POLS 1600: Introduction to International Politics
This course provides a broad exploration of international politics, a major field within political science. We focus on the interactions between states, groups, and individuals in the international system, examining how their interests and the institutions they create shape global outcomes. The course combines theory, history, and current events to analyze enduring themes of conflict and cooperation. Major topics include the causes of war, the dynamics of the international political economy, nuclear proliferation, and environmental cooperation. A key objective is to help students develop the critical skills required to systematically analyze world politics, moving from being well-informed to being a true analyst.
POLS 2000: Methods in Political Science
This course serves as a foundational introduction to research design and the scientific method as applied to the study of politics. We explore the entire research process, from formulating a strong research question and building a theory to defining concepts and testing hypotheses. The course covers the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of scientific inquiry alongside the practical application of qualitative and quantitative methods. A weekly lab session provides hands-on experience with the statistical software Stata, ultimately preparing students to become informed and critical consumers of political arguments and data.
POLS 2510: European Politics
This course provides an in-depth analysis of Europe and the European Union, the world’s most successful case of regional integration. We trace the evolution of the EU from the 1950s to its present-day organization, examining its key institutions and complex policy-making processes. A major focus is placed on the contemporary crises shaking the EU’s foundations, including Brexit, economic shocks, the refugee crisis, and political backlash at the polls. By applying core concepts from comparative politics and international relations, students gain a sophisticated understanding of the forces that both unite and divide the continent.
POLS 2600: Introduction to International Political Economy
This course explores the dynamic interaction between politics and economics on a global scale. We investigate the key theories and pressing topics in the field, including international trade, the role of multinational corporations, the international monetary system, and the political and economic forces behind globalization. The course is designed not only to familiarize students with the literature but also to equip them with the analytical tools needed to understand how political relationships affect economic outcomes and, conversely, how economic realities shape domestic and international politics.
POLS 3620: International Organization and the Management of World Problems
This course examines the role of international organizations (IOs) in managing global challenges. We start by exploring the core theoretical frameworks—from realism to constructivism—that scholars use to understand why IOs are created and how they function. We then conduct in-depth case studies of key institutions, including general-purpose organizations like the United Nations, security alliances like NATO, and specialized bodies like the WTO, IMF, World Bank, and the International Criminal Court. A central component of the course is a group project where students design a plan to tackle a significant global problem through institutional means, bridging theory and real-world policy.
POLS 4670/5670: Politics of International Trade & Finance
This upper-level course provides an analytical background for students planning careers in government service, international organizations, or the global economy. The course is divided into two parts. The first half provides a comprehensive overview of the politics of international trade, covering economic theories, institutional rules, and the domestic and international factors that shape trade policy. The second half focuses on the politics of international finance, examining the actors, institutions, and processes that govern foreign exchange, direct investment, and aid. Throughout the semester, we analyze the consequences of integrated markets and the mechanisms behind systemic financial crises.
POLS 4692/5690: Theories of World Politics
This is an advanced seminar for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students that explores the major theoretical traditions and scholarly debates in the study of world politics. We begin by examining the classic and contemporary works that form the field’s foundational “isms”. The second half of the course applies these theoretical lenses to critical issues in international security and political economy, such as nuclear deterrence, globalization, and international trade. The primary goal is to move beyond simply knowing about world events to understanding the deeper causal arguments and research designs that scholars use to explain them. Students engage directly with the literature by leading discussions and developing an original research project.