English

This course examines the subjects of political leadership and executive government theoretically, methodologically and comparatively. Theoretically, it covers the trajectory of the major approaches to the study of leaders and executives that includes institutionalism, feminism and rational choice theory. Methodologically, it covers different quantitative and qualitative methods that can be employed to address research questions pertaining to leaders and executives. It also looks at leaders and executives comparatively by assessing the leadership and executive experience geographically and institutionally. Additional topics to be addressed may include political communication, non-elected leaders (e.g. advisors and judges) and the executive experience at sub and supranational levels of government.

This course introduces theories and practices of International Organizations. The first part of the course deals with theories pertaining to international relations and international law on international organizations. The second part of the course focuses on the United Nations (UN) and other organizations. This course is primarily a discussion course; prior knowledge of international law, international relations, human rights, and environment is recommended. 

This course applies theories of comparative and international political economy to important issues of current and historical concern. Current issues include the politics of rising income and wealth inequality; debates over redistribution via welfare and taxation in a changing global economy; the politics of international trade in democracies and non-democracies; the impact of globalization and growth on the global environment and the politics of climate protection; the impact of the rise of China and other emerging countries on policy, politics and institutions in advanced countries; the politics of monetary and exchange rate management; the political causes of financial instability and the policy and political consequences of financial crises; and the changing nature of institutions and governance in the global political economy. 

This course presents an advanced study of oral and written English expression. It examines idea organization as well as proper usage of language: introductions; conclusions; sentence structure; and vocabulary. The course presents specific techniques of written and oral expression: paragraphs; coherence and cohesion; creative writing; text revision; pronunciation and intonation; dialogue; oral presentations; discourse organization; gesticulation; improvisation; and interviews. 

The class explores various ideas from humanities and social sciences and engages scholars around the world. Topics include public religion, economics, and politics; religion and state; religion and political parties; religion and democratization; religion and civil society; religion, peace and politics; religion, politics, and conflict; the interplay between science, philosophy, and the world religions and implications for the flourishing of life in the post-covid19 era; and religion and foreign policy.     

This course introduces sociology and social science through the study of prominent social problems in the United States. It examines a diverse sample of social problems and analyzes issues of power, inequality, privilege and oppression. Topics include social stratification/inequality, crime and deviance, culture, health, environment, immigration, education, racial/ethnic conflict, gender inequality, and technology work. The course explores America's importance and uniqueness by examining both its problems and solutions to important societal trends.