IREL 110: Principles of Economics
This course is an introduction to both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students are introduced to the analytical tools and techniques used by economists to better understand the choices economic agents make and how markets function. The study of microeconomics includes consumer theory, producer behavior, and analysis of market structure. The study of macroeconomics includes the determination of aggregate production, employment and inflation, as well as fiscal policy, monetary policy, the distribution of income, and economic growth. The theories presented are applied throughout the semester to issues facing the U.S. and world economies. (This course satisfies Social Science.)
cross listed: ECON 110
IREL 130: Intro to Comparative Politics
This course is an introduction to the main concepts and theories of comparative politics. Students explore central questions of comparative politics research, such as: do variations in political institutions (constitutions, elections, parties, and party systems) matter and why? What are the different ways in which citizens participate in politics and how has it changed over time? What are the key differences between democratic and authoritarian regimes and how a country may transition from one to another? In addition, students also learn about fundamental principles and methods of comparative political analysis. Lastly, case studies of different countries around the globe help students apply abstract theories, concepts, and methods and thereby develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 140
IREL 140: Introduction to Global Politics
This course studies political behavior globally, involving countries, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and other international actors. It introduces students to the analytical tools – concepts, models, and theories – scholars use to explain and understand global phenomenon past and present, such as war and peace, weapons proliferation, trade and development, international law, the environment, human rights, migration, and public health. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 110
IREL 160: Intro to Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology and anthropology share a focus on exploring the social (group rather than individual) bases of human practices and behaviors. Both disciplines study social interaction and such social institutions as family and religion. This course introduces students to key concepts for viewing the world through sociological and anthropological lenses, including cultural relativism, material culture, and the social construction of human experience through categories like race, class, and gender. Limited to first- and second-year students. Not open to students who have taken SOAN 100. (This course satisfies Social Science.)
cross listed: SOAN 110
IREL 220: Europe 1715-1890
Socio-economic, political, and intellectual and cultural development of Europe from 1715 to 1890. The crisis of the old order in the age of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. Industrialization, democratization, and modernization in the nineteenth century. The emergence of nation-states, consumer societies, and modern ideologies. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: HIST 208
IREL 221: Europe in the Twentieth Century
European politics, culture, and society from 1890s to 1990s. The course pursues three major themes: the origins of the modern era from 1890 to 1918; the rise of the authoritarian state from 1917 to 1945; and the Cold War from the 1940s to the collapse of the Soviet Union. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: HIST 209
IREL 234: Modern East Asia
Study of China, Japan, and Korea as each moved toward modern nationhood over the last 200 years. Attention to the difficulties each has confronted, including Japan's vision of empire shattered by World War II, China's civil war, and Korea's transformation through foreign interventions. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: HIST 213, ASIA 201
IREL 240: United States Foreign Policy
Students in this course explore the domestic and international factors that have shaped the foreign policy of the United States since the end of the Cold War, and especially over the past decade. Students study the major ideologies shaping contemporary debates about the national interests of the U.S. and the country's role abroad, the models of foreign policy decision-making, and the workings of core policymaking institutions - the White House, executive branch departments and agencies, Congress, and civil society - on matters of war and peace, trade and foreign assistance, human rights and humanitarian affairs, and the environment. (This course satisfies Social Science.)
cross listed: POLS 240, AMER 241
IREL 241: Global Issues
This course surveys contemporary global issues in security, economic, humanitarian, and environmental affairs. In depth case studies include the Russia-Ukraine war; China-Taiwan relations; Iran and North Korea's nuclear weapons programs; the US-China trade war and the global trend toward trade protectionism; human migration; international negotiations and treaties addressing global environmental problems like climate change, species diversity and loss, and plastic pollution; and the Covid-19 pandemic. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 241
IREL 242: Politics of the Global South
This course introduces students to contemporary political, economic, and social issues in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa - regions of the world that are referred to collectively as the Global South. Students survey major relevant theoretical approaches in comparative politics and situate non-Western states in global political, economic, and social context. Students also explore specific topics, such as democratization, nationalism, state-building, and civil society. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 242
IREL 245: Global IR Theory
In this course, students survey the major theoretical models and concepts associated with the study of international relations in the West and other regions of the world for the purpose of analyzing and thinking critically about contemporary international political issues. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 245
IREL 247: Transnational Social Movements
This course examines the emergence, evolution, and impact of transnational social movements, in which activists mobilize across national boundaries to effect global change. It explores the interaction of transnational social movements with other global actors, such as states and international organizations; the ways in which social media, technology, and globalization have changed the methods of organizing and efficacy of these movements; and the impact of these movements on global norms. We assess a wide variety of cases, such as #MeToo, human rights in Argentina, the anti-whaling movement, and transnational peace movements. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 247
IREL 249: Methods of Political Research
This course introduces students to the nuts and bolts of systematic political science research. Students learn how to construct a research question - and develop and test hypotheses. Students apply concepts and strategies learned in class to develop their own research design. The course will also expose students to: basic quantitative and qualitative skills for the purposes of describing and explaining political phenomena, and the analysis of data on issues in American and global politics. Prerequisite: Politics or International Relations major, or consent of instructor. (This course satisfies Quantitative Reasoning.)
cross listed: POLS 200
IREL 250: Politics of Europe
This course is a survey of the domestic political institutions, cultures, and economies of select European countries, as well as the major public policy issues facing the advanced industrial democracies of Western Europe, the new democracies of Central and Eastern Europe, and the continent's last autocracies (e.g., Russia). Some consideration is also given to pan-European governance, such as the European Union (EU) and the European Court of Human Rights. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 210
IREL 251: Politics of Russia
The course will investigate the domestic political processes, institutions, and economies of the Russian Federation and the other states in the post-Soviet Union. Additionally, the course examines Russia's foreign policy, paying close attention to the Russian Federation's actions toward its close neighbors. Prerequisites: POLS 110 or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 218
IREL 252: The Post-Communist World
This course familiarizes students with the politics of communist and post-communist states focusing on Russia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and China, although other regions also are routinely included in the discussion. We begin with an overview of the origins and development of communism in the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and China. Then we examine and analyze the profound political, economic, and social changes in the former communist societies. Specifically, we explore economic transition from planned to market economy, democratization and persistence of authoritarianism, as well as nationalism and conflict. After taking the course, students are expected to understand the emergence and collapse of communism and political dynamics of post-communist transition, as well as to be able to identify key challenges facing post-communist states and critically evaluate their prospects for democratization. No pre-requisites. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 209, ASIA 209
IREL 255: China and the World
How has the dramatic rise of China reshaped global politics? How has Chinese foreign policy changed since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)? This course examines China’s evolving understanding of its relationship with the international system and the domestic and global factors that drive Chinese foreign policy. We explore China’s growing influence in addressing global governance challenges, such as climate change; China’s participation in major international institutions; and China’s key bilateral relationships with entities like the United States, Russia, ASEAN, and India. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 215, ASIA 221
IREL 259: Politics of Latin America
This course surveys the politics, history, and economics of Latin American countries. It examines how these factors shape current political issues in the region. The course begins by looking at the colonial foundations of Latin America and its independence process. It then provides an in-depth overview of the second half of the twentieth century to understand models of economic development and how authoritarian rule shaped the region during this time. Then, the course investigates the processes of political democratization and economic neoliberalism towards the end of the twentieth century. Finally, the course examines current issues in the twenty-first century, such as democratic backsliding, identity politics, and organized crime. No Prerequisites. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 219, LNAM 219
IREL 340: International Terrorism
The central aim of this course is to critically examine the phenomenon of terrorism. In so doing, we will adopt the following approach: (i) we will briefly analyze the concepts of security and violence; (ii) we will discuss the etymology of the concept "terrorism." (iii) We will explore the idea of terrorism as an instrumentally rational undertaking. Parallel to this we will read a sample of articles from the positive political science literature on terrorism. (iv) We will examine the morality of terrorism as refracted through the lens of the rich theorizing on just war and will carefully investigate the philosophy literature on terrorism. Finally (v) in light of the foregoing theoretical examination, we will examine the U.S.-led "war on terror." Prerequisite: POLS 110. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 340
IREL 341: Global Cities
Today more than half of the world’s population lives in cities. Global cities are now the key command points in the world economy. In addition to familiar Western cities like New York and London, southern metropolises, such as Beijing, Mumbai, Dubai, and Sao Paolo have become centers of urban innovation and economic growth. At the same time, global cities face various, political, social, and economic challenges: gentrification, segregation, inadequate public goods provision, and securitization of urban space, just to name a few. In this class, we discuss questions such as: How do cities and city regions function in the global economy? What drives urban development? Why are some cities well governed while others are not? What is urban informality and is it the problem or the solution for global cities? The class includes several case studies of various cities in the world that help students explore the diversity of global cities. Prerequisite: POLS 110 or POLS140 or permission of the instructor. (This course satisfies Writing Intensive.)
cross listed: POLS 316
IREL 342: International Political Economy
The course introduces students to the academic discipline of International Political Economy (IPE). It surveys the intellectual history of the discipline and specifies the main methodological and theoretical debates in IPE. The course also examines international trade and production, the international monetary and financial systems, and global poverty and development. Prerequisite: Politics 110 or consent of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 342
IREL 343: Global Security
Global security studies the measures undertaken by international actors to ensure the survival of states (national security), the preservation of the system of states (international security), and the wellbeing of people (human security) from a wide range of threats. Students learn about the emergence of the specialized field of “security studies,” which focused on Cold War-era, military issues like conventional and nuclear deterrence. They then consider the more recent transformation of the field’s scope to include both these traditional issues and new issues - both military and non-military in nature, such as proliferation, intra-state conflict, terrorism, environmental degradation and climate change, displaced populations, and infectious diseases. Prerequisites: Politics 110 (This course satisfies Social Science.)
cross listed: POLS 343
IREL 344: Gender and Sexuality in IR
(Gender and Sexuality in International Relations.) This course explores the intersection of gender and sexuality with a variety of topics in international relations, such as conflict and war, global political economy, development, human rights, population policy, and global health. It examines how feminist and queer theories of international relations shed new light on existing areas of research, and how they generate new puzzles for political scientists to study. This course considers a wide range of cases from around the world, with particular attention to those from the Global South. Prerequisite: POLS 110 or consent of instructor. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 344, GSWS 344
IREL 346: International Humanitarian Law
This course explores the development and operation of international humanitarian law, the body of international law that seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict by regulating the means and methods of warfare and by protecting persons not participating in the hostilities. We discuss key doctrinal features of international humanitarian law--including proportionality, military necessity, and the distinction between civilian objects and military objectives--as well as key sources of international humanitarian law, including, e.g., the Conventions of The Hague and Geneva (and their progeny). We examine the difference between international and non-international armed conflicts, and we also consider the relationship between international humanitarian law and other areas of international law, such as international human rights law and international criminal law. Cases studies draw from recent and ongoing wars and militarized conflicts such as Ukraine, Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan. Prerequisite: POLS 110 or permission of instructor (This course satisfies Social Science and Writing Intensive.)
cross listed: POLS 346
IREL 347: Global Governance
In this course students survey the theories of international institutions, both inter-governmental and non-governmental, focusing on how they emerge and function, as well as their effect on international relations processes and outcomes. Also central to the course are in-depth case studies of international organizations in the fields of diplomacy, security, economics, environment, law, and humanitarian affairs. Special emphasis is placed on the role of institutions in fostering governance and cooperation at the global level in the absence of political authority above the state. Prerequisite: Politics 110 or consent of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 347
IREL 348: International Law
Students in this course investigate the evolution of modern international law. We consider the roles of states, the United Nations, and non-state actors in international law, mechanisms for the creation and enforcement of international legal norms, the changing nature of state sovereignty from the Peace of Westphalia to the present, and breaches of international law and potential consequences. Attention is also given to pressing matters of international concern, including war and terrorism, environmental issues, and human rights and humanitarian law. Prerequisite: POLS 110 or consent of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 348
IREL 350: Migration and Citizenship
Migration across national boundaries is one of the fundamental issues in global politics of our time. What factors shape global migration flows? How do different countries regulate migration? How do states decide who belongs and who does not? Who is kept out and who is let in? How do immigration policies reflect the notion of citizenship? Can citizenship be earned, bought, or sold? This course examines causes and consequences of global migration and dilemmas associated with them in comparative perspective. Through case studies from various regions of the world, including Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Middle East, students gain understanding of global patterns of migration flows, as well as how states and societies respond to them and are transformed by them. Prerequisite: POLS 110 or POLS 140 or approval of the instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Writing Intensive.)
cross listed: POLS 345
IREL 351: Campaigns & Elections in L America
This course focuses on the study of elections, campaigns, leaders, and political parties in Latin America. This seminar covers recent (each year’s elections and campaigns) and previous electoral processes in the region. The course examines how parties and voters interact and how parties in the region have developed different strategies to engage voters. The seminar also addresses the electoral processes: who can become a candidate, why, when, where people vote, and the different rules set up by countries for the electoral processes. In this seminar, we also study what happens during the campaigns with a particular focus on electoral violence, and violence against women in elections. The seminar is designed to provide a foundation for the development of original research and innovative theoretical approaches that can contribute to the study of the region and comparative politics more generally. (This course satisfies Social Science and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 319, LNAM 329
IREL 353: Comparative Foreign Policy
Though varied, the foreign policies of countries exhibit similar patterns, as well as analogous restraints and opportunities. Through a comparative analysis, this course surveys case studies of the contemporary foreign policies of great powers (Britain, China, France, Germany, Japan, and Russia) and regional powers (Brazil, India, Iran, South Africa, and Turkey). It analyzes how foreign policy interests are formulated, utilizing a variety of theories that highlight the importance of domestic and international influences on a country's foreign policy choices and behavior. Prerequisite: Politics 110 or consent of instructor. .
cross listed: POLS 315
IREL 355: Authoritarian Politics
This course examines the politics of authoritarian rule: the factors that lead to authoritarianism and the variety of authoritarian regimes (comparing personalist dictatorships versus military ones, for instance). It investigates the key issues that autocrats face when it comes to securing their rule, as well as the tools they use to stay in power. It assesses the consequences of authoritarianism such as economic development, civil liberties, and human rights. Finally, the course investigates both transitions towards and to democracy, as well as regression into autocracy (i.e., democratic backsliding). Current and historical cases of authoritarian rule from around the world are considered, including China, Russia, Venezuela, and elsewhere. Prerequisite: POLS 110 or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 355
IREL 357: Global Democratization
In this course, the students learn why and how democracies emerge, persist, and break down by examining theories and case studies of transitions from authoritarian rule to democracy and vice versa. The students explore the concept of democracy and different explanations of conditions that make democracy possible and make it thrive. They also learn how and why the process of regime change and democratization is often flawed, incomplete, and uncertain. In addition, this course highlights the erosion of democratic institutions in established democracies and the rise of illiberal populism. Prerequisite: POLS 110 or POLS 140 or permission of the instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Writing Intensive.)
cross listed: POLS 317
IREL 389: Inter-American Human Rights System
This course studies the political history of human rights in Latin America. Human rights are the universal entitlements - political, economic, social, cultural, etc. - that apply equally to all human beings regardless of their nationality. More specifically, the course investigates the development of the Inter-American Humans Rights System and how it has given rise to human rights conventions and other human rights milestones in the Americas. It studies the multiple conventions that form the system and how they came into being. Additionally, the course also focuses on the system's multiple enforcement mechanisms that are meant to ensure the protection on human rights in the region. Prerequisite: POLS 110 or permission of instructor (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: POLS 389, LNAM 389
IREL 480: 21st Century International Order
(Senior Seminar in International Relations: The 21st Century International Order) The United States will remain a leading power for some time, but many scholars of international relations foresee the end of the global preeminence it has enjoyed since 1948. Yet scholars disagree on how the United States' relative decline will affect the 21st century international order. Some imagine the United States and its closest allies working in concert to fortify and extend the current liberal international order of economic integration, cooperative security, and democracy. Others envision a post-American and post-liberal world in which the United States and its allies are in competition with other countries disaffected by U.S. global preeminence and liberal internationalism. This senior seminar studies the politics of international order in the 21st century world. It investigates the following questions: Can the current liberal international order persist in the absence of U.S. preeminence? How are challengers, such as rival powers China and Russia, rising powers like India and Brazil, as well as Iran and North Korea, seeking to counter the United States and undermine the liberal international order? Should this order falter, what type of alternative order might replace it? What might be the consequences of a disordered world in which countries are unable to agree on a set of rules, norms, principles, and decision-making procedures? (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
IREL 481: Global Governance
(Senior Seminar in Global Politics/International Relations: Global Governance.) Global governance is a branch of international relations that imagines the world as a single polity. Short of establishing a world government, it studies the processes and structures, both formal and informal, associated with efforts by states and non-state actors to direct their collective activities toward finding multilateral solutions to the growing complexity of issues on the global agenda. From the environment, health, crime, and human rights to war, trade, and finance, global governance encounters a world in which there is a “governance deficit.” Despite the genuine differences among actors and the potential for acute discord resulting from their unequal interdependence, global governance involves the study of efforts at international cooperation on global issues as they pertain to agenda-setting, policymaking, implementation and enforcement, and evaluation, monitoring, and adjudication. The course combines a survey of contemporary global governance literature – theoretical, empirical, and historical – and student-directed workshops and research presentations on global governance issues. Prerequisite: Politics 110; politics and international relations juniors and seniors only; or consent of instructor. (This course satisfies Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: POLS 481