Courses

What makes for an effective political leader? This course examines the problem of leadership in political systems, the various ways it can be exercised, and its role in political development. It will pay particular attention to leadership exercised by some of the major figures of the past and present.

An analysis of the historical development of the American party system; evaluation of the two major parties as a tool for electoral organization and representation; decline of partisan identification and the rise of interest groups.

An analysis of the major political philosophers from Plato to the early twentieth century.

Examination of what the field of social and cognitive psychology tells us about politics and political behavior. Students will analyze politics by focusing on the psychology of individuals, e.g., how individuals make voting decisions, process information, and form opinions. Students will understand the effect of group or social identity (e.g. race or religion) on political beliefs, preferences, and partisan affiliation.

The operation of power in comparative perspective. Emphasis is given to the social and historical conditions that shape power relations in the political system, social structures, the economy, and culture.

Introduction to the nature, types, and problems of political theory. Core of readings consists of selections from classic works of political theory and philosophy.

Exploration of the major religious, political, cultural, and intellectual developments that took place in England and Ireland over the course of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Students will become acquainted with literature and religion as they reflected and shaped historical developments and will also come to engage critically with the past through close readings of primary sources and other documents.

A study of the relationship between the media and political consciousness (the way we think and feel about politics), focusing on the news: its content, the way people perceive and use that content, and the way politically active people attempt to influence that content.

An analysis of the organization and functioning of public and private bureaucracies, including a general survey of the theory and practice of administration. Case studies will compare the functioning of actual agencies with administrative theory.

An examination of the causes of crime in America in the economics, social, political, racial, and ideological context, the controversies it generates, and consideration of significant reforms.