Department of Politics
Chair
Helen V. Milner
Associate Chair
Alan W. Patten
Departmental Representative
Melissa V. Harris-Lacewell
Professor
Christopher H. Achen
R. Douglas Arnold, also Woodrow Wilson School
Larry M. Bartels, also Woodrow Wilson School
Mark R. Beissinger
Charles R. Beitz
Carles Boix, also Woodrow Wilson School
Charles M. Cameron, also Woodrow Wilson School
Brandice Canes-Wrone, also Woodrow Wilson School
Thomas J. Christensen, also Woodrow Wilson School
Aaron L. Friedberg, also Woodrow Wilson School
Robert P. George
Joanne S. Gowa
G. John Ikenberry, also Woodrow Wilson School
Atul Kohli, also Woodrow Wilson School
Melissa Lane
John B. Londregan, also Woodrow Wilson School
Stephen J. Macedo, also University Center for Human Values
Nolan M. McCarty, also Woodrow Wilson School
Adam H. Meirowitz
Helen V. Milner, also Woodrow Wilson School
Andrew M. Moravcsik, also Woodrow Wilson School
Alan W. Patten
Philip N. Pettit, also University Center for Human Values
Jonas G. Pontusson
Thomas Romer, also Woodrow Wilson School
Anne-Marie Slaughter, also Woodrow Wilson School
Ezra N. Suleiman
Maurizio Viroli
Lynn T. White III, also Woodrow Wilson School
Keith E. Whittington
Jennifer A. Widner, also Woodrow Wilson School
Deborah J. Yashar, also Woodrow Wilson School
Associate Professor
Gary J. Bass, also Woodrow Wilson School
Christina Davis, also Woodrow Wilson School
Paul Frymer
Martin I. Gilens
Melissa V. Harris-Lacewell, also African American Studies
Evan S. Lieberman
Tali Mendelberg
Jan-Werner Müller
Assistant Professor
Daniella Campello, also Woodrow Wilson School
Rafaela M. Dancygier, also Woodrow Wilson School
Kosuke Imai
Amaney A. Jamal
Jonathan P. Kastellec
Amy E. Lerman, also Woodrow Wilson School
Grigore Pop-Eleches, also Woodrow Wilson School
Markus Prior, also Woodrow Wilson School
Kristopher W. Ramsay
Rahul Sagar
Jacob N. Shapiro, also Woodrow Wilson School
Anna B. Stilz
Andrea Vindigni
Instructor
Keren Yarhi-Milo, also Woodrow Wilson School
Lecturer
Sophie Meunier Aitsahalia
Diane C. Snyder
Sarah L. Staszak
Cesar Zucco, also Woodrow Wilson School
Associated Faculty
Kwame Anthony Appiah, Philosophy, University Center for Human Values
Marco Battaglini, Economics
Christopher L. Eisgruber, Woodrow Wilson School, University Center for Human Values
Daniel Garber, Philosophy
Nannerl O. Keohane, Woodrow Wilson School, University Center for Human Values
Robert O. Keohane, Woodrow Wilson School
Kim Lane Scheppele, Woodrow Wilson School, University Center for Human Values, Sociology
Michael A. Smith, Philosophy
Jeffrey L. Stout, Religion
Information and Departmental Plan of Study
Prerequisites. Normally, students entering the department must have successfully completed on a graded basis two courses offered by the Department of Politics, one or both of which should be at the 200 level.
Course Selection. By the end of the senior year, all students in the department must complete, in addition to the prerequisites, eight departmental courses, of which two may be cognates.
Concentrators indicate a prospective primary field when they sign into the department in the spring of their sophomore year, and designate a primary field by the end of the first semester of their junior year. Concentrators take courses in at least three of the fields listed below, designating one as their primary field of study, another as their secondary field, and an additional field. Students take a minimum of three courses in their primary field, two courses in their secondary field, and one course in a third field. One of three courses in the primary field normally is a 200-level course. Prerequisites may be used to satisfy field requirements. A course taken to satisfy the analytical requirement cannot be used to satisfy the field requirement. Check the department’s website at www.princeton.edu/politics/undergraduate/courses/byfield/) for additional courses that will fulfill field requirements in a given year, including one-time-only courses or topics courses offered by other departments with POL cross-listings.
I. Political theory: 210, 211, 301, 302, 303, 304, 306, 307, 308, 309, 315, 316, 321, 410, 411, 412, 413
II. American politics: 220, 221, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 328, 329, 330, 331, 335, 336, 344, 348, 349, 392, 420, 421, 422, 423
III. Comparative politics: 230, 231, 268, 318, 344, 348, 349, 351, 352, 353, 361, 362, 363, 364, 366, 367, 368, 371, 372, 373, 375, 376, 377, 384, 430, 431, 432, 433
IV. International relations: 240, 381, 382, 383, 385, 387, 388, 389, 392, 393, 394, 396, 397, 440, 441, 442, 443
V. Methods in political science (cannot be the primary field): 345, 346, 347, 350, 450, 451, 452, 453
Analytic Requirement. The department maintains a list of politics courses that have an emphasis on political analysis. Concentrators are required to take a politics course in systematic analysis, normally no later than the first semester of their junior year. Courses in systematic analysis have an emphasis on how political scientists develop and test hypotheses and how various types of analytic investigation further the understanding of political ideals and processes. The course used to fulfill the analytic requirement cannot be used to fulfill primary, secondary, or third field requirements. The analytical requirement may be satisfied by POL 345, POL 347, POL 350, or POL 451. We will also accept ECO 202, ECO 302, ECO 312, ORF 245, PSY 251, SOC 301, or SOC 404 as meeting this requirement.
Cognates. The department maintains a list of all cognates approved by the departmental representatives for each student. The cognates must be approved during the semester in which they are taken (no later than the drop/pass/D/fail deadline). Cognate courses should not be at the introductory level. Cognates cannot be used to satisfy field distribution requirements. Approved cognates will be used in the departmental honors calculation. To seek approval for a cognate, students must complete the Cognate Approval Application (www.princeton.edu/politics/undergraduate/documents).
Graduate Courses. Well-prepared undergraduates may take graduate seminars for full University and departmental credit. To enroll in a graduate seminar the student must have the approval of the instructor in charge of the seminar and the director of undergraduate studies.
Junior Year. In the fall, students normally participate in junior research workshops that serve as platforms to write junior papers and that are not counted as a course. In the spring they pursue individual research programs. In workshops, a small group of students does related research projects, with faculty members providing common instructions in research procedures and techniques. In individual research programs, students work on topics they have chosen in consultation with a faculty adviser.
Senior Year. During the senior year, each student writes a thesis and takes a comprehensive examination. Senior theses normally are written on a topic within a student’s primary field.
The department encourages students to use the summer between junior and senior year for work on the senior thesis.
The senior comprehensive examinations test knowledge in a concentrator’s primary field. The senior comprehensive normally involves a one-day, take-home, closed-book examination.
Programs for Students of High Standing. The department offers a variety of opportunities for students of high standing to select course programs that allow them to do advanced work in politics. Qualified juniors and seniors may participate in departmental seminars and in graduate seminars and may substitute individual work under faculty supervision for some of the required courses.
Study Abroad. The department encourages students to consider studying abroad for one semester or even for a full year in conjunction with departmental concentration in politics. If, under a program approved in advance by the dean of the college, a concentrator in politics studies abroad for the equivalent of an academic year at Princeton, the department is willing to credit as departmentals as many as four courses in political science or related fields when they are taken at a foreign university. Normally the department is willing to substitute no more than one cognate and one departmental or two cognates for concentrators studying abroad for one semester.
Program in Political Economy. The Department of Politics offers the Program in Political Economy for students who wish to further their understanding of social phenomena and individual behavior by combining and comparing the perspectives of its two constituent disciplines.
Requirements. To participate in this program, students must complete two politics courses and ECO 100 and 101, and MAT 103 (or a higher level course that subsumes it, such as MAT 104, 200, or 215) before the end of their sophomore year. All five of these courses should be taken on a graded basis (e.g., not pass/D/fail).
It is important for each student to select a combination of economics and politics courses that form a coherent and meaningful program. Before signing up for the first semester of the junior year, the student should work out a tentative course outline for the next two years; this outline must be approved and signed by the political economy adviser.
A student in the political economy program is required to take at least seven upper-level courses in the politics department, at least five of which must be numbered 300 and above, and two upper-level courses in the economics department, plus one course in quantitative methods in either economics or politics. These courses will be counted as departmentals. This 10-course combination fulfills the requirements both for the political economy program and for the major and is used in calculating department honors.
All students must pass Intermediate Macroeconomics (ECO 301 or 311), Microeconomics (ECO 300 or 310), Mathematical Models in the Study of Politics (POL 347), and either Political Economy (POL 349) or Comparative Political Economy (POL 352).
All students must pass at least one course in quantitative methods: either POL 345 or 346 or ECO 202, 302, or 312.
Students in the political economy program must also fulfill the distribution requirement of the department.
Students in the program must write the senior thesis in political economy.
Concentrators who successfully complete the program’s requirements will receive a departmental certificate.
Student Departmental Committee. All students in the department have an opportunity to elect five seniors and four juniors to serve as members of the Undergraduate Student Departmental Committee. This committee discusses and makes recommendations on matters affecting the undergraduate program in the department. The committee normally meets with the faculty Committee on the Undergraduate Program, and its members represent all undergraduate students in departmental meetings.
Courses
POL 210 Political Theory Fall EM
An introduction to political theory that explores the relevance of theory to a critical understanding of political and social problems. The course will examine the major classical and contemporary expressions of liberal, conservative, and socialist theory and relate them to the problems of order, freedom, equality, and justice. Two lectures, one preceptorial. R. Sagar
POL 211 Cultural Interpretation (see ECS 209)
POL 220 American Politics Spring SA
An introduction to the national institutions and political processes of American government. Topics include the Constitution, the American political tradition, public opinion, interest groups, political institutions, civil rights, civil liberties, and public policy. Two lectures, one preceptorial. P. Frymer
POL 221 American Democracy Not offered this year SA
An analysis of the democratic system in the United States, including a consideration of key concepts of democratic theory. The course examines the tension between majority rule and minority rights; deals with the roles of pressure groups, political parties, and political movements; and focuses especially on the civil rights and women’s rights movements. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 230 Introduction to Comparative Politics Spring SA
This course will focus on the process of democratic transition and consolidation in a comparative and historical manner. In particular, we will analyze the democratic revolution that has swept the globe during the last 30 years by examining the communist and authoritarian backgrounds of newly democratized countries, the factors influencing the emergence of democracy, the problems associated with building stable democratic systems, and finally, the prospects for a regime shift in parts of the world still under autocratic rule. Two lectures, one preceptorial. J. Pontusson
POL 231 European Politics Not offered this year SA
An introduction to the political systems of the major European countries. The course compares and contrasts the development and contemporary functioning of political institutions in several countries, including Britain, France, and Germany. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 240 International Relations Fall, Spring SA
A comprehensive introduction to the major issues of contemporary international relations. The course presents competing theoretical perspectives and reviews the historical record to explore such puzzles as the causes of war, explanations of cooperation, the behavior of states, and the proper ethical standards for judging international relations. Two lectures, one preceptorial. C. Davis (fall); A. Moravcsik (spring)
POL 268 Political and Economic Development of the Middle East (see NES 265)
POL 301 Ancient and Medieval Political Theory Fall EM
An examination of the development of political ideas from ancient Greece to the fifth century A.D. Emphasis will be given to Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, certain ideas of the Old and New Testaments, and to Saint Augustine. Two lectures, one preceptorial. M. Lane
POL 302 Continental Political Thought from Rousseau to Nietzsche Fall EM
An examination of the development of political thought in Europe from the second half of the 18th century to the end of the 19th. The course will focus on Kantian, Hegelian, and Marxist developments in this tradition. Emphasis on the important role played by different conceptions of freedom, human nature, and history in the political thought of the period, with particular attention to issues concerning autonomy and authority, the nature of the state, and the limits to state power. Two lectures, one preceptorial. A. Stilz
POL 303 Modern Political Theory Spring EM
A study of the writings of some major political theorists from the 17th through the 19th centuries, including Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, and J. S. Mill. Two lectures, one preceptorial. C. Beitz
POL 304 Conservative Political Thought Fall EM
A historical and analytic examination of conservative political theories. Topics include the classical and medieval roots of modern conservatism, the development of conservatism in Europe and America, fascism and the radical right, and the tensions between libertarianism and traditionalism in contemporary conservative thought. Two lectures, one preceptorial. J. Müller
POL 306 Democratic Theory (also PHI 360, CHV 306) Spring EM
A study of the intellectual foundations of the modern democratic state. Topics include the meaning and justification of democracy, the rationality of voting, political representation, property rights, civil disobedience, and education. Two lectures, one preceptorial. P. Pettit
POL 307 The Just Society Not offered this year EM
An introduction to alternative theories of social justice and examination of the implications of those theories in areas of contemporary social and political controversy. Readings and lectures focus on utilitarian, libertarian, liberal egalitarian, communitarian, and feminist conceptions of what it means to live in a just society. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 308 Ethics and Public Policy (see WWS 301)
POL 309 Politics and Religion (also REL 309) Not offered this year EM
Close study of a number of texts that have illuminated the connection between religiosity and politics, and, in particular, the role of religious language and ideas to establish, preserve, reform, and redeem republics. Special attention will be given to the religious dimensions of revolutionary and messianic politics, and to the role that religiosity has played in the development of contemporary social movements and in the moral and political resistance to totalitarian regimes. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 314 American Constitutional Development Not offered this year SA
The development of American constitutionalism, considered historically as the product of legal, political, and intellectual currents and crises (e.g., the Founding, the Marshall and Taney eras, the slavery crises, the rise of corporate capitalism, the emergence of the modern state, the New Deal crisis, and new forms of rights and liberties). Topics include the growth of Supreme Court power, the Court’s relation to the states and the other federal branches, and the influence on constitutional understandings of economic developments, reform movements, wars, party competition, and legal and political thought. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 315 Constitutional Interpretation Fall SA
A study of the development of the United States Constitution, chiefly through close analysis of selected judicial decisions. One 90-minute lecture, one two-hour preceptorial. R. George
POL 316 Civil Liberties Not offered this year EM
A study of selected problems concerning civil liberties in contemporary America, with specific focus on privacy and on problems derived from living in a pluralistic society. One 90-minute lecture, one 90-minute class. Staff
POL 317 Discrimination and the Law Not offered this year EM
How can law change (or reinforce) the ways in which race, gender, and sexual orientation affect status? This course examines the purposes of antidiscrimination law and asks if it is appropriate to extend antidiscrimination protection from race to other categories. Conflicts with tradition, autonomy of community, and liberty are also considered. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 318 Law and Society Spring SA
An exploration of the relationships between law and society, using judicial and other materials from the American legal system. Topics considered include the stages of legal development, law and morality, judicial decision making, formal resolution of disputes, social control through law, the political nature of law, and courts. Two lectures, one preceptorial. S. Staszak
POL 320 Judicial Politics Fall SA
An introduction to the political science of law and courts. Topics typically include: bargaining and decision making on the U.S. Supreme Court; political struggles over doctrine within the judicial hierarchy; the politics of Supreme Court nominations; juries as political institutions; court packing, jurisdiction stripping, and judicial intimidation; political use of litigation by activists, firms, and interest groups; judicial oversight of the administrative state; judicial activism by state attorneys general; and the social and economic impact of courts. Two lectures, one preceptorial. J. Kastellec
POL 321 American Political Thought Not offered this year EM
The origin and development of political ideas and institutions. Drawn from primary sources, the readings feature the ideas and deeds of those who from colonial times to the present have shaped the American concept of free government. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 322 Public Opinion Fall SA
An examination of public opinion and mass political behavior, particularly in the American context. Topics include formation of political attitudes and ideology, conflict and consensus on basic issues, political participation and voting, the effects of the media, and the impact of public opinion on governmental policy. Two lectures, one preceptorial or laboratory. T. Mendelberg
POL 323 Party Politics Not offered this year SA
An examination of party organization and activities, the forces that shape them, and their consequences. The course is concerned primarily with U.S. party politics in the contemporary period but gives some attention to American political history and foreign party systems. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 324 Congressional Politics Not offered this year SA
An examination of the role of Congress in American politics, with a special focus on the political world of individual legislators. The course explores how legislators run their campaigns, interact with their constituents, operate within Congress, and make public policy. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 325 The Presidency and Executive Power Not offered this year SA
A study of the place of the presidency in the American political order that stresses tension between power and accountability inherent in the office and the system. Topics include: separation of powers, presidential selection, impeachment, relations with Congress and bureaucracy, emergency powers, presidential character, and leadership. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 326 Special Topics in Public Affairs (see WWS 452)
POL 328 The Development of American Political Institutions: Parties, Congress, and Bureaucracy Not offered this year SA
A survey of developments in the party system, Congress, and the bureaucracy from Reconstruction through the New Deal. The solidification of the two-party system, the rise of congressional committee power, and the origins of the welfare state and regulatory state will be studied using three theoretical approaches—rational choice, historical institutionalism, and critical theory. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 329 Public Leadership and Public Policy (see WWS 306)
POL 330 Campaigns and Elections Fall SA
An examination of how U.S. election campaigns are conducted and how they affect political reasoning and voting behavior. Empirical analyses of public opinion data and campaign communication provide the foundation for studying campaigns. The goal of the course is to offer a broad theoretical understanding of the conduct of campaigns and their effects. Recent elections serve to illustrate key insights. Two lectures, one preceptorial. M. Prior
POL 331 Urban Politics Not offered this year SA
A study of the interplay of urbanization and politics in the United States. Particular attention is given to the problems of metropolitan growth and the changing roles of local governments, the states, and the federal government. Assumes a working knowledge of American politics. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 335 Women, Gender, and Politics (also WOM 337) Not offered this year SA
An examination of the relationships among women, gender, and political processes and public policies in the United States. Topics include the differing interpretations of women’s interests promoted by the feminist and pro-family movements, the gender dimension of contemporary American economic and social policies, and the problem of political equality in the context of biological sex differences and social inequality. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 336 Race and American Politics (also AAS 336) Not offered this year SA
Examines how the American political system has arranged itself in response to racial distinctions and how it has influenced these distinctions. Pays primary attention to contemporary developments, but places them in historical perspective. Topics include partisan alignment, racial stereotypes, the civil rights movement, and the problem of interest representation. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 339 The American City (see WWS 310)
POL 341 The Politics of Policy Making (see WWS 322)
POL 344 The Political Economy of Sports Not offered this year SA
An examination of politics of sports, with particular attention to the roles of private government and public regulation, public provision of sports facilities, the use of sports to promote economic development, and questions of gender and race. The course treats professional sports, big-time college athletics, and the Olympics. The primary focus is on the United States, in the context of comparisons with other advanced industrial nations and the international framework of the Olympics. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 345 Quantitative Analysis and Politics Fall QR
What accounts for who votes and their choice of candidate? Do politicians make policy based on constituency interests or their own ideologies? Would universal health insurance improve the health of the poor? Policy makers and academic researchers use statistics to answer these questions. However, the validity of their conclusions depends upon underlying assumptions and correct application of statistical methods. This course introduces the basics of applied statistics to students who have had little previous exposure to the subject. Topics will include causal inference, descriptive inference, survey analysis, and probability.
K. Imai
POL 346 Applied Quantitative Analysis Not offered this year QR
Develops the use of statistical techniques appropriate for empirical exploration of political topics. Each statistical topic is motivated by a significant question in political science that can be addressed by an available data set. Computers will be used both as part of the lecture and for completing classwork. Emphasis is on hands-on training that will give students the capacity to use these statistical techniques in other courses and independent work. Prerequisites: 345 or instructor’s permission. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 347 Mathematical Models in the Study of Politics Fall QR
An introduction to the use of mathematical models and, especially, game theory in the study of politics. The basics of game theory are presented through applications to a broad range of political phenomena: voting, legislative politics, political campaigns, comparison of electoral systems, the evolution of cooperation, and international relations. Two lectures, one preceptorial. K. Ramsay
POL 348 Politics and Finance (also ECO 369) Not offered this year SA
This course examines how legislation and regulation influences the structure of financial markets and how players in these markets intervene in the political process to create or modify legislative and regulatory outcomes. Particular emphasis will be placed on the environment in the U.S. International comparisons will also be present. Most of the class will consider how markets and firms relate to their external political environment, but there will also be discussion of the internal political structure of corporations. Prerequisites: ECO 362. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 349 Political Economy Spring SA
This course provides a rigorous introduction to some of the central ideas in political economy. Game theoretic models of voting are used to illustrate the way that democratic institutions filter interests. Topics may include the measurement of income inequality, the median voter theorem, models of income redistribution, political agency, and the link between institutions and economic performance. Two lectures, one preceptorial. J. Londregan
POL 350 Research Methods in Political Science Fall SA
An introductory undergraduate course in research methods for politics concentrators, designed to help prepare students for junior papers and the senior thesis. The material is chosen to convey an understanding of research design, choice of method, and data analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be taught, but this is not a statistics course. It provides an introduction to a range of research methodologies as they are applied to political science topics. Two lectures, one preceptorial. C. Zucco
POL 351 Politics in the Developing Countries Fall SA
A comparative study of politics in selected developing countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Topics include colonialism, nationalism, class and ethic conflict, political instability, military coups, revolutionary change, and development strategies such as land reforms, green revolution, import substitution, and management of external dependencies. Two lectures, one preceptorial. E. Lieberman
POL 352 Comparative Political Economy Not offered this year SA
Explores the dynamic relationship in theory between market-formation and reform on the one hand, and economic ideas and cultural values on the other. The course examines classical and contemporary works in comparative political economy. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 353 The Politics of Modern Islam (see NES 269)
POL 361 Political Economy of East Asia Not offered this year SA
Examines the political economy of development in East Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China) and the newly industrializing countries of Southeast Asia. Topics include the historical roots of development, competing explanations for rapid growth in the region, the rise of China as an economic power, the Asian Financial Crisis, and the pressures of globalization and democracy. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 362 Chinese Politics Not offered this year SA
Traditional politics; the rise of warlords, nationalists, and radicals; causes of the “Liberation,” land reform, Hundred Flowers, Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution, and Four Modernizations; policies of Mao and Deng for development, health, law, and rights. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 363 Japanese Politics Not offered this year SA
A study of politics and government in Japan, focusing on the period since World War II. Attention will be given to the development of the party system, the formation of public policy, and the evolution of the national economy. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 364 Political Systems of the Middle East (also NES 322) Fall SA
Focuses on social and economic change in the Middle East as reflected in development strategies, political competition and conflict, and state intervention in economic and social life. The emphasis is on domestic and comparative politics in the Middle East rather than its international relations. Two lectures, one preceptorial. A. Jamal
POL 366 Politics in Africa Spring SA
A comparative approach to African political systems. The meanings of the concepts of modernization, national integration, and development are explored. Topics include the inheritances of colonial rule, independence and the new tasks, political patterns in the postindependence period, prospects for political change, and African interstate relations. Two lectures, one preceptorial. J. Widner
POL 367 Latin American Politics (also LAS 367) Spring SA
A study of the governments and politics of Latin America. The political systems of the Latin American countries will be examined, as well as the common political problems and processes of the area. Special attention will be given to the role of revolution, military rule, and constitutional democracy in Latin American political development. Two lectures, one preceptorial. D. Yashar
POL 368 Political Economy of Latin America (also LAS 368) Not offered this year SA
A study of the use of public policy instruments by Latin American governments to promote development. Topics include the structuralist-monetarist controversy, the Alliance for Progress and modernization, dependency in theory and practice, import-substitution and export promotion, the rise of bureaucratic authoritarianism, and alternative strategies for managing the debt crisis. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 371 Democracy in Europe Not offered this year SA
A theoretical and comparative examination of the evolution of democracy in Europe. The course examines how modern democracies emerge and change, with special attention to recent cases of democratization in Southern and Eastern Europe. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 372 Political Economy of Western Europe Not offered this year SA
Different patterns of industrialization produce differences in the political organization of capitalism, i.e., in the position and role of labor and in relations between business and the state. This course explores the historical roots of these differences and their implications for contemporary politics and policy. It focuses on France, West Germany, Britain, and Sweden. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 373 Central and East European Politics Not offered this year SA
A study of the interaction between economic and political change in selected East European countries, with comparative reference to the experience of other socialist and postsocialist nations. State-society relations are examined in light of the major theoretical approaches to state socialism. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 375 Politics after Communism Not offered this year SA
An examination of the political and economic change in Russia and some of the former Soviet republics from Gorbachev to the present. After briefly reviewing the main institutions of the Soviet system and theories of its collapse, the course examines specific reforms and the social impact of rapid systemic change. Topics include shock therapy (privatization and economic liberalization), nationalism, crime, and legislative reform, among others. The course will also compare the process of change in the former Soviet Union with democratic and market transitions in Latin America and elsewhere. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 376 Political Islam (see NES 268)
POL 377 Sophomore Seminar Not offered this year SA
Investigation of a major theme in comparative politics. Reading and intensive discussion of selected issues in the literature. One three-hour seminar. Staff
POL 381 Theories of International Relations Fall SA
Examination of selected theories and issues of international relations including the following: causes of war, theories of imperialism, the issue of order and change, the relationship of morality and statecraft. Course readings drawn from historical and theoretical materials. Two lectures, one preceptorial. J. Gowa
POL 382 War and Peace Not offered this year SA
An examination of war as a political phenomenon, with a particular emphasis on the period since 1945. Topics to be considered include the cause, character, and consequences of war, the evolution of warfare, the moral justification of war, and the possibility that war is becoming obsolete. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 383 International Cooperation Not offered this year SA
Examines theories about how international cooperation can be initiated and maintained. Topics include the achievement of cooperation under conditions of anarchy, regimes and norms, international and multilateral organizations, tacit bargaining, formal and informal agreements, and strategies for punishing noncompliance. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 384 European Politics and Society in the 20th Century (see EPS 300)
POL 385 International Political Economy Fall SA
A study of the relationship between political and economic processes in international affairs. Attention will be given to problems that lie on the boundary between politics and economics. Two lectures, one preceptorial. D. Campello
POL 387 Peacemaking (see WWS 313)
POL 388 Causes of War Fall SA
Why do states and peoples go to war? Conversely, how can war be avoided? This course surveys some of the most important explanations—including human nature, the anarchic international system, domestic politics, economics, technology, nationalism, and terrorism—and evaluates them in light of historical wars, and of crises resolved short of war. We will examine cases ranging from the Peloponnesian War to the ongoing American-led war against terrorism. Two lectures, one preceptorial. G. Bass
POL 389 Theory and Practice of International Diplomacy (see WWS 321)
POL 392 American Foreign Policy Spring SA
A systematic study of major issues and problems of American foreign policy in the contemporary world. Two lectures, one preceptorial. G. Ikenberry
POL 393 Asia in World Affairs Not offered this year SA
A survey of the diplomatic and economic relations between major Asian states (Japan, China, India, and ASEAN countries) and the West. The focus will be on regional security, economic integration, bilateral relations with the United States, and foreign policy-making institutions and processes in these countries. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 394 Russia and the World Not offered this year SA
The fall, rise, and fall of Russian power in the 20th century. Issues considered include explaining the rise, decline, and collapse of great powers; the connection between imperial and international strategy; and the influence of personality, domestic politics, and ideas. Topics covered include Soviet grand strategy, collapse of the Soviet state, the merging international politics of post-Soviet Eurasia, Russia’s post-Soviet identity, and the prospects for Russian resurgence. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 396 International Organization Not offered this year SA
This course examines the role played by international organizations (IOs)—especially inter-state multilateral institutions—in the international system. It focuses on the effectiveness of IOs in managing global issues in a rapidly changing world and addresses questions such as: Why do IOs exist? What do they do? How do we gauge their success? Are they simply irrelevant? The course begins by covering several theoretical approaches to understanding IOs, their functions, and their shortcomings, then moves on to a critical examination of the work of different types of IOs. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 397 National Security Not offered this year SA
An introduction to classic texts (for example, Sun Tzu, Clausewitz) and dominant theoretical approaches in the study of national security. Why states fight and how they fight are examined with an emphasis on how they generate and employ military power in combat. The determinants of battlefield effectiveness, the limits of military power, and the historical evolution of warfare are also considered. Attention is paid to alternative conceptions of security (including human security) and warfare, including civil wars, insurgencies, and genocide. Cases are drawn from diverse Western and non-Western historical eras. Two lectures, one preceptorial. Staff
POL 410–413 Seminar in Political Theory Spring
Investigation of a major theme in political theory. Reading and intensive discussion of selected issues in the literature. One three-hour seminar. R. Sagar (410, spring)
POL 420–423 Seminar in American Politics Fall, Spring SA
Investigation of a major theme in American politics. Reading and intensive discussion of selected issues in the literature. One three-hour seminar. C. Cameron (420, fall); T. Mendelberg (421, spring)
POL 424 Topics in African American Religion (see AAS 368)
POL 430–434 Seminar in Comparative Politics Not offered this year SA
Investigation of a major theme in comparative politics. Reading and intensive discussion of selected issues in the literature. One three-hour seminar. Staff
POL 440–443 Seminar in International Relations Not offered this year SA
Investigation of a major theme in international relations. Reading and intensive discussion of selected issues in the literature. One three-hour seminar. Staff
POL 450–453 Seminar in Methods in Political Science Not offered this year QR
Investigation of a major theme in methods of political science. Reading and intensive discussion of selected issues in the literature. One three-hour seminar. Staff
POL 462 Special Topics in Public Affairs (see WWS 462)