Courses
This course aims to furnish students with the tools necessary to study politics in comparative perspective and to deepen your understanding of some of the most pressing political issues the world now faces. It is divided into four parts. The first examines political regimes, focusing on the essential differences between democracy and authoritarianism and the stakes in the struggle between democracy and its alternatives. The second section investigates explanations for the rise of challenges to democracy in the 21st century. The third section explores nationalism, identity, and belonging. The fourth focuses on political communication.
This course aims to provide students with a rigorous introduction to core topics in political theory and applied political theory. The course centers on four major themes: power, equality, freedom, and community. The syllabus is divided into sections that focus on each of those themes, respectively, as well as a final section that touches on all four.
This course presents a broad introduction to contemporary politics and society in Russia. What was the Soviet Union, and why did democracy fail in Russia after the USSR fell apart? What kind of regime has Vladimir Putin constructed? What do we know about public opinion and the lives and values of ordinary Russians? How does the Russian economy work? How may we understand Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? What is behind Russia’s descent from relatively soft authoritarianism into hard dictatorship?
This course is a graduate seminar in comparative politics. It aims to help provide students with the conceptual, theoretical, and analytical tools needed for comparative research. It takes the form of a “great books” course that focuses on outstanding texts in comparative politics. The authors of the books we are reading will be joining us for discussions.