Political Science

The course discusses the central elements of the Chilean political process between 1833 and the era following the end of the authoritarian regime in March 1990. It examines the traits that created the current state of contemporary Chilean democracy. Due to this large historical period, the course focuses on the features and evolution of three main elements: political regime, political institutions, and the main political actors. 

This course examines the study of international relations from 'global south' perspectives, focusing on the question of development. It covers: Eurocentrism; capitalist modernity; the Western challenge; the expansion of Europe; the 'great divergence'; imperialism and colonialism; 'catch-up' strategies; state-led industrialization; the neoliberal approach of the Washington Consensus; the rise of China; urbanization; informalization and gender relations; migration; social movements and revolution; Covid-19; and climate change. 

This course provides an overview of theories on international politics and security as well as specific security issues between China, South Korea, North Korea and the US. 

The course explores the international political economy of sanctions in the constantly changing context of economic warfare and geopolitical rivalry. The aim is to investigate various theoretical approaches to sanctions and to apply those to case studies (e.g. Iran, North Korea, Russia, China, Venezuela, Cuba, Iraq, etc.). Sanctions are analyzed with reference to wider political debates over essential topics, such as national security, state sovereignty, economic warfare and sustainability, legality and legitimacy. The plurality of visions is explored by listening to alternative voices and narratives. By counterposing the justifications for the use of sanctions by sender states to diverse perspectives, expressed by the target states, as well as to increasingly heterodox views of third parties, students develop their critical thinking, and obtain a comprehensive and holistic understanding of sanctions.

This course focuses on the history of communication, starting with Greece and Rome, and continuing on to more present development in the area. Some examples include: Antique, The Reform, Renaudot, telegraph, and photo. In the second part of the course, students are presented with theories such as Cybernetics, School of Frankfurt, Structuralism, School of Chicago, Lasswell and propaganda, Functionalists, and the work of Lazarsfeld.

This course critically examines China's relationships with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the five Central Asian countries, focusing on the implications of its economic and security policies. It explores China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its impact on regional dynamics, particularly in light of rising radical and terrorist groups. The course addresses the heightened scrutiny of South-Central Asia (SCA) due to geopolitical competition and the aftermath of NATO's withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has allowed terrorist organizations to exploit the situation. Counterterrorism emerges as a central theme, analyzing how China's strategies intersect with its foreign policy objectives in SCA. Additionally, the course contextualizes China's approach within Global international relations frameworks and historical Chinese concepts during Xi Jinping's era, examining interactions with various international stakeholders and their implications for the evolving global order. Through this lens, the course engages critical discussions on the complexities of China's influence in SCA and its broader geopolitical ramifications.

This course explores freedom of speech and hate speech and the laws and fine lines around both. Beginning through an American lens, it then compares these concepts with an international, European viewpoint. The course investigates American cases versus European cases.