Political Science

This course introduces the study of democracy and democratization, which is one of the core sub-fields in comparative politics. Drawing on classic and cutting-edge work, it covers four major topics in the field: the concepts and typologies of democracy, regime transitions from authoritarianism to democracy, the consolidation of democracy, and democratic backsliding. The course helps students develop theoretical understanding about what democracy is and how democracy can be established and developed, or de-consolidated. 

The course includes designated class discussions/debates on South Korean democracy and democratization. Therefore, a substantial level of knowledge of Korean politics is needed to participate in class discussions/debates. 

This course introduces and elaborates on diplomatic practices, such as negotiation and mediation. Central issues discussed and compared are varieties of diplomacy, newness and decline of diplomacy, cultural differences in international negotiation, and third parties in international negotiations. Practice and strategies are linked to various diplomatic actors, such as states, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) official, and unofficial diplomats. The course stresses the linkage between theory and practice in international relations.

This course discusses the different aspects of EU's foreign policy such as conflict transformation, financial aid packages and sanctions, geo-strategic investment, energy diplomacy and more, introducing students to the workings of EU's diplomatic bodies and their influence in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Trio. The course considers the candidate countries' regional dynamics and motivations behind their foreign policy alignment. It concludes with a simulation exercise focused on the EU's supranational institutions within a fictional negotiating scenario.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of quantitative text analysis methods for studying international relations. Students engage with advanced computational techniques, including text classification, topic modeling, and network analysis, to systematically examine textual data. The class places emphasis on methodological rigor, critical interpretation of results, and the application of these tools to address key research questions in the field. It is designed to equip students with the skills needed to conduct independent research using text as data.

This course immerses students in a global examination of the rise of far-right movements, employing mixed methods to explore radicalization, narratives, and mobilization strategies. The comparative perspective encompasses cases in both Latin America and Europe. Participants gain practical experience in qualitative data collection and analysis techniques, as well as skills in database construction and discourse analysis. The course culminates in the drafting of a research publication, fostering the development of rigorous academic skills.

This course introduces key concepts and frameworks in public policy, focusing on how policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated. It provides insights on how issues make it onto the political agenda; when and how public policies are made; how their effects can be assessed; what makes them successful; and how public policies can be compared. The course explores different types of policies, the policy instruments governments use to influence societal outcomes, and the factors that drive policy change or stability to familiarize students with analytical tools used in policy research. In doing so, the course also examines the challenges of addressing complex, "wicked" problems that confront governments with particular challenges. In addition to general theories and approaches in public policy research, the course introduces selected policy areas, such as health, education, environmental, and social policy. The course equips students with the tools to analyze policy processes, assess government effectiveness, and critically engage with real-world policy challenges.