Political Science

This lecture-based course introduces students to the traditions, methods, and key concepts, theories, and issues in political science. It also explores significant aspects of the relationship between political science and other social sciences. By the end of the course, students should have a comprehensive overview of the field. Topics include political ideologies, political institutions, authoritarianism, voting, social movements, and public policy.

This course provides a critical analysis of political violence and conflict in contemporary globalized societies. It examines the general theories and concepts of political conflict; the act of questioning power and legitimacy of nation-states; collective action and social movements; political conflict and collective violence in modern political systems and governments.

This course examines politics in transitioning and young democracies. Drawing upon research on “new” democracies in various regions of the world, this course focuses on democratic consolidation, political accountability and quality of governance, while discussing how well political institutions function in new democracies. The course also examines some of the common challenges to governance in new democracies. 

Students complete an internship with a local organization or company. Each placement includes oversight and regular check-ins with an internship supervisor from the company or organization. The Internship Methodology Seminar accompanies the internship placement and offers a platform for reflection, enhancement of skills, and development of cultural competence. It focuses on practical skill application, cultural understanding, and adaptability within professional environments to provide a bridge between academic learning and real-world experience.

This course politics of environmental and climate (in)justice. It looks at modern theories of justice versus environmental reality, individualized property regimes versus collective good, colonialism versus te Ao Māori, positivism versus mātauranga Māori, universalism versus localism, and seeks just ways forward. Case studies will be drawn from Aotearoa and global experiences of environmental and climate injustice. It looks at the foundations of liberal political thinking and draws from critical and decolonial theory and te ao Māori in our search for useful tools to fashion just decolonial environmental politics.

This course covers essential analytical and conceptual tools for examining foreign policy processes. It equips students to identify and critically assess differences, similarities, changes, and continuities in the foreign policies of states worldwide. Through diverse historical case studies, the course highlights key theoretical debates while addressing the connect/disconnect between theoretical frameworks and practical decision-making in foreign policy. Along with a midterm and final exam, students participate in a team debate. 

This advanced seminar course explores the problems associated with global political economy. The first half of the course provides students with the analytical and conceptual tools to better understand the complexities of international politics and economics. The second half is issue-based,  focusing on major developments in contemporary international and economic relations and how states manage these issues. The course consists largely of student research, consultation, group presentation, and peer review/comments. Student should expect to complete a 3500 word case study and participate in group presentations.

China’s rise has been one of the defining issues of contemporary world history. Examine this transformation in global affairs from both outside-in and inside-out perspectives. This course explores how China has shaped, and been shaped by, its encounters with the international order, from the Qing Empire to the present. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, this course brings together research from history, international relations, and international political economy.  

The course examines New Zealand’s relations with major countries, its policies in key regions, and its position on contemporary issues in international politics. It explores how a small state navigates complex global environments where optimal outcomes are not always possible. It also provides an insider’s perspective on how strategic decisions are made, drawing on conversations with senior political leaders, diplomats, and national security officials. It analyzes how New Zealand evaluates options, develops policy, and responds to global challenges in ways that safeguard its defense, economy, and societal interests.

This course explores international justice from the perspective of international political philosophy, covering a wide range of topics including peace-building and military intervention. It primarily considers the realization of justice from the perspectives of political ideology and human security, and provides detailed explanations of Syrian and Ukrainian issues.