Comparative Politics

This course is a comparative study of the countries in Europe. Politics and economic institutions, parties, particpation and representation in major countries like the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Ireland will be a central focus. Finally the course examines the history, process, and institutions of European integration with particular attention to the EU.

Approaches the study of Latin America with a general introduction to its historical background and political geography. In addition, the general pattern of religion and society, economics and politics will be examined with special attention to patterns of power and politics in modern Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Chile.

This course is a comparative study of the countries of Asia. Students focus on issues of politics, culture, and economics from a national and regional perspective. Cases include India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, and the Asian Pacific countries of China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

This course explores the impacts of colonialism, role of governance, failure of development assistance, and persistence of conflicts on the African continent. A sub-theme of social justice runs through the course: why is Africa underdeveloped, how should/should not the world respond, how does underdevelopment affect the people living on the continent, and what positive developments have been taking place.

Events in the Middle East often influence global events and US policy.  This course will introduce students to the basic historical, religious, cultural, and economic factors that shape the politics of Middle Eastern countries and how Middle Eastern politics affects the US.  The course is beneficial to students in understanding the Palestinian-Israeli crisis, the “Arab Spring,” terrorism, and oil politics.

This course explores the relationship between business and politics across countries. Students examine the relevance of different political regimes, institutions, and policies for business and industry organizations. Through historical and contemporary cases, students gain understanding of empirical and theoretical issues.

These courses involve special topics in different areas of political science and are offered periodically.

These courses involve special topics in different areas of political science and are offered periodically.