Students, faculty, and staff can view Course Search & Enroll for an updated and detailed course catalog of current and upcoming courses.
A list of courses on on race, ethnicity, and other social identities can be found on the Department’s Diversity and Inclusion page.
Spring 2025
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POLI SCI 813 — Multivariable Statistical Inference for Political Research
Instructor: Marty Davidson
Description:
Extensive treatment of multiple regression and its variants.
POLI SCI 835 — Game Theory and Political Analysis
Instructor: Andrew Kydd
Description:
An introduction to the tools of game theoretic analysis, with reference to the use of game theory in political science. Intended for those desiring a basic familiarity with the theory, and for those planning further work in formal modeling.
POLI SCI 840 — Comparative Political Economy
Instructor: Soeren Henn
Description:
Survey of field of comparative political economy and in-depth study of political economy of democratic and non-democratic capitalist systems. Key themes include: business and labor relations, globalization and its impact on domestic political economies, rise of emergent powers.
POLI SCI 862 — State and Society in Comparative Perspective
Instructor: Aili Tripp
Description:
Reviews a range of approaches that focus on civil society, social movements, ethnic and religious based mobilization, as well as gender and class based approaches to state-society relations.
POLI SCI 873 — American Political Parties
Instructor: Barry Burden
Description:
Reviews major approaches to analyzing political parties and understanding their developmental changes. Examines the parties in operation and the relationship of parties to the state and society.
POLI SCI 900 — Topics in Political Science: Models, Experiments, and Data (MEAD) Workshop
Instructor: Adeline Lo
Description:
MEAD invites outside speakers, faculty members, and graduate students to present their work and receive feedback.
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POLI SCI 904 - Seminar, American Politics (New Approaches in American Politics)
Instructor: Eleanor Powell
POLI SCI 919 - Seminar, Advanced Methodology: PoliSci U, Intro to Text and Images as Data
Instructor: Nora Webb-Williams (nww3@illinois.edu)
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Intro to Text and Images as Data
Course schedule: Wednesdays, January 22 – March 12 (8 weeks), 1:30-3:30pm.
Modality: Online
Course credits: 2 credits
Prerequisites: Background in programming with R or other languages; first-year sequence of graduate level quantitative social science methods courses (or equivalent).
Course description: This course provides a broad introduction to the principles and tools of large-scale text and image analysis from a political science perspective. No prior experience with text or image data is required; however, students must already be comfortable working in R and should have completed a first-year sequence of graduate level quantitative social science methods courses (or equivalent). The course will introduce students to Python. Topics include maintaining a qualitative sensibility when approaching “big” data, content analysis, web scraping, data storage, supervised and unsupervised learning, sentiment analysis, object and facial detection/recognition, large language/multimodal models, AI ethics, and more.
POLI SCI 919 - Seminar, Advanced Methodology: Bayesian Analysis
Instructor: Alex Tahk
POLI SCI 931 — Seminar, Political Theory (Humans, Animals, and Machines)
Instructor: Joshua Dienstag
POLI SCI 931 — Seminar, Political Theory (20th Century Liberalism)
Instructor: Michelle Schwarze
POLI SCI 948 — Seminar, Topics in Comparative Politics (Migration Politics)
Instructor: Adeline Lo
POLI SCI 959 — Seminar, International Organization
Instructor: Lisa Martin
POLI SCI 986 — Political Theory Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Joshua Diegstag
The Political Theory Workshop brings together graduate students and faculty with an interest in the history of social and political thought, normative social and political theory, and the normative and theoretical dimensions of public policy and public law. Our meetings center around the discussion of work in progress by UW graduate students and faculty, as well as by invited guests from around the country. They include a brief presentation by the author and a prepared response by an advanced graduate student, followed by a general discussion. In most cases papers are distributed in advance of the meetings. We welcome participants from a broad range of disciplinary and methodological approaches.
POLI SCI 987 — Comparative Politics Colloquium
1 credit.
Instructor: Yoshiko Herrera
The Comparative Politics Colloquium is the intellectual forum for comparativists of all areas and methods to meet and discuss current work. In addition to featuring faculty papers and occasional outside speakers, the CPC is an integral part of graduate training in the department of political science, serving as a place for students to present papers as well as dissertation prospectuses, grant proposals, dissertation chapters and practice job talks.
POLI SCI 988 — International Relations Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Lisa Martin
The International Relations Colloquium brings students and faculty together to discuss international security, foreign policy, international organizations, and international political economy. Visiting scholars as well as faculty and graduate students from UW present their ongoing research, followed by questions and open discussion among the participants. For updated information about meetings, discussion papers etc.
POLI SCI 989 — American Politics Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Eleanor Powell
The UW-Madison American Politics Workshop is a multidisciplinary group of faculty and graduate students that meets most Mondays at noon to discuss new and ongoing research projects in American Politics. A typical workshop meeting will open with 10-15 minutes of comments by the paper author followed by an hour of discussion. Papers are posted online for reading prior to the meeting.
Fall 2024
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POLI SCI 800 — Political Science as a Discipline and Profession
Instructor: Rikhil Bhavnani
Description:
Describes and evaluates major approaches used in political science. Explores issues related to professional development and political science careers.
POLI SCI 801 — Research and Writing Seminar
Instructor: Rikhil Bhavnani
Description:
Intended for PhD students in political science to develop a seminar or conference paper into a publishable journal article. Emphasis on editing, revising, and peer feedback.
POLI SCI 812 — Introduction to Statistical Methods in Political Science
Instructor: Adeline Lo
Description:
Introductory statistics course for Ph.D. students. Emphasis on probability theory, inference, and the foundations of multivariate least squares and maximum likelihood.
POLI SCI 817 — Empirical Methods of Political Inquiry
Instructor: Eleanor Powell
Description:
Acquaints students with a wide variety of research methods used to analyze political phenomena, emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
POLI SCI 818 — Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Instructor: Alex Tahk
Description:
Develops the theory of maximum likelihood estimation and applies it to models for discrete and limited dependent variables common to political and social science data.
POLI SCI 829 — Political Communication
Instructor: Michael Wagner
Description:
This course examines the role of communication in American politics. Topics covered include the communication of politics (e.g., communication by politics elites, effects of mass media and interpersonal communication on political attitudes) as well as the politics of communications (regulation of political communication, policy issues, etc.).
POLI SCI 839 — Field Seminar in Political Theory
Instructor: Joshua Dienstag
Description:
An overview of approaches to interpreting, teaching, and writing about political theory.
POLI SCI 850 — Religion and Politics
Instructor: Steven Brooke
Description:
Examines the meanings of, and interactions between, religion and politics in comparative politics, international relations, and American politics. Explores the impact religion has on wide range of politically relevant outcomes and the mechanisms through which religion shapes those outcomes. Provides an overview of the main theoretical, conceptual, and empirical studies of religion and politics.
POLI SCI 856 — Field Seminar in Comparative Politics
Instructor: Yoshiko Herrera
Description:
Introduction to leading concepts and theories in the field of comparative politics, including those relating to states, nations, regimes and development. Includes work on many different regions and countries employing a range of research strategies and methodologies.
POLI SCI 857 — International Relations Theories
Instructor: Jessica Weeks
Description:
Analysis of the major theories on the functioning of the international political system and the behavior of nations within it.
POLI SCI 900 — Topics in Political Science (Transitional Justice)
Instructor: Genevieve Bates
POLI SCI 900 — Topics in Political Science: Models, Experiments, and Data (MEAD) Workshop
Instructor: Adeline Lo
Description:
MEAD invites outside speakers, faculty members, and graduate students to present their work and receive feedback.
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POLI SCI 904 - Seminar, American Politics (Political Behavior and the Economy)
Instructor: Kathy Cramer
POLI SCI 919 — Seminar, Advanced Methodology (Introduction to Machine Learning)
Instructor: Adeline Lo
POLI SCI 931 — Seminar, Political Theory (Tocqueville)
Instructor: Rick Avramenko
POLI SCI 932 — Seminar in Early Modern Political Theory (Reading Machiavelli)
Instructor: Dan Kapust
POLI SCI 935 — Topics in Comparative Politics (Gender and Politics)
Instructor: Marwa Shalaby
POLI SCI 986 — Political Theory Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Joshua Diegstag
The Political Theory Workshop brings together graduate students and faculty with an interest in the history of social and political thought, normative social and political theory, and the normative and theoretical dimensions of public policy and public law. Our meetings center around the discussion of work in progress by UW graduate students and faculty, as well as by invited guests from around the country. They include a brief presentation by the author and a prepared response by an advanced graduate student, followed by a general discussion. In most cases papers are distributed in advance of the meetings. We welcome participants from a broad range of disciplinary and methodological approaches.
POLI SCI 987 — Comparative Politics Colloquium
1 credit.
Instructor: Yoshiko Herrera
The Comparative Politics Colloquium is the intellectual forum for comparativists of all areas and methods to meet and discuss current work. In addition to featuring faculty papers and occasional outside speakers, the CPC is an integral part of graduate training in the department of political science, serving as a place for students to present papers as well as dissertation prospectuses, grant proposals, dissertation chapters and practice job talks.
POLI SCI 988 — International Relations Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Lisa Martin
The International Relations Colloquium brings students and faculty together to discuss international security, foreign policy, international organizations, and international political economy. Visiting scholars as well as faculty and graduate students from UW present their ongoing research, followed by questions and open discussion among the participants. For updated information about meetings, discussion papers etc.
POLI SCI 989 — American Politics Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Eleanor Powell
The UW-Madison American Politics Workshop is a multidisciplinary group of faculty and graduate students that meets most Mondays at noon to discuss new and ongoing research projects in American Politics. A typical workshop meeting will open with 10-15 minutes of comments by the paper author followed by an hour of discussion. Papers are posted online for reading prior to the meeting.
POLI SCI 990 — Research and Thesis
3 credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
POLI SCI 999 — Independent Work
1-3 credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
Spring 2024
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POLI SCI 813 — Multivariable Statistical Inference for Political Research
Instructor: Dave Weimer
Description:
Extensive treatment of multiple regression and its variants.
POLI SCI 821 — Mass Political Behavior
Instructor: Barry Burden
Description:
An empirical analysis of the role of mass publics in political life and the factors which determine the formation and expression of political beliefs and attitudes.
POLI SCI 826 — The Legislative Process
Instructor: Eleanor Powell
Description:
Analysis of legislative process and the role of the legislature in the political system, emphasizing current research.
POLI SCI 835 — Game Theory and Political Analysis
Instructor: Andrew Kydd
Description:
An introduction to the tools of game theoretic analysis, with reference to the use of game theory in political science. Intended for those desiring a basic familiarity with the theory, and for those planning further work in formal modeling.
POLI SCI 840 — Comparative Political Economy
Instructor: Rikhil Bhavnani
Description:
Survey of field of comparative political economy and in-depth study of political economy of democratic and non-democratic capitalist systems. Key themes include: business and labor relations, globalization and its impact on domestic political economies, rise of emergent powers.
POLI SCI 846 — Racial and Ethnic Diversity: Causes and Effects
Instructor: Yoshiko Herrera
Description:
Focuses on the causes and effects of racial and ethnic diversity in a range of contexts across different countries. Includes the following topics: 1) definitions of diversity and how ethnic and racial diversity is measured; 2) the causes of diversity including migrations and state actions such as ethnic cleansing and colonialism, and later processes of immigration and segregation; 3) the effects of diversity or segregation, including on social relations, conflict, public good provision, and political behavior; and the effects of ethnic and racial diversity in organizations; and 4) considers ways of increasing diversity including affirmative action and quotas, and the effectiveness of diversity training. Readings will include cases studies from different countries and different time periods and will include a range of different racial and ethnic groups around the world.
POLI SCI 900 — Models, Experiments, and Data Workshop (MEAD)
1 credit.
Instructor: Adeline Lo
The MEAD – Models and Data Workshop is the methods subfield workshop, designed to assist UW-Madison faculty, graduate students, and visiting scholars in thinking through and improving the methodological aspects of ongoing research. MEAD welcomes all kinds of methodological approaches and strongly encourages works that apply those methods to substantive questions. The workshop crosses subfield and methodological boundaries. Examples of the applied methods discussed include, but are not limited to, observational studies, experiments, text data, case studies, and ethnographic research. MEAD is the merged result of what were formerly the Experimental Politics Workshop and the more informal Methods and Data reading group.
POLI SCI 919 — Experimental Methods
Instructor: Jonathan Renshon
POLI SCI 919 — Bayesian Statistics for the Social Sciences
Instructor: Alex Tahk
POLI SCI 936 — Continental Political Thought
Instructor: Joshua Dienstag
Description:
The course will survey continental political theory from Kant through the 20th century with a special focus on Nietzsche and Heidegger. We will focus on the importance of truth to continental political theory and study how it transformed from the language of preferences, interests and morality to the discourse of consciousness, language, power and identity that we are familiar with today.
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POLI SCI 940 — Domestic Politics of International Relations
Instructor: Jessica Weeks
Description:
Examines how domestic institutions and processes influence the international system. Also examines how international forces influence domestic politics in the areas of foreign policy, international political economy and security.
POLI SCI 986 — Political Theory Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Joshua Diegstag
The Political Theory Workshop brings together graduate students and faculty with an interest in the history of social and political thought, normative social and political theory, and the normative and theoretical dimensions of public policy and public law. Our meetings center around the discussion of work in progress by UW graduate students and faculty, as well as by invited guests from around the country. They include a brief presentation by the author and a prepared response by an advanced graduate student, followed by a general discussion. In most cases papers are distributed in advance of the meetings. We welcome participants from a broad range of disciplinary and methodological approaches.
POLI SCI 987 — Comparative Politics Colloquium
1 credit.
Instructor: Reed Lei
The Comparative Politics Colloquium is the intellectual forum for comparativists of all areas and methods to meet and discuss current work. In addition to featuring faculty papers and occasional outside speakers, the CPC is an integral part of graduate training in the department of political science, serving as a place for students to present papers as well as dissertation prospectuses, grant proposals, dissertation chapters and practice job talks.
POLI SCI 988 — International Relations Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Andy Kydd
The International Relations Colloquium brings students and faculty together to discuss international security, foreign policy, international organizations, and international political economy. Visiting scholars as well as faculty and graduate students from UW present their ongoing research, followed by questions and open discussion among the participants. For updated information about meetings, discussion papers etc.
POLI SCI 989 — American Politics Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Kathy Cramer
The UW-Madison American Politics Workshop is a multidisciplinary group of faculty and graduate students that meets most Mondays at noon to discuss new and ongoing research projects in American Politics. A typical workshop meeting will open with 10-15 minutes of comments by the paper author followed by an hour of discussion. Papers are posted online for reading prior to the meeting.
POLI SCI 990 — Research and Thesis
3 credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
POLI SCI 990 — Independent Work
1-3 credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
Fall 2023
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POLI SCI 800 — Political Science as a Discipline and Profession
Instructor: Rikhil Bhavnani
Description
Describes and evaluates major approaches used in political science. Explores issues related to professional development and political science careers.
POLI SCI 801 — Research and Writing Seminar
Instructor: Andrew Kydd
Description
Intended for PhD students in political science to develop a seminar or conference paper into a publishable journal article. Emphasis on editing, revising, and peer feedback.
POLI SCI 812 — Introduction to Statistical Methods in Political Science
Instructor: Adeline Lo
Description
Introductory statistics course for Ph.D. students. Emphasis on probability theory, inference, and the foundations of multivariate least squares and maximum likelihood.
POLI SCI 817 — Empirical Methods of Political Inquiry
Instructor: Barry Burden
Description:
Acquaints students with a wide variety of research methods used to analyze political phenomena, emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
POLI SCI 818 — Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Instructor: Alex Tahk
Description
Develops the theory of maximum likelihood estimation and applies it to models for discrete and limited dependent variables common to political and social science data.
POLI SCI 839 - Field Seminar in Political Theory
Instructor: Rick Avramenko
Description: An overview of approaches to interpreting, teaching, and writing about political theory.
POLI SCI 853 - Comparative Political Institutions
Instructor: Nils Ringe
Description: Comparative theoretical and empirical analysis of political institutions, including electoral systems, legislatures, executives, executive-legislative relationships, political parties, party systems, federalism, economic governance, and link between institutions and internationalization.
POLI SCI 856 — Field Seminar in Comparative Politics
Instructor: Yoshiko Herrera
Description:
Introduction to leading concepts and theories in the field of comparative politics, including those relating to states, nations, regimes and development. Includes work on many different regions and countries employing a range of research strategies and methodologies.
POLI SCI 857 — International Relations Theories
Instructor: Jessica Weeks
Description:
Analysis of the major theories on the functioning of the international political system and the behavior of nations within it.
POLI SCI 900 — Topics in Political Science: Models, Experiments, and Data (MEAD) Workshop
Instructor: Adeline Lo
Description:
MEAD invites outside speakers, faculty members, and graduate students to present their work and receive feedback.
POLI SCI 904 - Seminar, American Politics (Public Opinion)
Instructor: Kathy Cramer
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POLI SCI 919 — Making Causal Inferences: Statistical Inference and Adjustment for Randomized and Observational Studies
PoliSci U Course
Instructor: Jake Bowers, jwbowers@illinois.edu
Wednesdays, 1-3pm CST (Zoom – course is online).
How do you know when you have “controlled for” or “adjusted” a relationship potentially confounding covariates enough? When might an approach to adjustment confuse more than clarify? What do we mean when we say that a hypothesis test or estimator is “justified by randomization”? What might a p-value, confidence interval, or claim of unbiasedness in an estimator mean if we do not have a randomized design? When is a hypothesis test a good one? When is an estimator useful? How should we choose estimators or tests or approaches to adjustment? When might a confidence interval or p-value mislead you? How can you convince yourselves and others that what you are doing with statistics makes sense? In this course we will introduce a way of learning about theoretical causal claims using research design and statistical inference that is tightly tied to the research design. We use research design to justify adjustment: For example, we might say that we do not worry about the potentially confounding effect of education in a study of a get out the vote policy because we used a randomized design. For another example, we might say that we do not worry about the potentially confounding effect of education in that study because only compare people who have the same education level — we match on education. When it comes time to calculate a p-value or confidence interval about counterfactual hypotheses or estimate an otherwise unobservable effect defined in counterfactual terms, this course will emphasize ways to justify choices of test and estimator using the research design used for adjustment in the first place as well as formal sensitivity analysis for observational studies. As currently envisioned, this course will introduce the basics of randomized experiments, instrumental variables, difference-in-differences, and matching on binary variables (bipartite matching), matching on continuous or multivalued variables (non-bipartite matching), matching with longitudinal data, and formal sensitivity analysis. I will be open to adding and subtracting topics depending on student interest.
POLI SCI 919 — Seminar, Advanced Methodology (Qualitative Methods)
Instructor: Erica Simmons
POLI SCI 919 — Seminar, Advanced Methodology (Introduction to Machine Learning)
Instructor: Adeline Lo
POLI SCI 948 — Seminar, Topics in Comparative Politics (Authoritarian Politics and Institutions)
Instructor: Marwa Shalaby
POLI SCI 986 — Political Theory Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Joshua Diegstag
The Political Theory Workshop brings together graduate students and faculty with an interest in the history of social and political thought, normative social and political theory, and the normative and theoretical dimensions of public policy and public law. Our meetings center around the discussion of work in progress by UW graduate students and faculty, as well as by invited guests from around the country. They include a brief presentation by the author and a prepared response by an advanced graduate student, followed by a general discussion. In most cases papers are distributed in advance of the meetings. We welcome participants from a broad range of disciplinary and methodological approaches.
POLI SCI 987 — Comparative Politics Colloquium
1 credit.
Instructor: Reed Lei
The Comparative Politics Colloquium is the intellectual forum for comparativists of all areas and methods to meet and discuss current work. In addition to featuring faculty papers and occasional outside speakers, the CPC is an integral part of graduate training in the department of political science, serving as a place for students to present papers as well as dissertation prospectuses, grant proposals, dissertation chapters and practice job talks.
POLI SCI 988 — International Relations Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Andy Kydd
The International Relations Colloquium brings students and faculty together to discuss international security, foreign policy, international organizations, and international political economy. Visiting scholars as well as faculty and graduate students from UW present their ongoing research, followed by questions and open discussion among the participants. For updated information about meetings, discussion papers etc.
POLI SCI 989 — American Politics Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Kathy Cramer
The UW-Madison American Politics Workshop is a multidisciplinary group of faculty and graduate students that meets most Mondays at noon to discuss new and ongoing research projects in American Politics. A typical workshop meeting will open with 10-15 minutes of comments by the paper author followed by an hour of discussion. Papers are posted online for reading prior to the meeting.
POLI SCI 990 — Research and Thesis
3 credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
POLI SCI 999 — Independent Work
1-3 credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
Spring 2023
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POLI SCI 813 — MULTIVARIABLE STATISTICAL INFERENCE FOR POLITICAL RESEARCH
Instructor: Adeline Lo
Description
Extensive treatment of multiple regression and its variants.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
- PS 812
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
POLI SCI 817 — EMPIRICAL METHODS OF POLITICAL INQUIRY
Instructor: Eleanor Powell
Description
Acquaints students with a wide variety of research methods used to analyze political phenomena, emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
POLI SCI 835 — GAME THEORY AND POLITICAL ANALYSIS
Instructor: Alex Tahk
Description
An introduction to the tools of game theoretic analysis, with reference to the use of game theory in political science. Intended for those desiring a basic familiarity with the theory, and for those planning further work in formal modeling.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
POLI SCI 846 — RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY: CAUSES AND EFFECTS
Instructor: Yoshiko Herrera
Description
Focuses on the causes and effects of racial and ethnic diversity in a range of contexts across different countries. Includes the following topics: 1) definitions of diversity and how ethnic and racial diversity is measured; 2) the causes of diversity including migrations and state actions such as ethnic cleansing and colonialism, and later processes of immigration and segregation; 3) the effects of diversity or segregation, including on social relations, conflict, public good provision, and political behavior; and the effects of ethnic and racial diversity in organizations; and 4) considers ways of increasing diversity including affirmative action and quotas, and the effectiveness of diversity training. Readings will include cases studies from different countries and different time periods and will include a range of different racial and ethnic groups around the world.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
POLI SCI 862 — STATE AND SOCIETY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE
Instructor: Aili Tripp
Description
Reviews a range of approaches that focus on civil society, social movements, ethnic and religious based mobilization, as well as gender and class based approaches to state-society relations.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
POLI SCI 873 — AMERICAN POLITICAL PARTIES
Instructor: Barry Burden
Description
Reviews major approaches to analyzing political parties and understanding their developmental changes. Examines the parties in operation and the relationship of parties to the state and society.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
POLI SCI 900 — MODELS, EXPERIMENTS, AND DATA (MEAD) WORKSHOP
Instructor: Adeline Lo
F 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
422 North Hall
Description
MEAD invites outside speakers, faculty members, and graduate students to present their work and receive feedback.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 1 credit
- Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI 904 — SEMINAR, AMERICAN POLITICS: CLASSICS IN AMERICAN POLITICS
Instructor: Ken Mayer
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI 917 — TIME SERIES ANALYSIS
Instructor: Jon Pevehouse
Description
Spring 2023 PoliSciU (ITV) course
This course introduces students to time series methods and applications, including ARMA models, error corrections models and reduced form specifications. Course also discusses co-integration and fractional integration.
Requisites
- Poli Sci 812 & 813
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
POLI SCI 919 — SEMINAR-ADVANCED METHODOLOGY: SURVEY EXPERIMENTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Instructor: Matthew Winters (University of Illinois a Urbana-Campaign; mwinters@illinois.edu).
Description
Spring 2023 PoliSciU (ITV) course
POLI SCI 931 — SEMINAR-POLITICAL THEORY: ADAM SMITH'S POLITICAL THOUGHT
Instructor: Michelle Schwarze
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Repeatable for Credit
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POLI SCI 931 — SEMINAR-POLITICAL THEORY: HUMANS, ANIMALS, AND MACHINES: THE POLITICS OF HUMAN BOUNDARY
Instructor: Joshua Dienstag
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI 959 — SEMINAR-INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION
Instructor: Lisa Martin
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI 986 — POLITICAL THEORY WORKSHOP
1 credit.
Instructor: Dan Kapust
F 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
422 North Hall
The Political Theory Workshop brings together graduate students and faculty with an interest in the history of social and political thought, normative social and political theory, and the normative and theoretical dimensions of public policy and public law. Our meetings center around the discussion of work in progress by UW graduate students and faculty, as well as by invited guests from around the country. They include a brief presentation by the author and a prepared response by an advanced graduate student, followed by a general discussion. In most cases papers are distributed in advance of the meetings. We welcome participants from a broad range of disciplinary and methodological approaches.
POLI SCI 987 — COMPARATIVE POLITICS COLLOQUIUM
1 credit.
Instructor: Erica Simmons
R 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
422 North Hall
The Comparative Politics Colloquium is the intellectual forum for comparativists of all areas and methods to meet and discuss current work. In addition to featuring faculty papers and occasional outside speakers, the CPC is an integral part of graduate training in the department of political science, serving as a place for students to present papers as well as dissertation prospectuses, grant proposals, dissertation chapters and practice job talks.
POLI SCI 988 — INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS WORKSHOP
1 credit.
Instructor: Jonathan Renshon
T 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
422 North Hall
The International Relations Colloquium brings students and faculty together to discuss international security, foreign policy, international organizations, and international political economy. Visiting scholars as well as faculty and graduate students from UW present their ongoing research, followed by questions and open discussion among the participants. For updated information about meetings, discussion papers etc.
POLI SCI 989 — AMERICAN POLITICS WORKSHOP
1 credit.
Instructor: Barry Burden
M 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
422 North Hall
The UW-Madison American Politics Workshop is a multidisciplinary group of faculty and graduate students that meets most Mondays at noon to discuss new and ongoing research projects in American Politics. A typical workshop meeting will open with 10-15 minutes of comments by the paper author followed by an hour of discussion. Papers are posted online for reading prior to the meeting.
POLI SCI 990 — RESEARCH AND THESIS
3 credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
POLI SCI 990 — INDEPENDENT WORK
1-3 credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
Fall 2022
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POLI SCI 800 — Political Science as a Discipline and Profession
Instructor: Rikhil Bhavnani
Mondays, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
422 North Hall
Description
Describes and evaluates major approaches used in political science. Explores issues related to professional development and political science careers.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
- Declared in Political Science graduate program
Details
- Credits: 1 credit
- Last taught: Fall 2021
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement
POLI SCI 801 — Research and Writing Seminar
Instructor: Rikhil Bhavnani
M 1:20 PM – 3:15 PM
422 North Hall
Description
Intended for PhD students in political science to develop a seminar or conference paper into a publishable journal article. Emphasis on editing, revising, and peer feedback.
Requisites
- Declared in Political Science doctoral program
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Fall 2021
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement; Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI/FRENCH/GERMAN/HISTORY/SOC 804 — Interdisciplinary Western European Area Studies Seminar
Instructor: Pamela Potter
M 4:45 PM – 7:15 PM
387 Van Hise Hall
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Spring 2022
- Cross listed: FRENCH 804, GERMAN 804, HISTORY 804, POLI SCI 804, SOC 804
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement
POLI SCI 811 — Introduction to Statistical Computing in Political Science
Instructor: Blake Reynolds
M 1:20 PM – 3:15 PM
223 Ingraham Hall
Description
Introduction to the issues of statistical computing in political science using statistical packages such as STATA and R with emphasis on developing sound practices for organizing data, protocols, and results in empirical research.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 1-3 credits
- Last taught: Fall 2021
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement; Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI 812 — Introduction to Statistical Methods in Political Science
Instructor: Adeline Lo
Lecture
MW 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM
B115 Van Vleck Hall
Discussion section
W 4:35 PM – 5:25 PM
223 Ingraham Hall
Description
Introductory statistics course for Ph.D. students. Emphasis on probability theory, inference, and the foundations of multivariate least squares and maximum likelihood.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Fall 2021
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement
POLI SCI 818 — Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Instructor: Alex Tahk
R 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
422 North Hall
Description
Develops the theory of maximum likelihood estimation and applies it to models for discrete and limited dependent variables common to political and social science data.
Requisites
- POLI SCI 812 and 813
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Spring 2022
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement
POLI SCI 829 — Political Communication
Instructor: Young Mie Kim
W 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
5013 Vilas Hall
Description
This course examines the role of communication in American politics. Topics covered include the communication of politics (e.g., communication by politics elites, effects of mass media and interpersonal communication on political attitudes) as well as the politics of communications (regulation of political communication, policy issues, etc.).
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Spring 2021
- Cross listed: JOURN 829, POLI SCI 829
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement
POLI SCI 836 — Formal Models of Domestic Politics
Instructor: Alex Tahk
T 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
422 North Hall
Description
Provides an overview of formal, i.e., game-theoretic, models of domestic politics. This course builds directly upon the material presented in Political Science 835.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Fall 2018
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement
POLI SCI 850 — Religion and Politics
Instructor: Steven Brooke
R 3:30 PM – 5:25 PM
422 North Hall
Description
Examines the meanings of, and interactions between, religion and politics in comparative politics, international relations, and American politics. Explores the impact religion has on wide range of politically relevant outcomes and the mechanisms through which religion shapes those outcomes. Provides an overview of the main theoretical, conceptual, and empirical studies of religion and politics.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement
POLI SCI 856 — Field Seminar in Comparative Politics
Instructor: Yoshiko Herrera
T 1:20 PM – 3:15 PM
422 North Hall
Description
Introduction to leading concepts and theories in the field of comparative politics, including those relating to states, nations, regimes and development. Includes work on many different regions and countries employing a range of research strategies and methodologies.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
- Declared in Political Science graduate program
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Fall 2021
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement
POLI SCI 857 — International Relations Theories
Instructor: Jessica Weeks
W 1:20 PM – 3:15 PM
L159 Education Building
Description
Analysis of the major theories on the functioning of the international political system and the behavior of nations within it. Enroll Info: None
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
- Declared in Political Science graduate program
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Fall 2021
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement
POLI SCI/PUB AFFR 871 — Public Program Evaluation
Instructor: Lauren Schmitz
T 3:30 PM – 5:25 PM
395 Van Hise Hall
Description
Compares the conceptual, statistical, and ethical issues of experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental designs for program evaluation. Definitions of outcomes, sample size issues, statistical biases in measuring causal effects of programs, and the reliability of findings will be emphasized using case studies selected from current public programs.
Requisites
- PUB AFFR 818
- Must be a La Follette Student and have taken Public Affairs 818 or equivalent. Or instructor consent.
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Fall 2021
- Cross listed: POLI SCI 871, PUB AFFR 871
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement
POLI SCI/PUB AFFR 874 — Policy-Making Process
Instructor: Manny Teodoro
Lecture
R 3:30 PM – 5:25 PM
1295 Grainger Hall
Discussion Sections
DIS 301
T 1:20 PM – 2:10 PM
1335 Sterling Hall
DIS 302
T 2:25 PM – 3:15 PM
1335 Sterling Hall
Description
Examines the political, social, and economic contexts that shape and are shaped by policy making processes. Though the focus is on the US, international comparisons will be made, and students are encouraged to think about the American context through comparative and international perspectives. Familiarizes students with dominant theories and models of policymaking process and policy change, starting with the model of the policy cycle. Focuses in on key topics and issues in policy making, specifically, agenda setting, implementation, and the relationships between policymaking and democracy. Reflects on contemporary and emerging issues and dilemmas of the politics of policy making.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Fall 2021
- Cross listed: POLI SCI 874, PUB AFFR 874, URB R PL 874
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement
POLI SCI 900 — Topics in Political Science: New Directions and Books in IR
Instructor: Jonathan Renshon
T 3:30 PM – 5:25 PM
422 North Hall
This class is designed to introduce students to cutting-edge work in international relations and comparative politics. Every week, we will read exactly one new book—no additional readings— and discuss. Books have been chosen to cover a range of substantive topics and methodological approaches. Additionally, each book was written by a junior scholar, and at least some of our discussion will center on the process of turning dissertations into books and the sociology of the field as it led to the development of the book. Pending availability, we will also have some of the authors join the class via Zoom to discuss their work.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 1-3 credits.
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement; Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI 900 — Topics in Political Science: Models, Experiments, and Data (MEAD) Workshop
Instructor: Adeline Lo
F 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
422 North Hall
Description
MEAD invites outside speakers, faculty members, and graduate students to present their work and receive feedback.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 1 credit.
- Last taught: Spring 2022
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement; Repeatable for Credit
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POLI SCI 904 — Seminar, American Politics: American Political Institutions
Instructor: Ryan Owens
W 1:20 PM – 3:15 PM
422 North Hall
Description
The purpose of this course is to introduce graduate students to the study of American political institutions. We will cover such topics as the dynamics of congressional voting behavior, the nature of bureaucratic politics, the determinants of Supreme Court decision making, the role and influence of political parties, and the reasons organized interests form and attempt to influence policy outcomes. This course is designed as a survey of the literature and is not meant to deal with all possible topics in American politics. It also does not exhaust the possible set of publications on any given topic. Upon completion of the course, students will have a broad familiarity with the theories, approaches, and questions that animate this field.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Spring 2010
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement; Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI 919 — Seminar, Advanced Methodology: Machine Learning
Instructor: Adeline Lo
F 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
224 Ingraham Hall
Description
Design of research and adaptation of advanced methods to solve particular methodological problems in original analyses of political data.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Fall 2020
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement; Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI 931 — Seminar, Political Theory: Democratic Theory
Instructor: Howard Schweber
F 3:30 PM – 5:25 PM
422 North Hall
Description
Analysis of and research on problems of theorizing in and about political life.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Spring 2012
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement; Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI 932 — Seminar in Early Modern Political Theory: Republicanism and Imperialism in 17th Century Britain
Instructor: Dan Kapust
R 1:20 PM – 3:15 PM
1335 Sterling Hall
This seminar focuses on the relationship between imperialism and republicanism in 17th century Britain. Through a study of works (prose and poetry) by 16th and 17th century writers such as Edmund Spenser, John Milton, Marchamont Nedham, Andrew Marvell, Algernon Sidney, and James Harrington, along with a range of scholarship on imperialism and republicanism, participants will explore the fraught relationship between republics (that is, political systems predicated upon the provision of liberty as non-domination) and empires (political systems featuring a hierarchy of domination over diverse peoples and territories). This relationship has important implications for the study of early modern Europe and 18th and 19th century America, along with key themes in contemporary political theory and philosophy.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement; Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI 948 — Seminar, Topics in Comparative Politics: Contentious Politics
Instructor: Erica Simmons
R 1:20 PM – 3:15 PM
422 North Hall
Description
Why do people mobilize outside of routine political channels or institutions to pursue political change? How do we explain moments when people take to the streets or take up arms to accomplish their political goals? At the heart of these questions is one that has long formed a core of social science inquiry: how do we explain collective action, particularly in the face of often serious risks. This course will examine these questions through exploring leading theoretical themes in the study of social movements, revolutions, and riots. The course will focus on questions concerning the emergence and growth of contentious political movements, but it will also touch on internal movement dynamics and decline. We will think about how a variety of factors affect the where’s, why’s and how’s of movement dynamics, including structure, contingency, emotions, and culture. We will also pay close attention to methodology, asking which kinds of methods are best suited for which questions where contentious politics is concerned.
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 3 credits
- Last taught: Fall 2012
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement; Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI/AAE/ANTHRO/C&E SOC/GEOG/HISTORY/LACIS/PORTUG/SOC/SPANISH 982 — Interdepartmental Seminar in the Latin-American Area
Seminar 002: “Challenges with Science & Technology in the Developing World”
Instructor: Gay Seidman
M 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
206 Ingraham Hall
Seminar 003: “Imagining the Amazon in Literature and Film”
Instructor: Kathryn Sanchez
W 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
575 Van Hise Hall
Requisites
- Graduate/professional standing
Details
- Credits: 1-3 credits
- Last taught: Fall 2021
- Cross listed: A A E 982, ANTHRO 982, GEOG 982, HISTORY 982, LACIS 982, POLI SCI 982, PORTUG 982, C&E SOC 982, SOC 982, SPANISH 982
- Course options: 50% Graduate Coursework Requirement; Repeatable for Credit
POLI SCI 986 — Political Theory Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Dan Kapust
F 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
422 North Hall
The Political Theory Workshop brings together graduate students and faculty with an interest in the history of social and political thought, normative social and political theory, and the normative and theoretical dimensions of public policy and public law. Our meetings center around the discussion of work in progress by UW graduate students and faculty, as well as by invited guests from around the country. They include a brief presentation by the author and a prepared response by an advanced graduate student, followed by a general discussion. In most cases papers are distributed in advance of the meetings. We welcome participants from a broad range of disciplinary and methodological approaches.
POLI SCI 987 — Comparative Politics Colloquium
1 credit.
Instructor: Erica Simmons
R 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
422 North Hall
The Comparative Politics Colloquium is the intellectual forum for comparativists of all areas and methods to meet and discuss current work. In addition to featuring faculty papers and occasional outside speakers, the CPC is an integral part of graduate training in the department of political science, serving as a place for students to present papers as well as dissertation prospectuses, grant proposals, dissertation chapters and practice job talks.
POLI SCI 988 — International Relations Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Jonathan Renshon
T 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
422 North Hall
The International Relations Colloquium brings students and faculty together to discuss international security, foreign policy, international organizations, and international political economy. Visiting scholars as well as faculty and graduate students from UW present their ongoing research, followed by questions and open discussion among the participants. For updated information about meetings, discussion papers etc.
POLI SCI 989 — American Politics Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Barry Burden
M 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
422 North Hall
The UW-Madison American Politics Workshop is a multidisciplinary group of faculty and graduate students that meets most Mondays at noon to discuss new and ongoing research projects in American Politics. A typical workshop meeting will open with 10-15 minutes of comments by the paper author followed by an hour of discussion. Papers are posted online for reading prior to the meeting.
POLI SCI 990 — Research and Thesis
3 credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
POLI SCI 990 — Independent Work
1-3 credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
Spring 2022
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POLI SCI/FRENCH/GERMAN/HISTORY/SOC 804 - Interdisciplinary Western European Area Studies Seminar
Instructor: Venkat Mani
POLI SCI 813 - Multivariable Statistical Inference for Political Research
Instructor: Dave Weimer
Extensive treatment of multiple regression and its variants.
POLI SCI 817 - Empirical Methods of Political Inquiry
Instructor: Eleanor Powell
Acquaints students with a wide variety of research methods used to analyze political phenomena, emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
POLI SCI 818 - Maximum Likelihood Estimation
Instructor: Alexander Tahk
Develops the theory of maximum likelihood estimation and applies it to models for discrete and limited dependent variables common to political and social science data.
POLI SCI 828 - The Contemporary Presidency: Issues and Approaches
Instructor: Ken Mayer
Current topics of research interest on the American presidency. Alternative approaches and methods for the study of the presidency.
PS 854 - Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict
Instructor: Nadav Shelef
Comparative analysis of nationalism, national identity, and ethnicity and their impact on domestic and international conflict. Examines relationship between nationality, citizenship, and minority rights; territoriality and identity, contemporary religious nationalism; relationship between globalization and nationalism.
POLI SCI 864 - International Political Economy
Instructor: Mark Copelovitch
Analysis of key classical and contemporary theories in international political economy.
POLI SCI/PUB AFFR/URB R PL 878 - Public Management
Instructor: Tana Johnson
Role of administration in American government; problems of organization, bureaucracy and control; public policy as the output of the administrative process
POLI SCI 900 - Models, Experiments, and Data (MEAD) Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Reed Lei
MEAD invites outside speakers, faculty members, and graduate students to present their work and receive feedback.
POLI SCI 904 - Seminar in American Politics, Judicial Institutions
Instructor: Ryan Owens
POLI SCI 904 - Seminar in American Politics, Classics in American Politics
Instructor: David Canon
PS 919 - Seminar in Advanced Methodology, Intro to Text and Images as Data (PoliSci U Course)
Professor Nora Webb Williams, nww3@illinois.edu
Spring ’22’s PoliSci U course, online. Wednesdays, 1-3pm CST from January 18-March 11.
This course provides a broad introduction to the principles and tools of large-scale text and image analysis from a political science perspective. No prior experience with text or image data is required, though experience with R is assumed. The course will offer students the opportunity to work with Python. Topics include maintaining a qualitative sensibility when approaching “big” data, web scraping, supervised and unsupervised learning, sentiment analysis, word embeddings, automatic translation, dependency parsing, event detection, object and facial detection/recognition, color analysis, cloud
computing, AI ethics, and more.
POLI SCI 919 - Seminar in Advanced Methodology, Experimental Methods
Instructor: Jonathan Renshon
Design of research and adaptation of advanced methods to solve particular methodological problems in original analyses of political data.
POLI SCI 931 - Seminar in Political Theory, Rousseau on Education
Instructor: Michelle Schwarze
POLI SCI 931 - Seminar in Political Theory, Virtue Theory
Instructor: Rick Avramenko
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POLI SCI 948 - Topics in Comparative Politics, Democratic Imperfections
Instructor: Rikhil Bhavnani
POLI SCI 986 - Political Theory Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Howard Schweber
The Political Theory Workshop brings together graduate students and faculty with an interest in the history of social and political thought, normative social and political theory, and the normative and theoretical dimensions of public policy and public law. Our meetings center around the discussion of work in progress by UW graduate students and faculty, as well as by invited guests from around the country. They include a brief presentation by the author and a prepared response by an advanced graduate student, followed by a general discussion. In most cases papers are distributed in advance of the meetings. We welcome participants from a broad range of disciplinary and methodological approaches.
POLI SCI 987 - Comparative Politics Colloquium
1 credit.
Instructor: Steven Brooke
The Comparative Politics Colloquium is the intellectual forum for comparativists of all areas and methods to meet and discuss current work. In addition to featuring faculty papers and occasional outside speakers, the CPC is an integral part of graduate training in the department of political science, serving as a place for students to present papers as well as dissertation prospectuses, grant proposals, dissertation chapters and practice job talks.
POLI SCI 988 - International Relations Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Tana Johnson
The International Relations Colloquium brings students and faculty together to discuss international security, foreign policy, international organizations, and international political economy. Visiting scholars as well as faculty and graduate students from UW present their ongoing research, followed by questions and open discussion among the participants. For updated information about meetings, discussion papers etc.
POLI SCI 989 - American Politics Workshop
1 credit.
Instructor: Eleanor Powell
The UW-Madison American Politics Workshop is a multidisciplinary group of faculty and graduate students that meets most Mondays at noon to discuss new and ongoing research projects in American Politics. A typical workshop meeting will open with 10-15 minutes of comments by the paper author followed by an hour of discussion. Papers are posted online for reading prior to the meeting.
POLI SCI 990 - Research and Thesis
3 credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
POLI SCI 999 - Independent Work
1-3 credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
Fall 2021
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POLI SCI 800 — Political Science as a Discipline and Profession
Instructor: Nadav Shelef
Describes and evaluates major approaches used in political science. Explores issues related to professional development and political science careers.
POLI SCI 801 — Research and Writing Seminar
Instructor: Nadav Shelef
Intended for PhD students in political science to develop a seminar or conference paper into a publishable journal article. Emphasis on editing, revising, and peer feedback.
POLI SCI 804 — Interdisciplinary Western European Area Studies Seminar
Instructor: Sunny Yudkoff
What is an archive? What does it mean to “do” archival research? This interdisciplinary seminar approaches these questions by examining the archive both as a site of scholarly practice and as a theoretical mode of collecting, classifying, and disseminating information. We will consider a wide range of archival sites (museums, personal libraries, state institutions, etc.), investigating how these spaces produce knowledge, curate memories, elicit affective responses, and establish national narratives. We will also examine questions of visibility, accessibility, and digitization, and think about how different voices are marginalized or excluded from the archive. Students will pursue final papers using archival sources germane to their subjects. Readings may include work by Carolyn Steedman, Michel Foucault, Saidiya Hartman, Joan Scott, S.D. Goitein, Jacque Derrida, and S.Y. Agnon.
POLI SCI 811 — Introduction to Statistical Computing in Political Science
Instructor: Dillon Laaker
Introduction to the issues of statistical computing in political science using statistical packages such as STATA and R with emphasis on developing sound practices for organizing data, protocols, and results in empirical research.
POLI SCI 812 — Introduction to Statistical Methods in Political Science
Instructor: David Weimer
Introductory statistics course for Ph.D. students. Emphasis on probability theory, inference, and the foundations of multivariate least squares and maximum likelihood.
POLI SCI 821 — Mass Political Behavior
Instructor: Barry Burden
An empirical analysis of the role of mass publics in political life and the factors which determine the formation and expression of political beliefs and attitudes.
POLI SCI 826 — The Legislative Process
Instructor: Eleanor Powell
Analysis of legislative process and the role of the legislature in the political system, emphasizing current research.
POLI SCI 835 — Game Theory and Political Analysis
Instructor: Andrew Kydd
An introduction to the tools of game theoretic analysis, with reference to the use of game theory in political science. Intended for those desiring a basic familiarity with the theory, and for those planning further work in formal modeling.
POLI SCI 839 — Methods of Political Theory
Instructor: Richard Avramenko
An overview of the central disciplinary approaches to interpreting, teaching, and writing about philosophical texts.
POLI SCI 840 — Comparative Political Economy
Intructor: Reed Lei
The course surveys the field of comparative political economy with an emphasis on (1) the relationship between the state and the market and (2) the political logic behind economic policies and outcomes under different political systems. Typical topics of the course include state capacity, reform, the rule of law, the state-business relationship, economic crisis, inequality, public investment, propaganda, environmental protection, and others.
POLI SCI 856 — Field Seminar in Comparative Politics
Instructor: Rikhil Bhavnani
A broad introduction to the field of comparative politics. It combines a theory-driven approach with a problem-driven approach to analyze key themes in comparative politics. Four paradigms in comparative politics–structural, cultural, rational-choice and institutional–will be reviewed.
POLI SCI 857 — International Relations Theories
Instructor: Jessica Weeks
Analysis of the major theories on the functioning of the international political system and the behavior of nations within it.
POLI SCI 871 — Public Program Evaluation
Instructor: Yang Wang
Compares the conceptual, statistical, and ethical issues of experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental designs for program evaluation. Definitions of outcomes, sample size issues, statistical biases in measuring causal effects of programs, and the reliability of findings will be emphasized using case studies selected from current public programs.
POLI SCI 874 — Policy-Making Process
Instructor: Manuel Teodoro
Examines the political, social, and economic contexts that shape and are shaped by policy making processes. Though the focus is on the US, international comparisons will be made, and students are encouraged to think about the American context through comparative and international perspectives. Familiarizes students with dominant theories and models of policymaking process and policy change, starting with the model of the policy cycle. Focuses in on key topics and issues in policy making, specifically, agenda setting, implementation, and the relationships between policymaking and democracy. Reflects on contemporary and emerging issues and dilemmas of the politics of policy making.
POLI SCI 904 — Seminar in American Politics: 'Political Behavior and Economic Inequality'
Instructor: Katherine Cramer
Topic: ‘Political Behavior and Economic Inequality’
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POLI SCI 919 — Advanced Methodology Seminar: 'Qualitative Methods: Research Design, Data Collection, and Analysis'
PoliSci U Course (ITV course)
Instructor: Lauren M. MacLean, macleanl@indiana.edu
Wednesdays, 12:00pm-2:00pm CST (1:00pm-3:00pm EST).
This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of qualitative research design, data collection, and data analysis. The seminar exposes students to a variety of qualitative research methods from a range of epistemological perspectives. The readings include general treatments of qualitative methodology as well as pieces of research that illustrate the use of these methods. In addition to the reading, students will practice these methodological techniques (e.g., conducting interviews) during class in small groups and outside of class as the basis for three short papers.
The course begins with discussion of the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research, scrutinizing the ontological and epistemological assumptions underlying scientific inquiry and methodological choice. We will then examine the logic of research design, the nature of causal explanation, and the challenges of conceptualization. The course will focus on the following qualitative methods in detail: comparative historical analysis, qualitative interviewing, focus groups, ethnography and participant observation, and discourse/content analysis. We will discuss the similarities and differences between interpretivist and positivist qualitative approaches throughout the course. Special attention will be dedicated to the ethics of qualitative research and the design and implementation of field research.
This course will be valuable for graduate students in political science, public policy, and other social sciences who are considering using qualitative methods in their research. The course also welcomes graduate students who are seeking an introduction to qualitative methods in order to be able to read, digest, and evaluate scholarship using them.
POLI SCI 919 — Advanced Methodology Seminar: 'Qualitative Methods'
Instructor: Erica Simmons
Topic: ‘Qualitative Methods’
POLI SCI 931 — Political Theory Seminar: 'Postwar Liberalism'
Instructor: Michelle Schwarze
Topic: ‘Postwar Liberalism’
POLI SCI 933 — Feminist Political Theory
Instructor: Keisha Lindsay
Focuses on how specific schools of feminist thought redefine the political, spanning historical and contemporary feminist political theory.
POLI SCI 948 — Topics in Comparative Politics Seminar: 'Gender & Politics in a Global Context'
Instructor: Aili Tripp
Topic: ‘Gender & Politics in a Global Context’
POLI SCI 960 — International Relations Seminar: Psychological Approach To IR
Instructor: Jonathan Renshon
Topic: Psychological Approach To IR
POLI SCI 982 — Interdepartmental Seminar In The Latin-American Area
Instructor: Katarzyna Beilin
Interdisciplinary inquiry in Latin American society and culture.
POLI SCI 986 — Political Theory Workshop
Instructor: Howard Schweber
The Political Theory Workshop brings together graduate students and faculty with an interest in the history of social and political thought, normative social and political theory, and the normative and theoretical dimensions of public policy and public law. Our meetings center around the discussion of work in progress by UW graduate students and faculty, as well as by invited guests from around the country. They include a brief presentation by the author and a prepared response by an advanced graduate student, followed by a general discussion. In most cases papers are distributed in advance of the meetings. We welcome participants from a broad range of disciplinary and methodological approaches.
POLI SCI 987 — Comparative Politics Colloquium
Instructor: Steven Brooke
The Comparative Politics Colloquium is the intellectual forum for comparativists of all areas and methods to meet and discuss current work. In addition to featuring faculty papers and occasional outside speakers, the CPC is an integral part of graduate training in the department of political science, serving as a place for students to present papers as well as dissertation prospectuses, grant proposals, dissertation chapters and practice job talks.
POLI SCI 988 — International Relations Colloquium
Instructor: Tana Johnson
The International Relations Colloquium brings students and faculty together to discuss international security, foreign policy, international organizations, and international political economy. Visiting scholars as well as faculty and graduate students from UW present their ongoing research, followed by questions and open discussion among the participants. For updated information about meetings, discussion papers etc.
POLI SCI 989 — American Politics Workshop
Instructor: Eleanor Powell
The UW-Madison American Politics Workshop is a multidisciplinary group of faculty and graduate students that meets most Mondays at noon to discuss new and ongoing research projects in American Politics. A typical workshop meeting will open with 10-15 minutes of comments by the paper author followed by an hour of discussion. Papers are posted online for reading prior to the meeting.
POLI SCI 990 — Research and Thesis
1-3 Credits.
Under the direction of faculty.
POLI SCI 999 — Independent Work
Under the direction of faculty.