Courses

The Politics of Globalization, POLS 161

An introduction to the major academic and policy debates over globalization and global governance. Key themes will include: sovereignty, free/fair trade; immigration; anti-globalization and violence; democratic governance and international economic institutions; and the global justice movement. Lottery Preference: 35 space for Freshmen and Sophomores; 5 spaces for Juniors and Seniors.

The Politics of Globalization webpage

Syllabus: Fall 2009

Global Civil Society, POLS 261

An introduction to the theories and debates behind the concept of a global civil society, and the role of transnational civil society actors in shaping global governance. Case studies of specific transnational networks, movements, and coalitions will be examined.

Global Civil Society webpage

Syllabus: Spring 2010

Human Rights and Global Politics, POLS 262

Critically examines the principles, history and practice underlying the international human rights regimes. Will explore theoretical debates over the cultural specificity of human rights,policy debates over national sovereignty and international law, and questions of accountability for human rights abuses. Attention will also be paid to the impact of globalization and the role of civil society in the human rights movement.

Human Rights and Global Politics webpage

Syllabus: Spring 2009

Politics, Markets and Theories of Capitalism, POLS 265

Theoretical approach to the role of politics and markets in modern capitalism. Draws from the history of political economic thought (including Adam Smith, Marx, Karl Polanyi, Schumpeter and Hayek) and from contemporary political economists to address the meanings of "capitalism" and the effects of global makrets on dometic politics.

Syllabus: Spring 2009

Sovereignty, POLS 266

An examination of the concept sovereignty as it figures within international politics and democratic theory. Explores the theoretical and historical origins of the concept as well as contemporary adaptations, challenges and critiques. Topics include the state system and international intervention, democratic authority and globalization, indigenous and food sovereignty, and proposals for post-sovereign forms of polity.

Syllabus:

Democracy and Global Governance, POLS 361

Examination of contemporary theoretical and practical debates about the extension of democratic principles beyond the nation-state. This course will explore sources of legitimacy in world politics and consider innovative ways to cope with global power asymmetries and democratic deficits caused by globalization.

Syllabus: Fall 2008

Global Justice, POLS 362

An examination of issues of justice that cross national borders, including world poverty and global distributive justice, corporate accountability, humanitarian intervention, and global environmental justice. Readings chosen from recent works in political philosophy and globalization studies.

Syllabus: Spring 2010

Solidarity Economy Movements, POLS 365

An intensive research seminar critically examining the politics, theory and social networks behind solidarity economy movements that seek to create solidarity-based alternatives to capitalism. Includes study of the fair trade movement, eco-villages, cooperative movements, and participatory budgeting, among other initiatives.

Syllabus: Fall 2010