Course Catalog

Discipline

CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THOUGHT (PO3004)

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

COMPARATIVE POLITICAL COMMUNICATION (PO3011)

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

DEMOCRACY: THEORY AND PRACTICE (PO3012)

Democracy, which means government by, for, and of the people, is an intriguing idea that raises many questions: Who belongs to the people? What is the will of the people? Who can speak in the name of the people? In this course we focus on contemporary theories and practices of democracy, paying special attention to the development of democratic theory when democratic practice is considered to be in crisis.

GLOBAL JUSTICE (PO3019)

Is it unjust that there are huge economic inequalities between people of different countries? If so, who is responsible for rectifying these injustices? Should individuals enjoy the liberty to move freely across countries? How fair is free trade? The course explores these and other questions of global justice from philosophical and social-scientific perspectives.

POLITICS OF HUMAN RIGHTS (PO3024)

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

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN ASIA (PO3029)

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