalog Number: 2981 Enrollment: Limited to 20.
Daniel P. Carpenter
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
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).
Government 2310. Social Capital and Public Affairs: Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 7051
Robert D. Putnam
Half course (spring term). W., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Topics in the relationship between politics and civil society in the US.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as API-420. Meets at the Kennedy School.
*Government 2314. Topics in American Political Behavior
Catalog Number: 8452 Enrollment: Open to PhD students only
Claudine Gay
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Course surveys field of political behavior, emphasizing recent developments in literature. Topics include uncertainty; opinion change and learning; partisanship and ideology; salience of race and social identity; participation; links between public opinion, elections, and policy.
Government 2321. American Politics: Power, Structure, Behavior - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 9412
Kenneth A. Shepsle and Stephen D. Ansolabehere
Half course (fall term). Th., 10–12. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
This seminar covers empirical and theoretical research on power, structure, and behavior in American politics, emphasizing what we know and how we present research to various audiences, especially through textbooks, legal cases, and media. Statistics and/or game theory recommended.
Government 2324. American Constitutional Development - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 6318
Mark A. Graber
Half course (fall term). M., 1:30–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 8
American Constitutional Development highlights American constitutional developments from ratification until the twenty-first century. The seminar will focus on both judicial decisions and constitutional developments outside of the courts.
[Government 2335. Power in American Society]
Catalog Number: 2649
Jennifer L. Hochschild
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Considers theories of power in American political science and political theory; how to measure and use these theories to understand political stratification choices. Attention to race, gender, class, legal standing, policies, and institutional frameworks.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
*Government 2340a (formerly *Government 2340). Proseminar on Inequality and Social Policy ll
Catalog Number: 5491
Jennifer L. Hochschild, Kathryn Edin
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Considers the effects of policies and institutions in creating or reducing inequality in the US and other advanced democracies, as well as the reciprocal effects of inequality on political activity and policy choices.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as HLE-512. Meets at the Kennedy School.
Government 2351. The United States Supreme Court - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 7351
Ryan James Owens
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
This course provides graduate students with a systematic understanding of the Supreme Court as an institution. We examine issues regarding judicial process and politics, and how participants attempt to achieve their goals within institutional constraints.
Government 2453. Practical and Theoretical Regulation of Voting - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 9666
Kevin M. Quinn and Daniel James Greiner (Law School)
Half course (fall term). W., Th., 3:30–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9, 17
The course will focus on points of contact between legal scholarship on voting rights and election law and the political science literature on redistricting, voting behavior, and elections. Emphasis will be placed on how observed data can be, and should be, used as evidence.
Note: Offered jointly with the Harvard Law School as LAW-e5255a1/f. Meets at the Law School.
*Government 2490. The Political Economy of the School
Catalog Number: 3399
Paul E. Peterson
Half course (fall term). W., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
Examination of political and economic influences on education policy and governance. Background in statistics expected.
Note: Limited enrollment. Permission of instructor required for all students who are not graduate degree candidates in the FAS Department of Government. Government 1368 required or permission of instructor. Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as HLE-348. Meets at the Kennedy School.
[Government 1740. International Law]
Catalog Number: 7406
Beth A. Simmons
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
An introduction to public international law for students of international relations. The primary purpose is to enhance students’ understanding of the ways in which international law orders international politics. Emphasis is on the substantive rules of international law, the relationship between law and politics, and cases that illustrate the issues. Topics include international human rights law, international economic law and institutions, the use of force, war crimes, and terrorism.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
[Government 1760. International Relations of East Asia]
Catalog Number: 2733
Alastair Iain Johnston
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Introduction to the historical, military, political, economic, and cultural features of interstate relations in East Asia and the Pacific. The course also presents some theoretical and methodological tools for more systematic analysis of these issues. The goal is to understand changing levels of conflict and cooperation in the region.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Government 1780. International Political Economy
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.
Government 1790. American Foreign Policy
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.
*Government 1795 (formerly *Government 90q). US–Latin American Relations
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 1966. The Arab-Israeli Conflict Today: A Contemporary Policy Perspective Seminar
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.
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.
[*Government 2721. Psychological Approaches to International Relations]
Catalog Number: 5404
Stephen P. Rosen
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This course will examine the relevance of the findings from experimental psychology to the behavior of individual decision makers in international relations. Topics will include prospect theory, attribution theory, and evolutionary psychology.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Government 2735. Empirical Models in International Relations - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 9499
Muhammet Ali Bas
Half course (fall term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This course examines statistical issues relevant to the study of international politics. The purpose is to familiarize students with different models that have been employed in research on international conflict, IPE and international institutions.
Government 2752. Formal Modeling in International Relations
Catalog Number: 3764
Muhammet Ali Bas
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This course is intended for advanced graduate students interested in the formal analysis of international relations. The goal is to expose students to the advantages and limitations of mathematical formalization in international relations.
[Government 2755. International Political Economy]
Catalog Number: 7392
Beth A. Simmons and Jeffry Frieden
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
A graduate-level introduction to the theoretical and empirical literature on the political economy of international trade, monetary, regulatory, and investment policies.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
[Government 2782. State Failure and Civil War]
Catalog Number: 0742
Robert H. Bates
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
The study of modern works on civil wars, terrorism, and state failure.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Government 2797. European Foreign Policies
Catalog Number: 0008
Stanley Hoffmann and Karl Kaiser
Half course (spring term). W., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
A study of the foreign policies of the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Poland, and of the European Union in the 21st century. What are the main challenges, obstacles and opportunities they face?
Government 2900. US–Latin American Relations
Catalog Number: 8020
Jorge I. Domínguez
Half course (fall term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Studies US-Latin American political, military, and economic relations and Latin American international relations. Includes foreign policy decision making in the US and Latin America and alternative approaches to the study of the subject.
*Government 3000a. Reading and Research Seminar
Catalog Number: 4143
Members of the Department
Small seminar on special topics. May be arranged with faculty listed under Government 3000. Requires written work as does Government 3000, but also involves regular class meetings.
*Government 3005b. Research Workshop in International Relations: New Approaches to Security Studies
Catalog Number: 1016
Muhammet Ali Bas 5883 and Alastair Iain Johnston 3213
Full course (indivisible). .
Research workshop for advanced graduate students working on dissertation proposals in security studies.
*Government 3006. Research Workshop in Comparative Politics
Catalog Number: 0910
Jens Meierhenrich 4401 and Susan J. Pharr 1518
Full course (indivisible). W., 4–6.
The workshop offers advanced graduate students an opportunity to present their work-in-progress, benefit from critiques of it, and discuss theoretical and methodological issues.
Note: Doctoral students from other departments and faculties admitted if space permits.
*Government 3007. Research Workshop in Political Economy
Catalog Number: 0968
James E. Alt 1593 (on leave 2008-09), Jeffry Frieden 1627, Michael J. Hiscox 4104, Nahomi Ichino 5316, and Daniel F. Ziblatt 4641
Full course (indivisible). M., 12–2.
Intended for graduate students in the third year and above, this course welcomes scholarship of all types and on all aspects of political economy. Intended to provide a venue in which to develop and to debate work in progress.
*Government 3008. Research Workshop in Political Theory
Catalog Number: 1704
Michael E. Rosen 5610 and Dennis F. Thompson 1426
Full course (indivisible). W., 12–2.
*Government 3009. Research Workshop in Applied Statistics
Catalog Number: 8142
Alberto Abadie (Kennedy School) 5277, Garrett M. Fitzmaurice (Public Health) 4067, Lee Fleming (Business School) 3839, Guido W. Imbens 2671 (on leave spring term), Gary King 1723, Kevin M. Quinn 4737 (on leave spring term) (fall term only), James M. Robins (Public Health) 1492, Donald B. Rubin 7966, Bruce Western 5763, and Christopher Winship 3189 (on leave spring term)
Full course (indivisible). W., 12–2.
A forum for graduate students, faculty, and visiting scholars to present and discuss work in progress. Features a tour of Harvard’s statistical innovations and applications with weekly stops in different disciplines. Occasional presentations by invited speakers.