Recent U.N. studies document the continuing systematic inequality that exists between men and women around the world. Approaching the study of sex-based inequality from a cross-cultural perspective reflects the reality that it is a universal phenomenon, but with complex and varied roots. The course will include an analysis of the ways in which this inequality impacts political decision-making, political representation, and public policy relevant to women and families. The course will also include the study of how factors such as race, class, religion, sexual orientation, and ethnicity, and social forces such as global capitalism, militarism, and nationalism interact with gender and affect the economic and political status of women and men around the world.
This course explores U.S. immigration and immigration policy, with special attention to the period from 1996 to the present. Taking into account the ideological shifts resulting in previous immigration reforms, the course examines causes of migration, current strategies used by the U.S. government to control the flow of immigrants into the United States, the costs and benefits of immigration to the U.S. and sending countries, security concerns, and ethical and human rights implications. The course prepares students to analyze current rhetoric and policy proposals and engage with the question of what immigration reform might look like.
This course examines 1) some of the major social and political ideologies of the 20th century (such as liberalism, socialism, nationalism, feminism, environmentalism); 2) theories of social and political movements in modern societies and market democracies; and 3) concrete examples of such social and political movements in the contemporary world.
This course compares international organizations, regimes, and policy processes and discusses the central concepts, principles, and processes that are employed in studying global governance. It also examines the different organizational forms and mechanisms through which international political actors structure their interactions and relationships. Self-contained regimes are studied in several issue areas: nuclear weapons proliferation, human trafficking, product standardization, global commons, and terrorism, among others.
This course examines the dynamics of international political and economic relations. Issues of trade, monetary and financial networks, investment, North-South relations, and the international system will be explored. The international context of development will receive particular attention.
This course focuses on important African-American writers whose unique perspectives challenge us to think about questions of justice, equality and difference, morality, and rule. Readings begin in the nineteenth century (Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington) and proceed into the late twentieth century with selections from authors such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, James Baldwin, Shelby Steele, Cornel West, and Toni Morrison.
This course involves systematic consideration of the key concepts, theories, and methods that can be applied to the study of terrorism. It analyzes contesting theories -- and the empirical grounds of such theories -- for why actors employ terrorist instruments. Among the theories of terrorism considered are those linked to psychological, ideological, cultural, and structural explanations. Finally, the course discusses and evaluates the effectiveness of various counter-terror methods and operations.
Study of a variable topic of special interest pertaining to politics. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs.
Psychology
An intensive examination of key areas, approaches, theories, and research methodology in psychology. This non-laboratory course is designed to provide a strong foundation for students intending to major or minor in psychology.
An intensive examination of key areas, approaches, theories, and research methodology in psychology. This non-laboratory course is designed to provide a strong foundation for students intending to major or minor in psychology.
An introductory course focusing on a topic or issue in psychology, designed for students who do not plan to pursue psychology as a major/minor. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs.
An introductory course focusing on a topic or issue in psychology, designed for students who do not plan to pursue psychology as a major/minor. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs.
An introductory course focusing on a topic or issue in psychology, designed for students who do not plan to pursue psychology as a major/minor. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic differs.
This course explores how social dynamics shape individuals' thoughts, emotions, and behaviors within various social contexts. Students will explore key theories and empirical research on topics, such as interpersonal attraction, attitude change, group behavior, conformity, prejudice, and altruism. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the ways in which social influences impact decision making, perception, and interactions, and applying social psychological principles to real world situations. The course also provides a critical examination of the research methods used in social psychology, helping students evaluate the strengths and limitations of different approaches.
An introduction to the study of cognitive processes such as attention, memory, language, and reasoning. Students consider empirical findings from a variety of methodologies as well as the methodologies themselves. Broader issues such as unconscious processes and cultural differences in cognition are also examined in this context. Students are encouraged to discover applications of findings in cognitive psychology to other areas of psychology, other disciplines, and their everyday lives.
An introduction to the study of cognitive processes such as attention, memory, language, and reasoning. Students consider empirical findings from a variety of methodologies as well as the methodologies themselves. Broader issues such as unconscious processes and cultural differences in cognition are also examined in this context. Students are encouraged to discover applications of findings in cognitive psychology to other areas of psychology, other disciplines, and their everyday lives.
This course examines the physiological, cognitive, social, and emotional factors affecting adolescent development and introduces major theories and research on the subject. Topics addressed include biological changes, cognitive changes, identity, autonomy, peer influences, substance abuse, and intimate relationships.
An introduction to basic research approaches in psychology, including observational studies, correlational studies, true experiments, and quasi-experiments. Ethics, sampling, measurement, and data analysis are considered. Intended for psychology majors or for students planning to major in psychology. Weekly laboratory sessions focus on the process of scientific inquiry, giving students experience in the application of class principles.
An introduction to basic research approaches in psychology, including observational studies, correlational studies, true experiments, and quasi-experiments. Ethics, sampling, measurement, and data analysis are considered. Intended for psychology majors or for students planning to major in psychology. Weekly laboratory sessions focus on the process of scientific inquiry, giving students experience in the application of class principles.
An introduction to basic research approaches in psychology, including observational studies, correlational studies, true experiments, and quasi-experiments. Ethics, sampling, measurement, and data analysis are considered. Intended for psychology majors or for students planning to major in psychology. Weekly laboratory sessions focus on the process of scientific inquiry, giving students experience in the application of class principles.