Courses

• CAS PO 171: Introduction to International Relations
  (Meets with CAS IR 271.) Undergraduate core course. Study of basic factors in international relations, Western state system, balance of power, nationalism, and imperialism. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 271.
• CAS PO 191: Introduction to Political Theory
  Major works of political philosophy are considered, to address fundamental questions of political life. Looks at different conceptions of authority, justice, liberty, and equality, including how they justify and define government, law, and rights and how they pertain to current issues. Carries social science divisional credit in CAS. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course by the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 291.
• CAS PO 201: American Governance: Foreign Affairs, Politics, and Presidents in the Twentieth Century
  Meets with CAS IR 356 E and CAS HI 281 E. Overview of American presidencies of the late twentieth century, specifically considering how politics relates to foreign policy in America. Concepts including isolationism, manifest destiny, moralism, rule of law, national self-interest, and terrorism are discussed. Special focus on Iraq and Afghanistan. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 356.
• CAS PO 202: Introduction to Congressional Policymaking
  Takes students through a step-by-step analysis of legalizing a bill. The process is studied in minute detail to give students a good understanding of the American system of government. All students who have not taken courses in American government are expected to enroll in this course. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 406.
• CAS PO 203: Strategies for Issue Development and Policy Change
  Focuses on the specialized forms of communication that political professionals use to win public support for their issues, candidates, and policy positions; and teaches concrete planning skills for those interested in influencing public policy using both inside and outside (or grassroots) strategies. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 321.
• CAS PO 204: The Modern US Senate: From Collaboration to Confrontation
  Examines the history of the US Senate with a special focus on increasing partisanship since WWII. Addresses major policy issues and landmark pieces of legislation as well as the lives and legacies of prominent individual Senators. Includes guest lecturers. Also offered as CAS HI 327E.
• CAS PO 220: Britain and Europe: A New Beginning
  Examines the changing social, cultural, political, and economic structures of Britain at the end of the twentieth century. Introduction to current debates about the future of the United Kingdom in its relationship with Europe. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 335.
• CAS PO 221: British Political Institutions
  Meets with CAS IR 359. The institutions of British democracy and political participation. Voting patterns, interest groups, and political parties; the role of Parliament, the cabinet, the monarchy, and civil service. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 360.
• CAS PO 222: The British Legal System
  Provides an introduction to the history and the development of the British legal system. Describes the evolution of the Common Law of England, the legal system and the legal profession of England. Also examines legal aspects of constitutional systems of government. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 534.
• CAS PO 223: Issues in Contemporary Politics
  An in-depth study of contemporary topics in British and European politics and society, the course provides context to examine such issues as British/EC political and trade relations, British relations with the former Soviet bloc, and Anglo-American problems of public administration. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 358.
• CAS PO 224: British Law and Current Issues
  Examines controversial issues in contemporary British law, situated in their social, political, and ethical context. Special comparisons to wider European as well as American issues. Format includes class discussions, film viewings, and guest lectures from field experts. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 388.
• CAS PO 225: Understanding British Foreign and Domestic Policy Processes
  Meets with CAS IR 361 E. Presents main policy areas and policy-making in Britain in an international context. Particular attention paid to foreign and defense policies. Focus on policy outcomes and the policy- making process with some reference to the political system and associated legal and constitutional factors.
• CAS PO 231: The History of Ireland
  Examination of four themes: Ireland's relationship with England; Ireland and the Catholic Church; Ireland during the Union with Great Britain (especially the famine); and the emergence of the modern Irish nation. Emphasis on economic, political, and religious developments. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 381.
• CAS PO 240: Paris Politique
  Introduction to the political life of France, beginning with a historical overview of the French political system. Examines issues related to administrative organization, the civil service, regionalism, and France's role in the international community. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 450.
• CAS PO 242: The Activities of International Organizations
  Examination of several types of institutional arrangements, both within and outside the UN system, as well as normative, operational, and enforcement activities. Considers role of non-State actors in their relations with international institutional arrangements. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 444.
• CAS PO 243: Introduction to Public International Law
  (Meets with CAS IR 445.) Analysis of how public international law governs relations between States. Focus on the decentralized structure of the legal order and on conditions under which States can safeguard their rights. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 445.
• CAS PO 244: Small States and Security Issues
  Approaches to small states' security, with focus on Switzerland. General review of foreign, security, and defense policies. Switzerland?s evolution since the Cold War. This course cannot be taken for credit in addition to the course with the same title that was previously numbered CAS PO 446.
• CAS PO 245: Nationalism in Spain in a European Context
  Examines Spanish national identity alongside minority national identities within Spain such as the Basque and Catalonian peoples. Compares the case of Spain with other national minorities across Europe. Examines non-state nationalisms from historical and contemporary perspectives.
• CAS PO 246: Democratization: Its History and Future Challenges
  Meets with CAS IR 391E. Comparative perspective on the history of democracy and democratization. Explores conditions, catalysts, and processes of democratic change with a focus on current trends in the democratization debate. Special focus on Iran as a case study.
• CAS PO 247: Politics, Nations, and Identity in the New Europe: Switzerland and the European Union
  (Meets with CAS IR 418 E.) Examines Switzerland in the context of European history through a structured comparison with France and Germany. Discusses the Swiss role in the history and rationale of the EU, the current eurozone crisis and plans for enlargement, and questions of migration.

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