SPI 537 / SOC 537

Urban Inequality and Social Policy

Professor/Instructor

Patrick Thomas Sharkey

A review of the historical emergence and social evolution of cities and urban life. Course presents current theories regarding the ecological and social structure of urban areas, and how urban social organization affects the behavior and well-being of human beings who live and work in cities.

SPI 538

Urban Economics

Professor/Instructor

Esteban A. Rossi-Hansberg

This is a course in urban and regional economics. We study the main economic forces that lead to the emergence of cities and regional agglomeration, and the effects on worker productivity, urban amenities, and congestion. We discuss the problems in measuring these urban characteristics, the methodologies to do it, as well as the design of optimal urban policy. We also study the economic theory and evidence on the internal structure of cities, as well as the policies that can enhance urban living. Finally, the course analyzes the role cities play in aggregate economic development. Prerequisite: WWS 511c and 512b/c.

SPI 539

Urban Politics and Policymaking

Professor/Instructor

Patricia A. Kirkland

This course provides an overview of the major questions and debates surrounding politics and public policy in US cities. The course begins by examining the historical evolution and key institutions of cities. This background provides the context for studying how cities are governed and who (or what) determines municipal public policy. The course explores the salience of race, ethnicity, and inequality in American cities and touches on political participation, as well as the growth of metropolitan areas. Course readings and discussion cover a range of municipal public policy domains, including fiscal policy, policing, and growth policies.

SPI 540

Urbanization and Development

Professor/Instructor

Devanne Elizabeth Brookins

Examines the origins, types, and characteristics of cities in less developed countries and the ways in which patterns of urbanization interact with policies to promote economic growth and social equity. Readings and class discussions address three areas: a) a history of urbanization in the Third World; b) an analysis of contemporary urban systems, demographic patterns, and the social structure of large Third World cities; c) a review of the literature on urban dwellers with emphasis on the poor and their political and social outlooks.

SPI 541

International Politics

Professor/Instructor

James Raymond Vreeland

An introduction to international relations, primarily through the examination of selected episodes. The emphasis is on decision-making processes, the politics of foreign policy making, and the interaction of these national phenomena with the international system.

SPI 542

International Economics

Professor/Instructor

Silvia Weyerbrock

Survey course in international economics for non-specialists. The first half covers microeconomic topics such as trade theory and policy, multilateral trade negotiations and regional economic integration. The second half addresses macroeconomic topics such as current account imbalances, exchange rates, and international financial crises. The course stresses concepts and real-world applications rather than formal models. Prerequisite: 511b, 512b concurrently.

SPI 543

International Trade Policy

Professor/Instructor

Stephen James Redding

Evaluates arguments for and against protection and adjustment assistance and considers topics chosen from the following: non-tariff barriers, dumping, embargo threats and trade warfare, and the political economy of trade policy formation. Special attention is given to trade problems of the less-developed countries, including North-South trade relations and commodity price stabilization. Prerequisite: 511c.

SPI 544

International Macroeconomics

Professor/Instructor

Oleg Itskhoki

Issues in open economy macroeconomics and international finance. Topics include an exchange rate determination and dynamics, macroeconomic policy under fixed and floating exchange rates, current account behavior, exchange rate management and international policy coordination, and the history of the international monetary system. Special attention is given to the analysis of exchange rate crises. Prerequisite: 512c.

SPI 547

The Conduct of International Diplomacy

Professor/Instructor

Daniel C. Kurtzer

Offers a comparative look at the making and implementation of policy in the international arena. It explores key concepts and theories concerning national interest, negotiation, strategies of action and influence, crisis management and conflict resolution, and it applies those concepts via case studies and simulations in diplomacy, counter-terrorism, foreign assistance, and security policy.

SPI 548

Weapons of Mass Destruction and International Security

Professor/Instructor

Christopher F. Chyba

This course examines the roles of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons in international security historically, at present, and in possible futures. The technical basis for these weapons will be presented at a level suitable for the non-scientist, and the challenges of state and non-state acquisition or development will be assessed. Topics to be examined include deterrence, defense, preemption, arms control, nonproliferation, and plausible terrorist capabilities.

SPI 549

National Security Policy

Professor/Instructor

Aaron Louis Friedberg

Examines the changing meaning of "national security" and the various policies and institutions through which states may seek to enhance it. Course emphasizes the formation and implementation of national security policy by the United States government.

SPI 550

PhD Gateway in Security Studies

Professor/Instructor

Christopher F. Chyba

The field fo Security Studies is distinguished by its focus on a clearly delineated set of intellectual and practical problems. This course will serve as the required gateway for all students entering the Woodrow Wilson School's new PhD cluster in Security Studies. Students will take this course during the fall semester of their first year.

SPI 552

The Politics of Globalization

Professor/Instructor

Rebecca Louise Perlman

The multiple set of relationships between rich and poor countries, including borrowing and the promotion of political and economic models of governance, trade, investment, loans and aid; migration; environmental degradation and protection; and cultural diffusion. The course concludes with an assessment of the likelihood of accommodation and confrontation in the post-Cold War world.

SPI 555A

Topics in IR

Professor/Instructor

James Raymond Vreeland

Courses that examine particular issues in international relations. Topics vary according to the interests of the students and the instructors. Fall term courses are numbered 555; spring term courses are numbered 556.

SPI 555B

Topics in IR

Professor/Instructor

Arian Mawj Sharifi

Courses that examine particular issues in international relations. Topics vary according to the interests of the students and the instructors. Fall term courses are numbered 555; spring term courses are numbered 556.

SPI 555C

Topics in IR

Professor/Instructor

Zack Cooper

Investigates democratization as a global phenomenon. Introduces the dominant theoretical debates over the meaning of democracy. Considers: goals and objectives of democracy; democracies in history; importance of requisites (economic, cultural, political) for democracy; domestic versus transnational constraints on democratization; links between democratization and marketization. The emphasis is on empirical comparisons.

SPI 555D

Topics in IR

Professor/Instructor

Doyle Hodges

Courses that examine particular issues in international relations. Topics vary according to the interests of the students and the instructors. Fall term courses are numbered 555; spring term courses are numbered 556.

SPI 555E

Topics in IR

Professor/Instructor

Salam Fayyad

This course deals with significant issues in the study of international relations. Topics vary based on the expertise of regular faculty and visiting lecturers. In principle, fall term courses are numbered 555; spring term courses are numbered 556. The only exception to this rule is when a Topics in IR course originates in the fall, but needs to be shifted to the spring in a subsequent year.

SPI 556A

Topics in IR

Professor/Instructor

Juan Carlos Pinzon

Courses that examine particular issues in international relations. Topics vary according to the interests of the students and the instructors. Fall term courses are numbered 555; spring term courses are numbered 556.

SPI 556B / POL 564 / LAS 566

Topics in IR

Professor/Instructor

Atul Kohli

Courses that examine particular issues in international relations. Topics vary according to the interests of the students and the instructors. Fall term courses are numbered 555; spring term courses are numbered 556.

SPI 556C

Topics in IR

Professor/Instructor

Courses that examine particular issues in international relations. Topics vary according to the interests of the students and the instructors. Fall term courses are numbered 555; spring term courses are numbered 556.

SPI 556D

Topics in IR

Professor/Instructor

John W. Limbert

Courses that examine particular issues in international relations. Topics vary according to the interests of the students and the instructors. Fall term courses are numbered 555; spring term courses are numbered 556.

SPI 556E

Topics in IR

Professor/Instructor

Robert L. Hutchings

Courses that examine particular issues in international relations. Topics vary according to the interests of the students and the instructors. Fall term courses are numbered 555; spring term courses are numbered 556.

SPI 556G

Topics in IR

Professor/Instructor

G. John Ikenberry, Aaron Louis Friedberg

Courses that examine particular issues in international relations. Topics vary according to the interests of the students and the instructors. Fall term courses are numbered 555; spring term courses are numbered 556.

SPI 558

Human Rights

Professor/Instructor

Gary Jonathan Bass

This course looks at human rights as a public policy issue. It considers debates over the definition of human rights; the possibilities and limits of humanitarian intervention; the ability of human rights activists and international actors to undermine dictatorial governments; and the impact of the laws of war. We consider historical and contemporary cases around the world, including the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust, Bosnia, China, and more.