This course surveys some major debates in comparative political economy, focusing especially on the creation, evolution, and reform of market institutions. The course emphasizes the ways in which the market is embedded in social and political institutions. Main topics include: 1) Theoretical foundations of political economy, 2) Patterns of industrialization, 3) Capitalist institutions in contemporary industrialized countries, 4) Challenges of development, 5) Transitions from communism to a market economy, and current challenges facing capitalism.

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.

Explores central issues related to security in international politics, including: intelligence collection, emerging technologies, the rise and fall of major interstate wars, nuclear weapons, climate change, terrorism, civil wars, and coercion.

Designed to meet special interests of students and instructors in exploring issues in political science. Upon satisfying eligibility requirements set forth by departmental guidelines (in departmental office and online), students must have the approval of a faculty sponsor. Students submit the form and all supporting evidence by mid-semester prior to the planned semester of independent study for departmental approval. Does not meet the major's four field-course requirement; maximum of eight (8) credits can be counted toward the non-field major requirements.