Political Science

The focus of the course is secession. Students explore theories that account for the entire cycle of this phenomenon, from its emergence, through its political dynamics, to either successful or unsuccessful attempts to attain independent statehood. Theoretical material will be illustrated by, and applied to, a variety of historic and contemporary cases (e.g. Catalonia, Scotland, Quebec, Iraqi Kurdistan, Kosovo, Eritrea, Tamil Eelam). The foundation of the course is the discussion of the key features of multinational states, with a focus on the conditional legitimacy of their political-institutional framework and their borders. Indicative themes include: the emergence of secessionist movements; their efforts to mobilize support for independence; mechanics of separation (including a discussion of violent and non-violent secessions); independence referenda; policy issues related to the creation of new states; and the international political and legal aspects of secession .

This course teaches students key ideas in the field of public policy and give them an authentic experience of researching a public policy problem. The core of the course is learning the latest theories of public policymaking and governing. This covers debates about the nature and scope of public policy problems, theories of the policy process, symbolic meaning and narratives in policy, theories of policy change, and the political power of government, business and non-government activists in policymaking. The research aspect of the course involves analyzing a contemporary public policy problem, from its causes and effects through to possible solutions.

The course teaches students about the function of intelligence in the 20th and 21st centuries, and promotes reflection on the nature of scholarly work. The connection between scholars and the spies is not just a fanciful one dreamed up by novelists. During the world wars and the Cold War, academics swelled the ranks of Anglo-American intelligence organizations. Early pioneers of intelligence theory and practice, were also distinguished scholars. By learning about the problems of gathering evidence, interpretation, analysis, presentation and distribution of intelligence, students also learn to be better War Studies students. 

This course surveys the institutional development of the American presidency from the Constitutional Convention through the presidency of Donald Trump. It addresses issues such as how presidential power was constitutionally designed, how the presidency has changed over time, and the place of the presidency in contemporary American politics.

This course examines the European Union (EU) from a variety of perspectives derived from major theories/concepts of international relations and comparative politics. It considers the EU as a key reference point in the foreign/security/defense policies of EU member states, as a major center of gravity in Europe's regional neighborhood, and as an important global actor. The course also considers the EU's relations with competing actors, particularly the U.S., NATO, Russia, and China, as well as its role as a model for other experiments in regional integration.