Government 20. Foundations of 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 General Education requirement for Societies of the World or the Core area requirement for Social Analysis.
Government 30. American Government: A New Perspective
Catalog Number: 0263
Stephen Daniel Ansolabehere
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 11, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
Provides an overview of contemporary American politics, showing how recent changes in elections and media coverage have helped shape key aspects of American government. From the courts, Congress, and the Presidency, to the workings of interest groups and political parties, and, also to the making of public policy, the pressure on political leaders to run permanent campaigns has altered governmental institutions and processes. The course explains how and why.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for United States in the World or the Core area requirement for Social Analysis.
This course fulfills the requirement that one of the eight General Education courses also engages substantially with Study of the Past.
Government 40. International Conflict and Cooperation - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 72449
Stephen P. Rosen
Half course (spring term). M., W., (F.), at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Why do states wage war? Why do they cooperate? Have the answers changed historically? Are economic globalization, ecological interdependence, and global civil society eroding traditional state sovereignty? Or do nationalism, protectionism, and power politics firmly limit the spread of world order? The course begins with the Peloponnesian War, the European state system, imperialism, the spread of free trade, and the two World Wars. It continues after 1945 with the spread of democracy and human rights, trade liberalization, international law, and ecological cooperation, as well as enduring sources of conflicts like the Cold War, nuclear weapons, civil strife, and rogue states.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for Societies of the World or the Core area requirement for Historical Study A.
Government 50. Introduction to Political Science Research Methods
Catalog Number: 6500
Arthur P. Spirling
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
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 General Education requirement for Empirical and Mathematical Reasoning or the Core requirement for Quantitative Reasoning.
*Government 90al (formerly *Government 1057). Global Distributive Justice and Political Borders: Seminar
Catalog Number: 1889 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Cheryl Brown Welch and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
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 90kg. American Political Development - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 40243 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Theda Skocpol
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Surveys the long-term development of the U.S. state and political system, and more closely examines changes since the 1960s in social policies, party politics, and social movements and citizen participation. The semester will culminate in an examination of the Obama era juxtaposed to earlier transformative eras in U.S. governance and politics, including the New Deal of the 1930s. Students will gain a critical appreciation of historical and institutionally focused research on the American polity.
Note: Limited to 16. Open to any undergraduate by application to instructor on first day of class.
*Government 90qe (formerly *Government 1042). Theories of Peace and War in Western Political Thought: Seminar
Catalog Number: 8881 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Cheryl Brown Welch and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). M., 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 90qz. Law and Society: Classic Debates: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 12353 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Detlef von Daniels
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
The general purpose of the course is to show that the history of jurisprudence and political theory cannot be separated from their social contexts but that these disciplines evolved as part of a broader discussion on law and society. We will read and discuss texts by Marx, Bentham, Weber, Habermas, Luhmann and Hart but also have a look at a number of contemporary cases.
*Government 90ve. The Concept of Power in International Relations: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 57674 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Cheryl Brown Welch and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Power is a key concept in the study of international relations, yet it is far from self-evident what power exactly is. This course provides a survey of significant conceptualizations of power from a variety of different theoretical perspectives in IR theory, political thought and sociology, ranging from classical texts of IR theory to current debates about forms of power, the meaning of power and its role in world politics.
*Government 90vk. Islam in Central and South Asia: Comparative Hegemonies and Liberations - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 76531
Thomas Simons
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Examines the histories and current situations of Muslims in Central and South Asia. After sessions on Islam as a religion and as a civilization, it first compares their stories before and during British and Russian/Soviet rule. After a session on today’s Middle East and its Islamist extremisms, it then follows the two cohorts to the our complex present. Concluding sessions on the prospects for Islamist extremism among them and the key variables we have discovered.
*Government 90zd. Hegel’s Phenomenology of Spirit - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 16103 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Michael E. Rosen
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
The Phenomenology of Spirit is one of the most influential and original works in the history of Western thought, embodying radically new ideas about self-hood, history and society. In this course we shall read and attempt to come to terms with it.
*Government 90zg. Ethnic Politics and Conflict - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 96589
Cheryl Brown Welch and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4.
What are ethnic groups? How are they relevant to politics? And what are the consequences of ethnicity on political outcomes such as distribution of public goods, voting, and violence? This course probes these questions by examining some of both the classics and cutting edge research on ethnic politics, with the aim of preparing students to conduct their own research projects.
*Government 97. Tutorial — Sophomore Year
Catalog Number: 3023
Nancy Lipton Rosenblum and Daniel F. Ziblatt
Half course (spring term). M., 2-3:30, and tutorial sections to be arranged.
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: One half course of Government 98.
[*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 2010–11.
*Government 98dl. Analyzing Foreign Policy: Theory and Practice of International Relations
Catalog Number: 0837 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Manjari Chatterjee Miller
Half course (fall term). Tu., 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 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 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). M., 2–4.
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.
[*Government 98ej. Ethnic Politics] - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 28505 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Prerna Singh
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4.
Today it is easy to observe that "ethnicity matters", but to understand contemporary ethnic politics, it is important to situate it in a theoretical, historical and comparative perspective. This junior seminar will compare the ways in which ethnic identities have become salient in politics across the world by focusing on three main sets of questions: 1. What is ethnicity? 2. What are the origins of ethnic identity? 3. What are the consequences of ethnic identities?
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
*Government 98ek. Globalization and Private Governance - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 13525 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Michael J. Hiscox
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This research seminar examines the impact of globalization on labor and environmental standards in developing nations. Topics include: the rules of the World Trade Organization and various preferential trade agreements, including NAFTA, and how these affect regulatory standards set by governments; the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) measures, including corporate codes of conduct; the effectiveness of activist campaigns, and; the impact of voluntary certification and labeling schemes such as Fair Trade.
*Government 98fg. Presidents, Governors, and Mayors: Chief Executive Power in Comparative Perspective
Catalog Number: 8598 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Carlos E. Diaz Rosillo
Half course (fall 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. Inhuman Wrongs: Crimes Against Humanity in Theory, Politics, and Law
Catalog Number: 5106 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Cheryl Brown Welch
Half course (fall term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
After considering some analytical perspectives on extraordinary cruelty in modern political thought-on abuses whose wrongness has been called "morally overdetermined"-we turn to nineteenth-century cases of scandals against humanity: slavery, extermination, barbarous warfare. We then trace the legalization of the metaphor of a crime against humanity in the twentieth century and consider contemporary debates about how to prevent, punish, or repair inhuman wrongs.
*Government 98gs (formerly *Government 90gs). Globalization and Civil Society
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 98hk. The Early Development of American Political Institutions and Organizations - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 51268
Daniel P. Carpenter
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Survey of developments in the party system, social movements, Congress, the presidency and the bureaucracy from the colonial period through the Civil War. Rise of the two-party system, the mass party and changes in voting rights; congressional committees and their power; building of the Constitution and the federal judiciary; abolitionism and new social movements, the emergence of early bureaucratic institutions, and the presidency -- studied using three theoretical approaches (rational choice, historical institutionalism, and critical theory).
*Government 98hn. Immigrants, Citizenship, and the State - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 19599 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Cheryl Brown Welch and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This course aims to give students the tools with which to analyze how / why political conflicts over immigration play out in sometimes similar, sometimes dissimilar ways across liberal democratic societies, focusing in particular on three common areas of debate: the criteria for migrants’ entry and membership, their access to jobs and public services, and integration into the polity. We start with the U.S., then look for parallels and comparative reference elsewhere, including France, Japan, and Australia.
[*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). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
*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 98jn. Politics and Society in Israel - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 15439 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Reuven Hazan
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course analyzes the interrelationship between politics and society in Israel since its establishment. The emphasis is on explaining how the political institutions and social cleavages have functioned over time. It addresses such topics as: The uniqueness of Israeli politics; the social divisions; the origins and development of the political system; electoral history; government formation then and now; religion and politics; Israeli Arabs; political change and social transformation in the 1990s; and recent developments.
*Government 98nf. Fire and Ice? Border Politics and Governance of Immigration in Canada and the US - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 99753 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Alison Mountz
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
The border that conjoins and divides Canada and the United States offers a platform for discussion of border politics and governance of immigration. Are Canada and the United States really that different? The answer may not be the same on both sides of the border. In spite of recent harmonization of immigration and refugee/asylum policies, Canadians and Americans face distinct economic, cultural, historical, and political landscapes. Students will interrogate border practices, policies and struggles.
*Government 98nk (formerly *Government 90hf). Voters, Parties, and Elections in Comparative Perspective
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 98nm (formerly *Government 90nm). Race and Representation
Catalog Number: 1424 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Matthew B. Platt
Half course (fall term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
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 98np. Global Politics of Disease & Health - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 66785 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Nathan Andrew Paxton
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Course will consider the international politics and political issues associated with the recent prominence of epidemics like AIDS, SARS and H1N1 influenza. Focus on global and international response institutions and their relationships with affected countries. Some consideration will also be given to comparing individual country responses.
*Government 98qa (formerly *Government 90qa). Community in America
Catalog Number: 4941 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Robert D. Putnam
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4.
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 98sg (formerly *Government 90sg). Global Justice]
Catalog Number: 9860 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Eric Beerbohm
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2011–12.
*Government 98sn. Expansion of Judicial Powers: A Comparative Study - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 54432 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Xiaohong Yu
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This course will examine and compare the role of law and courts in countries throughout the world. The topics include: what courts do; different legal systems; the power of courts; constraints on judicial power; judicial review; conflict between the Court and the other branches of government; conflict within the judicial hierarchy; and judicial appointments. Our main focus will be the comparative experience of court developments, in both democratic and authoritarian regimes.
*Government 98sp (formerly *Government 90sp). Future of War
Catalog Number: 6012 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Stephen P. Rosen
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4.
Examines the character and implications of political and technological factors that could affect the future conduct of war.
*Government 98tf. Conservative Political Thought - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 46317 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Cheryl Brown Welch and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course examines conservative thought from the French Revolution to the present. In addition to studying the visions of society articulated by thinkers like Burke, de Maistre, and Oakeshott, we will consider the theoretical status of conservative arguments. Is conservatism a political philosophy? An ideology? Or simply a practical disposition? Roughly the first half of the course treats conservatism in a transatlantic context. The final weeks focus on the American tradition.
*Government 98tj. Research in International Law and Politics: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 42235 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Cheryl Brown Welch and members of the Department
Full course (spring term). M., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
This seminar will focus on how international law orders both national and international politics. The goal of the seminar will be to understand the basic theories that international relations and international legal scholars use to analyze the international system, and to explore through readings and original research the implications of those theories for designing international legal regimes and institutions. While it will be useful to have taken Government 1740, it is not necessary.
[*Government 98vc (formerly *Government 90vc). International Law: Theory and Research ]
Catalog Number: 1382 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Beth A. Simmons
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2011–12.
Prerequisite: Government 1740.
*Government 98vg. Topics in Recent Political Theory
Catalog Number: 0819 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Michael E. Rosen
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
An exploration of some central themes of recent work in English-language political philosophy, including Rawls and his critics, egalitarianism, and the nature of rights. Other topics will reflect the individual interests of students who enroll. This course is designed to help participants to make the transition from being critical readers of political thought to being independent contributors to debate.
*Government 98vm (formerly *Government 90vo). Contemporary Democratic Theory: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 94089 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Dennis F. Thompson
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
A critical examination of three prominent theories of democracy. The seminar is intended for juniors who plan to write a senior thesis on some aspect of democratic theory. In the first half of the seminar, students read the work of theorists and their critics, and consider several challenges faced by all democratic theories, such as the potential conflict between democracy and justice, the scope of citizenship, and obligations to future generations. In the second half of the seminar, students present in class a prospectus for a thesis, and a draft of the final paper for the course, which may also be a possible chapter for their thesis.
*Government 98yd. Parties and Elections in America and How They Got That Way - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 87556 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Cheryl Brown Welch and members of the Department
Full course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This course considers the roots of a series of issues in contemporary American parties and elections, examining their development over time and situating present circumstances in historical perspective. Topics include party alignments (noting race, religion, region, gender, and class), third parties, nominating systems, election administration, the shape of the electorate, voter turnout, money and politics, and Congressional elections.
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 1003. Design for Political Inquiry - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 31874
Nahomi Ichino and Adam Glynn
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
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.
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 1016. Spatial Models for Social and Environmental Policy
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 1019 (formerly Government 1119). Basic Mathematics for Social Scientists
Catalog Number: 0989
Pedram Safari
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 5
The aim of this course is to provide the students of social sciences with a conceptual understanding of the basic notions of calculus and matrix algebra.
Government 1020. Intermediate Mathematics for Social Scientists
Catalog Number: 7487
Pedram Safari
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 5
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.
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 2006. Formal Political Theory II]
Catalog Number: 5487
James Robinson
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Continuation of Government 2005.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
[Government 2007. Political Economics]
Catalog Number: 2094
James Robinson
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10:30–12.
This course covers the basic analytical approaches to political economy and their application.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
*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. Design for Political Inquiry
Catalog Number: 7421
Nahomi Ichino and Adam Glynn
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
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 1060. Ancient and Medieval Political Philosophy
Catalog Number: 4978
Harvey C. Mansfield
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30-1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Classical and medieval political philosophy, from Plato to Thomas Aquinas, with special attention to the question of natural right.
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
Harvey C. Mansfield
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
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 1072. Moral Issues in Contemporary Politics - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 91765
Michael Frazer
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This course is intended to help students think critically about the controversial ethical questions which are being debated in American politics today. We will weigh both sides of arguments over such issues as economic redistribution, the rights of women and racial minorities, the political status of the family, the regulation of the beginning and end of life, and the conduct of foreign policy.
Government 1074. Political Thought of the American Founding
Catalog Number: 71248
Eric M. Nelson
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
John Adams observed that the American Revolution took place, not on the battlefield, but rather "in the minds of the people...before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington." This course will examine the political debates leading to American independence, and, later to the ratification of the Federal Constitution. Famous works of the period, such as Paine’s Common Sense and The Federalist, will be placed in the wider context of American political writing from 1763 to 1789.
[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 2010–11. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Moral Reasoning.
Government 1092. The Past and Future of the Left
Catalog Number: 6197
Roberto Mangabeira Unger (Law School)
Half course (spring term). M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Political and social theory reconsidered from the vantage point of a major tradition in modern politics. Explaining and overcoming the disorientation of the Left in contemporary societies. The rise and fall in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries of the idea of a progressive alternative to established institutions. The directions the Left today now takes, might take, or should take. The relation of programmatic thought to the understanding of change and constraint.
Note: Offered jointly with the Law School as 44170-31.
[Government 1093. Ethics, Biotechnology, and the Future of Human Nature]
Catalog Number: 4613 Enrollment: May be limited.
Michael J. Sandel and Douglas A. Melton
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
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: Expected to be given in 2011–12. 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. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement in Ethical Reasoning or the Core area requirement for Moral Reasoning.
Government 1094. The Jewish Political Tradition - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 19726
Eric M. Nelson
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
The Jews existed as a stateless people for nearly two thousand years. Yet, throughout this period, they continued to make rich contributions to the theory and practice of politics. This course will examine the history of Jewish political thought, beginning with the Hebrew Bible itself and concluding with the birth of Zionism. Special attention will be paid to the influence of Jewish political writing in Christian Europe and in the early American republic.
*Government 2034. Ethics Economics, and Law
Catalog Number: 4652
Michael J. Sandel
Half course (fall term). M., 1–3.
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 2056. Political Thought of the English Revolution]
Catalog Number: 5107
Eric M. Nelson
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Government 2080. In Defense of Politics
Catalog Number: 4345 Enrollment: Limited to 20.
Harvey C. Mansfield
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Is political life noble or unworthy? Is it the highest life or inferior to some other life? Is it immoral or too moral? Readings from Plato, Aristotle, Tocqueville, Spinoza, Kant, Smith and Marx.
Note: Open to qualified undergraduates.
Government 2088. Ethical Foundations of Political Thought
Catalog Number: 2378
Michael E. Rosen
Half course (fall term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
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.
Government 2093. Cicero: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 78982
Richard Tuck
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4.
This course will study Cicero’s moral and political ideas against the background of his political activity, and will also consider his influence on medieval and Renaissance writers. No Latin required. Qualified undergraduates may be admitted.
Government 2094. Kant and Kantianism - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 55223
Patrick T. Riley
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
The main political, moral, legal and historical works of Kant (including the three Critiques), plus Kant-interpretations of Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, Rawls, Arendt, Korsgaard, Nora O’Neill, etc.
[Government 1111. Political Institutions in Democracies and Non-Democracies ]
Catalog Number: 7400
Nahomi Ichino
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Government 1118. Political Geography - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 48231
Alison Mountz
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 1. EXAM GROUP: 6
This course explores geography, territory, borders, and politics. Three main questions drive discussion and debate. First, what are ’politics’ and, more importantly, where do they happen? Second, how does location influence how, where, and when political struggles unfold? Third, how are spatial arrangements of power made and re-made across borders? Students will engage contemporary struggles among global communities related to migration, border enforcement, human trafficking, terrorism, entrenched and emerging conflicts, and political geographies of violence.
Government 1132. Comparative Political Economy, Developed Countries - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 77322
Torben Iversen
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This course is a survey of topics and theories in comparative political economy with a focus on developed democracies in Western Europe, North America, and East Asia. The course applies insights from both political science and economics to explain why economic performance, distribution, and economic policies vary across countries. The course complements "Comparative Political Economy, Developing Countries", although one is not a prerequisite for the other.
Government 1162. Democratic Legislative Institutions: Parliaments in Comparative Perspective - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 82068
Reuven Y. Hazan
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
This course examines different democratic legislatures and compares between them. The course presents students with the basic concepts, theories and models needed to understand the structure, organizational activity and functions of democratic legislatures and allows the students to acquire the methodological tools needed in order to conduct research in the field. It addresses such topics as: the legislative process; bicameralism; executive-legislative relations; committees; oversight tools; legislative recruitment; cohesion and the decline of legislatures.
[Government 1170. Nation-Building and Democracy in the Development of Europe]
Catalog Number: 2585
Daniel F. Ziblatt
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Government 1197. The Political Economy of Africa
Catalog Number: 9130
Robert H. Bates and James Robinson
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 12
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 (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Government 1204. Jihad in World Politics
Catalog Number: 3339
Jocelyne Cesari (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). W., F., 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 Afghanistan 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.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as IGA-333.
[Government 1243. Russian Politics in Transition]
Catalog Number: 1982
Timothy J. Colton
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Government 1255. The Politics of India - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 57342
Prerna Singh
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
This course will introduce students to politics in the world’s largest democracy, focusing on themes both important to India and to a general study of politics in developing countries. How does one make sense of democracy in a poor multi-ethnic setting? How has democratic politics shaped and been shaped by a society divided along a caste, class, linguistic and religious lines? And how well has India fared in promoting economic development, both growth and equity?
*Government 1273. The Political Economy of Japan
Catalog Number: 1365 Enrollment: Limited to 35. Approval of instructor needed for Graduate Students to enroll in this class.
Kay Shimizu
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 13
Examines the history of Japan’s political economy, its recent success and its current problems. Why did Japan succeed in becoming the first non-Western society to industrialize? Did Japan develop a particular brand of capitalism? What role did the political system play? What are its advantages and disadvantages of the Japanese model? Can it overcome the current technological changes and global pressures? Or is it no longer a viable model to emulate?
*Government 1280. Government and Politics of China
Catalog Number: 1643 Enrollment: Approval of instructor needed for Graduate Students to enroll in this class.
Nara Dillon
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
General introduction to the politics of contemporary China. Basic objectives are to provide a working knowledge of Chinese political programs and practices, and to encourage a critical evaluation of the positive and negative aspects of China’s socialist experiment.
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.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Social Analysis.
[Government 2122. Civil Wars: Theory and Policy]
Catalog Number: 0885
Monica D. Toft (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring 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 2010–11. 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). Hours to be arranged.
This seminar provides an introduction to the role of courts in municipal and international law, with particular reference to their evolution and effects.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
*Government 2125. Religion and Global Politics - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 35165
Monica D. Toft (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring term). M., W., 4:10–5:30. EXAM GROUP: 9
Religion is clearly a force to be reckoned with in global politics. Yet, its connection is not well understood. This course examines the conditions under which religion contributes to conflict or cooperation in international politics.
Note: 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 2131. Comparative Politics of Latin America
Catalog Number: 3337
Jorge I. Domínguez and Steven R. Levitsky
Half course (fall term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
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 omitted in 2010-2011.
[*Government 2136. Political Regimes and Regime Change]
Catalog Number: 5702 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Steven R. Levitsky and Daniel F. Ziblatt
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
[Government 2148. Civil Society, West and East]
Catalog Number: 4675
Susan J. Pharr and Grzegorz Ekiert
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
[*Government 2158. Political Institutions and Economic Policy]
Catalog Number: 6448 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Kenneth A. Shepsle and Jeffry Frieden
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
[*Government 2160. Politics and Economics]
Catalog Number: 7780 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
James E. Alt and Torben Iversen
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Government 2172. Nationalism and Democracy in Europe (and beyond): Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 20927
Han-Jeurgen Puhle
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Examines theoretical approaches to and empirical cases of nationalist movements and politics in their interactions with modern state building and democracy. Topics include functions of nationalism(s) in multi-ethnic states, in democratic transitions, and vis-á-vis supranational integration.
[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). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Government 2179 (formerly Government 2095). Institutional Innovations for Liberal Democracies: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 53846
Claus Offe
Half course (spring term). Tu., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
Citizens’ disaffection and policy elites’ ineffectiveness are key complaints about the working of Western democracies, sometimes dubbed "post-democracies". The course will review institutional remedies as suggested by "deliberative" theorists and "participatory" practitioners of liberal democracy.
[Government 2213. Comparative Politics of Post-Socialism]
Catalog Number: 6876
Timothy J. Colton and Grzegorz Ekiert
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
*Government 2216 (formerly *Government 90fh). Comparative Politics of the Post-Soviet States - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 94675 Enrollment: Limited to 15. Undergraduates accepted with consent of instructor.
Sener Akturk
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Soviet politics from Lenin to Gorbachev, and the transition to market economy and competitive elections in, and the territorial dissolution of, the Soviet Union are covered at first. Constitutional design and political parties; ethnicity, nationalism, and secessionism; varieties of political economic configurations; international relations; social structure and civil society; questions of "stateness" and state breakdown; religion and politics; and the quest for national identities in the post-Soviet states are among the topics to be discussed.
Government 2222. Islam in the West After 9/11: Religion, Law, Politics: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 42567 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Jocelyne Cesari (Divinity School)
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
This course looks at the politics and rhetoric of policy makers that shape the situation of Muslim minorities in the West, as well as premier data and case studies related to their attitudes and experience.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3943. Meets at the Divinity School.
[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). Hours to be arranged.
Examines social science research on the politics and political economy of Africa.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
[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 2011–12. 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 1358. Presidential Power in the United States - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 65711
Carlos E. Diaz Rosillo
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
Analyzes the origins and evolution of presidential power in the United States. Studies the powers of the President and analysis how those powers translate into power. Examines and evaluates the most prominent political science theories, scholarly debates, and public controversies about presidential power. Explores the strategic choices available to modern American presidents in their efforts to augment the power of the presidency and provide active leadership to the political system.
Government 1362. Democratic Citizenship Public Opinion and Participation in the US
Catalog Number: 8628
Claudine Gay
Half course (fall 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
Martin Raymond West
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
This course examines the politics of education in the United States. It considers the key institutions (e.g. school districts, mayors, states, Congress, and courts) and actors (e.g. elected officials, parents, teachers, interest groups, and the general public) shaping the American K-12 education system in order to understand recent reform efforts and their consequences for students. We will look closely at past conflicts over education governance, ongoing policy challenges, and the forces shaping current reform efforts.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School of Government as HLE-347. Course to meet at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
[Government 1510. The Constitution and the American Political System]
Catalog Number: 0383
Sanford V. Levinson
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
This course will focus on the principal features of the United States Constitution that structure the American political system. Most of these, such as bicameralism, are never the subject of litigation and, therefore, of any cases decided by the United States Supreme Court. The central question, inevitably, is whether constitutional structures really "matter," and, if so, what the consequences are. Although the focus will be the United States Constitution, the course will inevitably have a comparative dimension, along two quite different lines. One of the assigned books, for example, will look at the "American State Constitutional Tradition," and we will look at some of the decidedly different choices made by various states. (Nebraska, for example, has operated with only a unicameral legislature for over 75 years.) But we will also look at least intermittently at other national constitutions as well, especially, for example, with regard to different approaches toward the subject of "emergency powers" or suspension of ordinary constitutional rights.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core area requirement for Moral Reasoning
Government 1511. The Constitution and the American Political System - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 90593
Sanford V. Levinson
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
This course will focus on the principal features of the United States Constitution that structure the American political system. Most of these, such as bicameralism, are never the subject of litigation and, therefore, of any cases decided by the United States Supreme Court. The central question, inevitably, is whether constitutional structures really "matter," and, if so, what the consequences are. Although the focus will be the United States Constitution, the course will inevitably have a comparative dimension, along two quite different lines. One of the assigned books, for example, will look at the "American State Constitutional Tradition," and we will look at some of the decidedly different choices made by various states. (Nebraska, for example, has operated with only a unicameral legislature for over 75 years.) But we will also look at least intermittently at other national constitutions as well, especially, for example, with regard to different approaches toward the subject of "emergency powers" or suspension of ordinary constitutional rights.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the Core requirement for Moral Reasoning.
Government 1521. Bureaucratic Politics: Government, Economic, Social and Military Organizations
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.
[Government 1524. Agenda Setting in Congress]
Catalog Number: 1092
Matthew B. Platt
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Government 1535. Supreme Court & American Politics - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 15312
Ryan James Owens
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
This course provides undergraduates with a systematic understanding of the Supreme Court from a social science perspective. We examine issues regarding judicial process and politics, and how various actors attempt to achieve their goals with in a broader institutional framework.
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 DPI-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). W., 4–6. 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).
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 DPI-360. 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). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Government 2328. Electoral Politics - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 76072
Stephen Daniel Ansolabehere
Half course (fall term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
This seminar examines the politics of U.S. elections, with emphasis on theoretical models of electoral competition and empirical research of voting behavior and election outcomes. The first third of the seminar examines voter behavior, the second third of the seminar electoral competition among parties and candidates and aggregate election results, and the final third of the seminar examines electoral institutions and laws. Specific topics include party competition, incumbency advantages, electoral districts, campaign finance, issue and economic voting, and electoral accountability. Understanding of statistics strongly recommended. Open to qualified undergraduates with permission of instructor.
*Government 2340b. Social Policy lI
Catalog Number: 5491
Theda Skocpol and Christopher Jencks (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring 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.
[Government 2351. The United States Supreme Court]
Catalog Number: 7351
Ryan James Owens
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Government 2352. The Politics of the Supreme Court - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 81941
Ryan James Owens
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
This course provides law and graduate students with a systematic understanding of the Supreme Court from a social science perspective.
Note: Offered jointly with the Harvard Law School as LAW-. Meets at the Law School.
*Government 2360. Obama’s Agenda and the Dynamics of U.S. Politics: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 51678 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Theda Skocpol
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4.
Dissects political forces affecting the fate of Obama’s priorities in health care, financial regulation, environment, immigration, higher education, tax/revenue reform, labor reform, and citizen engagement. Students are expected to develop and present their own research.
Note: Open, with instructor’s permission, to graduate students and advanced undergraduate students.
[*Government 2490. The Political Economy of the School]
Catalog Number: 3399
Paul E. Peterson
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Examination of political and economic influences on education policy and governance. Background in statistics expected.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. 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 2576. Racial and Ethnic Politics in the United States
Catalog Number: 7260
Jennifer L. Hochschild and Claudine Gay
Half course (spring term). M., 4–6.
The course begins with the history and structure of the classic Black-White binary, then addresses ways in which it must be rethought to include other groups, mainly Asians and Latinos. Issues include racialization, immigrant incorporation, political coalitions and conflict, racial mixture, and links between race, class, gender, and ideology. Focuses on the United States but includes comparisons with Europe, Latin America, and South Africa.
Government 1732. The Origins of Modern Wars
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 area requirement for Historical Study A.
Government 1740. International Law
Catalog Number: 7406
Jens Meierhenrich
Half course (spring 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.
*Government 1760. International Relations of East Asia
Catalog Number: 2733 Enrollment: Limited to 50.
Alastair Iain Johnston
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 1. EXAM GROUP: 6
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.
Government 1765. Asia-Pacific Security - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 47108
Christopher W. Hughes
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Surveys key security dynamics, actors and issues in the Asia-Pacific. Topics include: the US alliance system in the Asia-Pacific; China’s military rise; Japanese militarization; the security capabilities of the Koreas and Southeast Asia, Australia, and Russia; insurgency and transnational terrorism; territorial disputes; North Korea and Taiwan; nuclear proliferation; MD; arms races; maritime security, energy security, and transnational crime; and multilateral security. All issues are studied in conjunction with major paradigmatic and critical theoretical approaches.
Government 1780. International Political Economy
Catalog Number: 0272
Jeffry Frieden
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
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 1795 (formerly *Government 90q). US–Latin American Relations: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 5153 Enrollment: Limited to 16.
Jorge I. Domínguez
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
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 given in 2010–11.
[Government 1982. Chinese Foreign Policy, 1949–2007]
Catalog Number: 8908
Alastair Iain Johnston
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2-3:30.
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: Expected to be given in 2010–11. No prior background in China or international relations theory required.
[Government 2735. Empirical Models in International Relations]
Catalog Number: 9499
Muhammet Ali Bas and Beth A. Simmons
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
[Government 2752. Formal Modeling in International Relations]
Catalog Number: 3764
Muhammet Ali Bas
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2011–12.
Government 2755. International Political Economy
Catalog Number: 7392
Jeffry Frieden and Michael J. Hiscox
Half course (fall term). M., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 9
A graduate-level introduction to the theoretical and empirical literature on the political economy of international trade, monetary, regulatory, and investment policies.
Government 2776. Japan and East Asian Security - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 62215
Christopher William Hughes
Half course (fall term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
How does Japan’s remilitarization impact upon East Asia? Topics include: Japan’s strategy and policy-making; JSDF military power; the US-Japan alliance; Japan and North Korea, China and Southeast Asia; defense production; Japan’s nuclear policy; and multilateral security.
Government 2782. State Failure and Civil War
Catalog Number: 0742
Robert H. Bates
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
The study of modern works on civil wars, terrorism, and state failure.
*Government 2790. Central Issues of American Foreign Policy
Catalog Number: 3567
Graham T. Allison, Jr. (Kennedy School)
Half course (spring term). M., W., 2:40–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Examination of central issues of American foreign policy today. For each issue, analysis of the international environment, identification of specific policy options, consideration of pros and cons, reflection on processes for choice and action.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as IGA-201. Meets at the Kennedy School.
Government 2881. Mass Media, Public Opinion, and Foreign Policy
Catalog Number: 7305
Matthew Baum (Kennedy School)
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
This course investigates whether, how, and to what extent the mass media and public opinion interact with each other and with political leaders in order to influence the conduct of foreign policy.
Note: Offered jointly with the Kennedy School as DPI-611. Meets at the Kennedy School.
[Government 2900. US–Latin American Relations]
Catalog Number: 8020
Jorge I. Domínguez
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
*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
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
Susan J. Pharr 1518 and Prerna Singh 6311
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 and Torben Iversen 1250
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 Frazer 5886 and Dennis F. Thompson 1426
Full course (indivisible). Fall: W., 4-6.
*Government 3009. Research Workshop in Applied Statistics
Catalog Number: 8142
Alberto Abadie (Kennedy School) 5277, Lee Fleming (Business School) 3839, Guido W. Imbens 2671, Gary King 1723, 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.