Courses

Instructor: David Canon (TR 1:00-2:15)

Syllabus: PS 104-David Canon

4 Credits

Basic institutions and processes of American government. The role of constitutional structures, parties, interest groups and elections in the system; policy formation and policy content.

Instructors: Nadav Shelef (TR 4:00-5:15)

Syllabus:

4 Credits

Comparison of politics and government in selected countries around the world.

Instructor: Anna Oltman (TR 9:30-10:45)

4 Credits

Covers the major issues in international relations since the end of World War II including: the causes of war; civil wars and ethnic conflict; economic development; international trade; exchange rates and international monetary relations; international capital flows and financial crises; foreign direct investment; globalization and the environment; the UN, the IMF, World Bank, WTO, and other international organizations; and international law and human rights. The focus is on states’ relations with each other and the factors determining the nature and outcomes of these international interactions. The course seeks to develop analytical tools for thinking about important questions in world politics regardless of the countries or issues involved, to examine international affairs in a systematic way.

Instructor: Michelle Schwarze (MW 2:30-3:45)

Syllabus: PS 160-Michelle Schwarze

4 Credits

Exploration of core problems of political life, such as the nature and limits of obligation, the concept of justice and its political implications, and the relationship between equality and liberty, through a selection of ancient and modern sources.

Instructor: John Zumbrunnen (MW 2:30-3:45)

Syllabus: PS 201-John Zumbrunnen

3 Credits

An experimental topics course that introduces students to compelling recent events and to the current research of political scientists. This course can be repeated by students, but not with the same content.

Instructor:  Benjamin Marquez (MWF 9:55-10:45)

Syllabus: PS 231-Ben Marquez

4 Credits

Race, ethnicity, and religion as political factors; cultural pluralism, politics, and policy in the United States and selected other multi-cultural politics.

Instructor: David Danaher (TR 2:30-3:45)

Syllabus:

4 Credits

Comprehensive interdisciplinary survey of East European culture, society, politics, and literature from its beginnings to the present day.

Instructor: Viren Murthy (TR 4:00-5:15)

4 Credits

Multidisciplinary and historical perspectives on the East Asian civilizations of China, Japan, Korea, Tibet and Mongolia from prehistory to the present, including developments in philosophy, economy, governance, social structure, kinship, geography, etc

Instructor: Patrick Iber (TR 1:00-2:15)

4 Credits

Latin American culture and society from an interdisciplinary perspective; historical developments from pre-Columbian times to the present; political movements; economic problems; social change; ecology in tropical Latin America; legal systems; literature and the arts; cultural contrasts involving the US and Latin America; land reform; labor movements; capitalism, socialism, imperialism; mass media.

Instructor: Evan Morier (MW 11-11:50)

Syllabus: PS 270- Evan Morier

3 Credits

How numbers and statistics are used in electoral strategies, political debates and legal proceedings. Presents basic tools of analysis and how to use them.

Instructor: Devin Judge-Lord (MW 4-5:15)

Syllabus: PS 272-Devin Judge-Lord

3 Credits

Major issues of public policy in such fields as economic management, welfare, education, health, energy and the environment. How public problems develop, approaches to policy-making, why programs succeed and fail.

Instructor: James Sweet (TR 8:00-9:15)

4 Credits

African society and culture, polity and economy in multidisciplinary perspectives from prehistory and ancient kingdoms through the colonial period to contemporary developments, including modern nationalism, economic development and changing social structure.

Instructor: Barry Burden (MW 4:35-5:25)

Syllabus: PS 305- Barry Burden

3 Credits

Psychological and social components of voting behavior, current electoral trends, role of voters in the governing process.

Instructor: Amy Gangl (Online)

Syllabus:

3 Credits

Practical experience in a legislative office. Policy research. Readings in legislative process.

Instructor: Eunsook Jung (MW 2:30-3:45)

Syllabus: PS 323-Eunsook Jung

4 Credits

Examines the multifaceted nature of political Islam in the contemporary world. Starting with the basic tenants of Islam, and key concepts and theoretical understandings of the relationships between Islam and politics, the course builds on the approaches developed in the first part of the course examining how Islam has influenced politics differently in various parts of the world including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. Students will familiarize themselves with theoretical debates about the roles of Islam in politics; analyze the impact of Islam on politics in the contemporary world; and gain empirical knowledge about how Islam functions differently in various countries.

Instructor: Aili Tripp (MW 8:00-9:15)

Syllabus: PS 329- Aili Tripp

3 Credits

Process of rapid political change in contemporary Africa with special emphasis on the emergence of new states.

Instructor: Nils Ringe (TR 4:00-5:15)

Syllabus: PS 332- Nils Ringe

3 Credits

A broad overview of politics in Germany, Europe’s politically and economically most powerful country. The course is structured around several broad themes: political institutions, electoral system and elections, parties and party system, interest representation, political participation, political economy, the legacies of Germany’s past, social policy, European and foreign policy, and current and future challenges. Throughout the semester, we will relate the German experience to broader issues, problems, and concepts used in the comparative study of domestic politics.

Instructor: Yoshiko Herrera (T 1:20-3:15)

Syllabus:

3 Credits

An introduction to theories and empirical work on social identities, focusing in particular on definitions and measurement. It has three main goals: First, examine various definitions of social identities and different types of identities (ethnicity, race, nationality, gender, class, and religion). Second, look at techniques and strategies that have been developed to measure identities (content and discourse analysis, surveys, interviews and ethnography, censuses). Third, examine empirical works on identities from a variety of geographical areas and methodological perspectives.

Instructor: Scott Mobley (TR 9:30-10:45)

Syllabus: PS 343-Scott Mobley

3 Credits

Role of alliances in contemporary and historical international political systems. Purpose of alliance formation; reasons for their dissolution; relationship of alliance activity with international war and with political integration. Role of alliances in future international systems.

Instructor: Lisa Martin (TR 11:00-11:50)

Syllabus: PS 348- Lisa Martin

3 Credits

Focuses on how to analyze problems in international politics by the use of game theory. Examples include governments making choices about the size of their military forces, barriers to trade, or international agreements on environmental issues. Analysts study strategic interaction using both informal and mathematical methods. Provides a good introduction to the basics of game theory — a tool useful in many different settings — as well as an introduction to the study of world politics. From the perspective of quantitative reasoning, one of the most important set of lessons center on the logic of strategic interaction and the notion of equilibrium. Along with basic game theory students will also be introduced to the pragmatic use of mathematical tools including algebra, set theory, functions, and probability theory.

Instructor: TBD  (TR 2:30-3:45)

Syllabus:

3 Credits

Analyzes the interaction of politics and economics in the international arena, both historically and in the contemporary era of globalization. Focuses on international trade, monetary, and financial relations in both developed and developing economies.

Instructor: Patrick Barrett (TR 9:30-10:45)

Syllabus:

3 Credits

Provides a critical examination of the history of labor and working people in the Americas, from the colonial era to the present. It focuses on the experience of the United States and Mexico, offering a comparative perspective on their distinct but also shared (and increasingly linked) histories. The seminar proceeds chronologically, highlighting major episodes in the evolution of labor systems in the two countries, beginning with the colonial labor systems implemented by the Spanish and British empires following the European conquest of the Western Hemisphere. Among other topics, we will examine the pivotal role of slavery and other forms of forced labor, the impact of the industrial revolution, the emergence and expansion of corporate capitalism and the labor unrest it provoked in the post-civil war U.S., the role of labor in the Mexican Revolution and its aftermath, the impact of the Great Depression and labor incorporation on the post-WWII social and political order of both countries, the breakdown of that order and the move to neo-liberalism in the 1970s and 1980s, and the emergence of an increasingly integrated North American production system and its consequences for labor and working people on both sides of the US-Mexico border.

Instructor: Ann Rivlin (MW 9:55-10:45 AM)

Syllabus: PS 359-Ann Rivlin

3 Credits

This course undertakes a historical and analytical approach to U.S. foreign policy since World War II. The course is divided into three main topics: U.S. Foreign Policy since World War II and the evolution of U.S. policy and the impetus behind important foreign policy choices; The people and institutions and processes that guide foreign policy formation and implementation; And the more salient foreign policy challenges facing the U.S. in the 21st century including how the US has responded to the attacks of September 11, 2001, the effectiveness of foreign aid policy.

Instructor: John Zumbrunnen (MWF 8:50-9:40AM)

Syllabus: PS 361-John Zumbrunnen

3 Credits

This course considers central themes and controversies in American political thinking during the 20th and early 21st centuries. Topics include the development of liberalism from the Progressive Era to the New Deal to the Great Society and beyond; the emergence of new strands of conservatism after World War II and the tensions between those strands; challenges by excluded and marginalized groups to the traditional social and political order; and the revival of concerns about “community” in America. As a topic of study, “American Political Thought” combines philosophy, political theory, history, and practical politics. The course covers a wide variety of texts, ranging from philosophical treatises to newspaper articles, from presidential addresses to works of social science with ultimate goal to become more knowledgeable and more critical students of the American political experience.

Instructor: Eleanor Powell (MW 9:55-10:45)

Syllabus:

3 Credits

Theory and practice of survey research; planning, sampling, questionnaire construction, interviewing, content analysis, machine tabulation, analysis of data; two hours lecture; two hours lab or field work.

Instructor: Joel Clark (T 11:00-1:00)

Syllabus: PS 400-Steven Brooke

1 Credit

An umbrella course for variable credit topic courses, such as summer forum, intensive summer courses, half-semester courses, etc.

Instructor: Steven Brooke (TR 11:00-12:15)

Syllabus:

4 Credit

An umbrella course for variable credit topic courses, such as summer forum, intensive summer courses, half-semester courses, etc.

Instructor: Dustin Brown (TR 9:30-10:45)

Syllabus: PS 401- Dustin Brown

3 Credit

A topics course for the exploration of current issues in Political Science.

Instructor: Steven Brooke (TR 8:00-(;15)

Syllabus: PS 401-Steven Brooke

3 Credit

A topics course for the exploration of current issues in Political Science.

Instructor: Kenneth Mayer (TR 9:30-10:45)

Syllabus: PS 408- Ken Mayer

4 Credits

The President as chief administrative leader, political leader, foreign policy initiator, commander-in-chief, and head of state.

Instructor: Howard Schweber (TR 1:00-2:15)

Syllabus: PS 411-Howard Schweber

4 Credits

This course undertakes an historical examination of the development of American constitutional thinking about powers and structures of government from the founding era to the present day. Issue that are considered include separation of powers, executive war powers, the powers of Congress, judicial review and the role of courts, and federalism. The course focuses on the development of constitutional law, constitutional politics, and American political development.

Instructor:  Benjamin Marquez (TR 9:30-10:45)

Syllabus: PS 416-Ben Marquez

3 Credits

This course is designed to introduce students involved in volunteer or community activism in the Madison area to the literature on political power and community organizing. Students are required to conduct field research and write an analysis of their activities.

Instructors: Alex Tahk (TR 11:00-12:15)

Syllabus: PS 417-Alex Tahk

4 Credits

Structure, process, and personnel of American courts; emphasis on the governmental and political consequences of court decisions for public policy-making.

Instructors: Scott Straus (TR 1:00-2:15)

Syllabus: PS 439-Scott Straus

4 Credits

Examines the phenomenon of genocide in the modern world. The class covers the concept of genocide, theories of why genocide occurs, and particular cases in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Instructor: Nathaniel Gilmore (TR 2:30-3:45)

Syllabus:

3 Credits

An interdisciplinary seminar focusing on current policy debates designed to incorporate concepts and approaches from philosophy, political science, and economics.

Instructor: David Canon (M 3:30-5:35)

Syllabus: PS 481-David Canon

3 Credits

This course examines the sources and policy implications of racial division in American politics by analyzing a range of issues, such as affirmative action in the workplace and in higher education, the use of black majority districts as a means of enhancing representation of minority interests in Congress, differences in public opinion between whites and blacks, and issues concerning multi-racial and ethnic tensions. We will examine the historical background of race relations and the current policy debates, with a focus on trying to find common-ground solutions. The goal of this seminar is to stimulate critical thinking on this important issue, causing students to think about race and politics in new ways.

Instructors: Ryan Owens  (W 1:20-3:15)

Syllabus: PS 601- Ryan Owens

3 Credits

Intensive study and research in selected problems within the constituent fields of political science.

Instructor: Howard Schweber (F 1:20-3:15)

Syllabus: PS 601-Howard Schweber

3 Credits

Intensive study and research in selected problems within the constituent fields of political science.

Instructor: David Canon (TR 2:30-3:45)

Syllabus: PS 104-David Canon

4 Credits

Basic institutions and processes of American government. The role of constitutional structures, parties, interest groups and elections in the system; policy formation and policy content.

Instructors: Steven Brooke (TR 8-9:15)

Syllabus: PS 120 – Steven Brooke

4 Credits

Comparison of politics and government in selected countries around the world.

Instructor: Mark Copelovitch (MW 2:30-3:45)

4 Credits

Covers the major issues in international relations since the end of World War II including: the causes of war; civil wars and ethnic conflict; economic development; international trade; exchange rates and international monetary relations; international capital flows and financial crises; foreign direct investment; globalization and the environment; the UN, the IMF, World Bank, WTO, and other international organizations; and international law and human rights. The focus is on states’ relations with each other and the factors determining the nature and outcomes of these international interactions. The course seeks to develop analytical tools for thinking about important questions in world politics regardless of the countries or issues involved, to examine international affairs in a systematic way.

Instructor: Daniel Kapust (TR 1-2:15)

Syllabus: PS 160- Daniel Kapust

4 Credits

Exploration of core problems of political life, such as the nature and limits of obligation, the concept of justice and its political implications, and the relationship between equality and liberty, through a selection of ancient and modern sources.

Instructors: Jonathan Renshon (TR 11-11:50)

Syllabus: PS 170- Jonathan Renshon

3 Credits

Introduces students to political science as a discipline by focusing on the development of research questions, research designs, and the quantitative and qualitative tools commonly used to implement research designs.

Instructor: Steven Brooke (TR 2:30-3:45)

Syllabus: PS 182 – Steven Brooke

3 Credits

Comparison of politics and government in selected countries around the world.

2 Credits

Directed study projects for freshmen and sophomores as arranged with a faculty member; students should have completed at least one course in POLI SCI.

Instructor: Kathryn Hendley (TR 11-12:15)

Syllabus: PS 217 – Kathryn Hendley

3 Credits

Introduction to the legal process. Examination of the various concepts of law, the perennial problems of the law, legal reasoning, and the nature and function of law and the courts.

Instructor: Michael Cullinane (TR 9:30-10:45)

4 Credits

As an introduction to Southeast Asia, covers the ethnic, cultural, religious, and political histories of the region from the classical states period to the present, with an emphasis on colonialism, nationalism, decolonization, and the emergence of modern political and social systems into the 21st century, including an exposure to region’s contemporary literature.

Instructor: Anatoly Detwyler (TR 8-9:15)

3 Credits

Multidisciplinary and historical perspectives on the East Asian civilizations of China, Japan, Korea, Tibet and Mongolia from prehistory to the present, including developments in philosophy, economy, governance, social structure, kinship, geography, etc

Instructor: Nathaniel Gilmore (TR 8-9:15)

Syllabus: PS 266- Nate Gilmore

3 Credits

Exploration of core problems in modern European political thought, such as the nature and origins of obligation, the relationship between religion and politics, and representation, through a selection of modern sources.

Instructor: Patrick Barrett (TR 9:30-10:45)

3 Credits

A critical examination of US-Latin American relations from the colonial era to the present, tracing the emergence and evolution of the United States as a hemispheric and global power and its political and economic impact on Latin America. Primary attention will be focused on US relations with Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, but other Latin American countries will figure prominently during certain episodes.

Instructor: Adeline Lo (MW 11-11:50)

Syllabus: PS 270- Adeline Lo

3 Credits

How numbers and statistics are used in electoral strategies, political debates and legal proceedings. Presents basic tools of analysis and how to use them.

Instructor: Eileen Harrington (MW 4-5:15)

PS 272-Eileen Harrington

3 Credits

Major issues of public policy in such fields as economic management, welfare, education, health, energy and the environment. How public problems develop, approaches to policy-making, why programs succeed and fail.

Instructor: Neil Kodesh (TR 9:30-10:45)

4 Credits

African society and culture, polity and economy in multidisciplinary perspectives from prehistory and ancient kingdoms through the colonial period to contemporary developments, including modern nationalism, economic development and changing social structure.

Instructor: Benjamin Marquez (TR 9:30-10:45)

Syllabus: PS 302- Ben Marquez

3 Credits

This class examines the major problems and issues in Mexican-American politics since World War II. An emphasis will be placed on the ways in which race, class and culture have structured politics for the Mexican origin people.

Instructor: Amy Gangl (Online)

3 Credits

Practical experience in a legislative office. Policy research. Readings in legislative process.

Instructor: Eunsook Jung (MW 2:30-3:45)

Syllabus: PS 328- Eunsook Jung

4 Credits

Asia is a vibrant region politically and economically, and is very important to the United States for international security and economic stability. Given its importance, this course provides broad and essential knowledge about Asian nations with a particular focus on China, South Korea, North Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Country studies are intended to introduce major issues in comparative politics such as democratization, elections, economic development, security, religion and politics. This course will enable students to (1) gain an empirical and analytical understanding of the political dynamics of the region; (2) think comparatively within the regime and across the developing world more generally; and (3) address and debate theoretical questions in political science through Asian politics materials.

Instructor: Kathryn Hendley (TR 2:30-3:45)

Syllabus: PS 334 – Kathryn Hendley

3 Credits

Theory and practice of Russian States, emphasis on politics, economic and institutional developments since 1991.

Instructor: Andrew Kydd (MW 11-11:50)

Syllabus: PS 347-Andy Kydd

3 Credits

Examines the causes of terrorism, goals and strategies pursued by terrorist groups, the consequences of terrorism, and counterterrorism policies adopted by governments.

Instructor: Ben Power (TR 2:30-3:45)

Syllabus: PS 356 – Ben Power

4 Credits

A survey course that focuses on interactions among the primary entities in the international system; namely, states, inter- governmental and non-governmental organizations, and other international actors governed by international law. The study of international relations and international law is absolutely critical to understanding contemporary politics, both domestic and foreign. This course addresses both structural and substantive issues related to international law. In other words, it should provide basic tools for understanding the way in which international law works, as well as introduce substantive issues of interest to students of world politics. The course will place special emphasis on the role of international organizations in the international legal system, and special attention will be paid to the European Union as an international actor within this system of law.

Instructor: Ann Rivlin (MW 9:55-10:45 AM)

Syllabus: PS 359- Ann Rivlin

3 Credits

This course undertakes a historical and analytical approach to U.S. foreign policy since World War II. The course is divided into three main topics: U.S. Foreign Policy since World War II and the evolution of U.S. policy and the impetus behind important foreign policy choices; The people and institutions and processes that guide foreign policy formation and implementation; And the more salient foreign policy challenges facing the U.S. in the 21st century including how the US has responded to the attacks of September 11, 2001, the effectiveness of foreign aid policy.

Instructor: Kristin Phillips-Court (TR 2:30-3:45)

3 Credits

Introduces students to the major works of Machiavelli through the close reading of his writings in cultural and historical contexts. Discussion and targeted writing assignments will aim at cultivating in students 1) a broad understanding of Machiavelli’s principal intellectual attitudes, 2) a deeper understanding of his literary sensibility, and 3) the ability to articulate controversies and complexities surrounding his thought.

Instructor: Joel Clark (T 1:20-3:15)

Syllabus: PS 400-Joel Clark

1 Credit

An umbrella course for variable credit topic courses, such as summer forum, intensive summer courses, half-semester courses, etc.

Instructor: John Balz (MF 8-9:15)

Syllabus:PS 401 – John Balz Updated

3 Credits

A topics course for the exploration of current issues in Political Science.

Instructor: Ryan Owens (W 7:45-9:40)

Syllabus: PS 401 – Ryan Owens

3 Credits

A topics course for the exploration of current issues in Political Science.

Instructor: Kenneth Mayer (TR 1-2:15)

Syllabus: PS 408- Kenneth Mayer

4 Credits

The President as chief administrative leader, political leader, foreign policy initiator, commander-in-chief, and head of state.

Instructor: Howard Schweber (TR 4-5:15)

4 Credits

This course undertakes an historical examination of the development of American constitutional thinking about individual rights and civil liberties from the founding era to the present day. Issue that are considered include freedoms guaranteed by the original Articles, the Bill of Rights, and the Civil War Amendments (XIII, XIV, and XV) as these issues appear in constitutional law, constitutional politics, and social and economic developments. The role of the federal courts, the nature and operation of principles of federalism, and the authority of Congress to protect constitutionally guaranteed rights are also major topics of consideration.

Instructors: Ryan Owens, Marcy Shieh (MW 4-5:15)

Syllabus: PS 419- Ryan Owens

4 Credits

Delegation of powers, elements of fair administrative procedure, judicial control over administrative determination.

Instructor: Daniel Kapust (TR 9:30-10:45)

Syllabus: PS 461-Daniel Kapust

3 Credits

An interdisciplinary seminar focusing on current policy debates designed to incorporate concepts and approaches from philosophy, political science, and economics.

Instructor: Aili Tripp (MW 8-9:15)

Syllabus:PS 469-Aili Tripp

3 Credits

Changing political roles, status, attitudes, and behaviors of women in contemporary society and of the political implications of changing female/male relationships.

Instructor: Howard Schweber (TR 1-2:15)

4 Credits

An examination of the basic principles, purposes, and assumptions of First Amendment cases and literature, with attention to both historical and contemporary controversies.

Instructor: Kenneth Mayer (TR 9:30-10:45)

Syllabus: PS 511-Kenneth Mayer

4 Credits

Examination of campaign finance, including: the philosophical rationale behind campaign finance regulations, the history of regulatory frameworks, the influence of campaign contributions on decision making, campaign finance laws in other countries, and reform proposals.

3-4 Credits

Honors in the major in Political Science thesis research and writing.

Instructor: Amy Gangl

3-4 Credits

Honors in the major in Political Science thesis research and writing.

Instructor: Amy Gangl (M 2:30-3:45)

3 Credits

A class for honors students writing their senior honor thesis within a seminar format. Focus is on conceptualization, research design, writing of the thesis and relevant issues of political science.

3 Credits

For students writing a thesis in consultation with a faculty member.

3 Credits

For students writing a thesis in consultation with a faculty member.

1-4 Credits

Directed study projects for juniors and seniors as arranged with a faculty member.

1-4 Credits

Directed study projects for juniors and seniors as arranged with a faculty member.