Political Science

This course offers an introduction to the theories and debates in policy studies, public policy analysis, comparative politics, international relations, political economy, sociology, and development economics. As such, the course does not aim to provide concrete policy answers in many cases to longstanding policy debates and questions, but instead intellectually guides students to think through these big questions. The overarching goal in this course is to understand why there is no “one size fits all” policy solutions. That means there's no generic solution. But there are some key principles to help find the right policy in the right situation, and history to learn from. The class consists of three modules. Module one focuses on the fundamentals of the politics of the policy process. Here, the course explores the intersection between politics and public policy, the usefulness and criticisms of the policy cycle, the role of official and unofficial actors in the policy-making process, as well as the major theories of the policy process. Module two reviews major factors and causes that account for variation in policy outcomes across countries. Importantly, the course discusses and analyzes the factors that explain variation in public policies across countries and the domestic context of policymaking in both developed and developing countries. Lastly, in module three, the course concludes by empirically reviewing the highly contested topics that animate today’s public debates, such as immigration and citizenship, education, health care, and welfare policies.

The course focuses on the domestic politics of the states of the modern Middle East. It applies the major concepts of political science and adopts a thematic approach to offer a large survey of the region, from North Africa to the Persian Gulf, from World War One to the present day. Topics include colonialism, identity politics, political economy, state institutions, political ideology, democratization and civil society, gender and youth, leadership, and regime change.

This course examines peace bulding and conflict resolution in the 21st century, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. This course considers violence, truce, justice, trauma, peacekeeping, reconciliation, anomie, truth, healing and resolution, with special attention to those situations where peace processes have consistently failed to achieve their goals.

This course introduces management and operation of organizations in the nonprofit sector. In particular, it examines issues unique to the governance and administration of nonprofits, including board management, fundraising, philanthropy, innovation, technology, capacity, nonprofit accounting and reporting, leadership, and network management. Lecture topics include an introduction to the nonprofit sector, governance and accountability, institutional and legal environment, innovation and technology, and collaboration and networking. Students learn both the theories and practical techniques required for an effective manager in nonprofit organizations. Assessment: tutorial assignments (20%), group project (40%), final exam (40%).