Course Catalog

The course provides a perspective on major currents of recent political thought in the context of the economy. It considers the spectrum of thinking from libertarianism through classical and progressive liberalism, focusing on distinctions between economic and political liberty, social justice, and democratic citizenship. The course considers lastly contemporary concerns with international distributive justice.

This course provides an overview of political communication theories, modes, means and institutions and serves as an introduction to how communication scholars study politics and the media. We will cover prevalent political communication theories and trends, the relationship between political institutions and the press both in the US and in other countries, elections, debates, political campaigning and advertising, new media and politics, political socialization, education, politics and popular culture.

The course discusses the pertinence or not of cosmopolitan thought to analysis of world politics. Born from a moral dis-course pitched against the power politics of empire (Greek stoicism), cosmopolitanism is today defined by a moral and legal culture of human rights and an ethical and political culture of global values and/or goods. Contemporary proponents and critics of cosmopolitanism are analyzed in this context.

Examines the work of international organizations, public and private, that are engaged in exposing the violation of human rights throughout the world, as well as the international agreements that have been concluded and the results of these agreements.

This seminar is designed to introduce students to modern Southeast Asian politics, particularly the historical foundations for current events. Students will explore the complexities of the continental and island states of this region with emphasis on the legacy of colonialism and war, ASEAN, the burgeoning regional economy, terrorism and democratic governance.

Examines concerns about interaction between environmental degradation and developmental aspirations that have recently been placed on political agendas around the world. Examines how and to what extent the international system imposes constraints on and presents opportunities for nation-states as they attempt to achieve sustainable development.

This course examines the role of marine environments and fresh waters from the perspective of international security, conflict and cooperation, international law, economics, and environmental safety and culture. Topics include water scarcity, access to sanitation and health, water and gender, capacity-building, financing, valuation, integrated water resources management, trans-boundary water issues, environment and biodiversity, and disaster prevention.

International human rights law established the norms, jurisprudence and legal infrastructure necessary to promote the implementation of international human rights standards. This course introduces key substantive and institutional issues and explores the establishment of standards, international human rights treaties, their implementation mechanisms and the expanding body of jurisprudence that make up this discipline at the crossroads of law and development.

Analyzes European security issues in the post-Cold War era. Traces the evolution of NATO, as well as British, French, and German security policy. Focuses on the security issues facing Eastern Europe and the ramifications of NATO enlargement in regard to US, European, and Russian security issues.