Why are some countries democratic, while others are ruled by dictators? This course answers this question by examining leading theories of democratization, then testing these theories empirically through case studies of ancient Greece, the United States, Germany, Chile, and South Africa. The course concludes with an overview of contemporary political change in the Middle East, and the potential for popular protest to culminate into democratic practices.

What is ethnic identity and why do ethnic differences result in violence? Are diverse societies prone to conflict? The course provides a broad perspective to these questions by examining diversity and conflict in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the US. Racial and ethnic politics in the US, while not a primary focus, are compared to identity and conflict in other countries. Students will understand how identity evolves and shapes the world.

An introduction to empirical research methods in political science, both qualitative and quantitative. Students study all aspects of the research process, including hypothesis-building, concepts and variables, measurement, research design, sampling, and empirical observations. Special attention paid to the use of statistical software.

This seminar explores the comparative politics of selected countries and conflicts in the contemporary Middle East and North Africa. We focus on understanding the causes and consequences of popular uprisings, civil wars, and protracted conflicts. The class is taught through discussion, with students taking active, participatory roles. Themes include changing forms of governance, changing practices of warfare, gender and minority rights, economic and environmental problems, protest and activism, state-society relations, and migration and refugees. Students read memoir, journalistic accounts, and theoretical articles in comparative politics to understand important developments. Specific country and issue cases change each year; recent seminars have addressed Israel-Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Iran, and Iraq. Writing, reading, and discussion intensive class. Designed as follow-on course to POLT 559, Comparative Politics of the Middle East, counts as capstone course for the Middle East Minor.