[ EP&E 316, Politics of China ]

EP&E 2336a / PLSC 2259a, Bureaucracy and Democracy  Luca Bellodi

This course examines the politics of the federal bureaucracy and its role in American democratic governance. Students explore how agencies are created and managed, how bureaucrats make decisions, and how elected officials can hold an unelected bureaucracy accountable. Topics range from bureaucratic culture and street-level implementation to presidential control, rulemaking, and the contemporary politics of administrative reform.  SO
TTh 9am-10:15am

* EP&E 3214a, Classics of Ethics, Politics and Economics  Kevin Elliott

This course is designed to explore the moral and theoretical foundations, critiques, and open questions surrounding the social organization of production and governance in modern societies. A key aim of this class is to better understand the moral and philosophical background of market-based distribution, criticisms of it, and how thinkers have tried to make sense of it.  HU, SO
W 9:25am-11:20am

* EP&E 3217a, Classics of EP&E–Intellectual Origins of Liberalism and Conservatism  Gregory Collins

The purpose of this course is to explore the intellectual origins of liberalism and conservatism through an EP&E framework. We discuss the tensions between collective wisdom and individual reason in the early modern period and survey the thought of thinkers in the proto-liberal and proto-conservative traditions, such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke on sovereignty, individual autonomy, reason, and toleration; and Robert Filmer, Richard Hooker, and David Hume on order, custom, and utility. Our main object of inquiry, however, is the intellectual division that emerged between supporters and critics of the French Revolution, the historical event that prompted the modern political identities of liberalism and conservatism. Accordingly, we examine the political, moral, and economic theories of the Revolution; reactions to the Revolution from Edmund Burke, Joseph de Maistre, and other counterrevolutionaries; critical responses to their reactions, including those from Thomas Paine, Mary Wollstonecraft, and James Mackintosh; and the impact of this debate on the evolution of liberalism and conservatism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in Europe and the United States. Class discussions and readings confront liberal and conservative perspectives on human nature; reason; freedom; tradition; individual rights; religion; the Enlightenment; market economies; democratic participation; and equality. 
   SO
Th 1:30pm-3:25pm

* EP&E 3341a / CLCV 3910a / HUMS 2210a / PHIL 3380a / PLSC 3341a, Plato  Daniel Schillinger

In this Interpretations seminar on Plato, we read the Alcibiades I, Laches, Protagoras, Symposium, Phaedrus, and Statesman–rich and complex dialogues that are rarely taught at the undergraduate level. These texts display Plato's philosophical and literary range, from his so-called early or Socratic period to his late, almost univocal style. At the same time, the dialogues address a family of questions about virtue, eros, and political rule. Reading Plato across the dialogues, we also raise methodological questions and engage with relevant secondary literature. Previous coursework on Plato in Directed Studies, Political Science, or Philosophy is expected.   WR, HU
MW 2:35pm-3:50pm

* EP&E 3481a / PLSC 3481a, Electoral Systems and Democratic Innovations  Eli Rau

In this course, we study approaches to making collective decisions in democracies. We will consider a wide variety of electoral rules and decision-making systems in use around the world, as well as proposed alternatives. Does universal mandatory voting improve representation? For what types of issues is it better to rely on representative government versus forms of direct or participatory democracy? In balancing accountability and expertise, which government roles should be elected versus appointed?
T 9:25am-11:20am

EP&E 4220b / PLSC 4342b, Strategic Models of Politics  Milan Svolik

Introduction to formal political theory including application of rational choice and game theoretic analysis. Key topics and findings include: why voters vote in elections; how candidates choose platforms; why common resources tend to be overexploited; whether the state is needed for public good provision; how electoral systems shape politicians' and voters' behavior; whether voters can hold politicians accountable for their performance in office; how constitutions affect politicians' incentives to compromise; and why countries fight wars.  SO  0 Course cr
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* EP&E 4224a / ECON 4465a / GLBL 4830a, Debating Globalization  Ernesto Zedillo

Facets of contemporary economic globalization, including trade, investment, and migration. Challenges and threats of globalization: inclusion and inequality, emerging global players, global governance, climate change, and nuclear weapons proliferation. Prerequisite: background in international economics and data analysis. Preference to seniors majoring in Economics or EP&E.  SO  RP
M 9:25am-11:20am

* EP&E 4232b / PLSC 3477b, Comparative Political Parties and Public Policies  Isabela Mares

Political parties are a key institution at the heart of representative democracies. The organization of parties, their connections to voters and interest groups and their use of programmatic and nonprogrammatic promises in appealing to voters varies significantly across countries. The goal of this course is to familiarize students with comparative research on party and party systems. We examine the historical development of political parties, examining the processes by which different societal ‘cleavages’ lead to the formation of new parties and the importance of electoral laws in accounting for different party configurations. We next provide an overview of the dynamics of party development during the postwar period, examining processes of polarization and depolarization of the party landscape, the relationship between parties and interest groups, the contribution of different parties to policy developments and changes in political representation.  SO
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* EP&E 4235b / PHIL 4457b / PLSC 3346b, Recent Work on Justice  Thomas Pogge

In-depth study of one contemporary book, author, or debate in political philosophy, political theory, or normative economics. Focus varies from year to year based on student interest and may include a ground-breaking new book, the life's work of a prominent author, or an important theme in contemporary political thought.  HU
T 4pm-5:55pm

* EP&E 4239b / PLSC 3230b, Political Representation  Amir Fairdosi

The notion of political representation lies at the center of government in the United States and much of the rest of the world. In this course, we examine the features of political representation, both in theory and practice. We ask (and possibly find ourselves struggling to answer!) such questions as: What is political representation? Should we have a representative system as opposed to something else like monarchy or direct democracy? Should representatives demographically resemble those they represent, or is that not necessary? How do things like congressional redistricting, electoral competition, and term limits affect the quality of representation? Do constituents’ preferences actually translate into policy in the United States, and if so, how? In Part I of this course, we discuss the theoretical foundations upon which representative government rests. In Part II, we move beyond theories of representation and on to the way political representation actually operates in the United States. In Part III, we move beyond the ways in which representation works and focus instead on some ways in which it doesn’t work. Proposed solutions are also explored.  SO
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* EP&E 4246a / PLSC 3339a, Participatory Democracy  Amir Fairdosi

What does democracy look like without elections? In this class, we discuss the theory and practice of “participatory” forms of democracy (i.e. those that allow and encourage citizens to influence policy directly, rather than indirectly through elected representatives).  SO
Th 1:30pm-3:25pm

* EP&E 4250b / PLSC 3462b, The European Union  David Cameron

Origins and development of the European Community and Union over the past fifty years; ways in which the often-conflicting ambitions of its member states have shaped the EU; relations between member states and the EU's supranational institutions and politics; and economic, political, and geopolitical challenges.  SO
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* EP&E 4251b / PLSC 3444b / SOCY 3241b, Political Protests  Maria Jose Hierro

The Guardian defined the 2010s as the mass protest decade, and 2019 capped it with an upsurge of protests worldwide. In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the US witnessed the widest protests in its recent history in response to the killing of George Floyd. The following years were not different, as the world continued to witness massive demonstrations. Increasingly, however, observers have begun to question the capacity of these large-scale demonstrations to bring about meaningful change. Under what conditions does a protest start? Why do people decide to join a protest? Do protests succeed? Can repression kill a movement or ignite the end of authoritarian-like governments? Focusing on recent protest movements worldwide, this seminar will address questions related to the study of political protest. This seminar has a limited enrollment capacity (18 seats max.) Priority for course registration will be given to students with a compelling motivation to take the class. I will also consider students’ GPAs  SO
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* EP&E 4257b / LAST 4251b / PLSC 3446b, Political Power and Inequality in Latin America  Ana De La O

Overview and analysis of politics in Latin America. The emergence of democracy and the forces that led to the unprecedented increase in inequality in the twentieth century. Topics include institutional design, historical legacies, corruption, clientelism, and violence.  SO
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* EP&E 4259a / ECON 4460a, From Say's Law to the Global Financial Crisis: Thinking about Economic Fluctuations and Instability  Robert Dimand

This course investigates the changing ways in which economic fluctuations and financial and economic instability have been analyzed in the two centuries from the debates at the end of the Napoleonic Wars over Say’s Law of Markets and the possibility of a general glut of commodities through to the Global Financial Crisis and the present state of macroeconomics. Prerequisite: Intermediate Macroeconomics (ECON 2122 or ECON 2126) or permission of the instructor.  SO
T 4pm-5:55pm

EP&E 4295a / EP&E 295 / PLSC 2600a, Game Theory and Political Science  Adam Meirowitz

Introduction to game theory—a method by which strategic interactions among individuals and groups in society are mathematically modeled—and its applications to political science. Concepts employed by game theorists, such as Nash equilibrium, subgame perfect equilibrium, and perfect Bayesian equilibrium. Problems of cooperation, time-consistency, signaling, and reputation formation. Political applications include candidate competition, policy making, political bargaining, and international conflict. No prerequisites other than high school algebra. Political Science majors who take this course may not count ECON 159 toward the major.  QR, SO  0 Course cr
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* EP&E 4299b / GLBL 3299b / PLSC 3340b, Philosophy of Science for the Study of Politics  Ian Shapiro

An examination of the philosophy of science from the perspective of the study of politics. Particular attention to the ways in which assumptions about science influence models of political behavior, the methods adopted to study that behavior, and the relations between science and democracy. Readings include works by both classic and contemporary authors.  SO
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* EP&E 4305a / AFST 3366a / EP&E 305 / HIST 2367a / PLSC 3403a, Bureaucracy in Africa: Revolution, Genocide, and Apartheid  Jonny Steinberg

A study of three major episodes in modern African history characterized by ambitious projects of bureaucratically driven change—apartheid and its aftermath, Rwanda’s genocide and post-genocide reconstruction, and Ethiopia’s revolution and its long aftermath. Examination of Weber’s theory bureaucracy, Scott’s thesis on high modernism, Bierschenk’s attempts to place African states in global bureaucratic history. Overarching theme is the place of bureaucratic ambitions and capacities in shaping African trajectories.
W 1:30pm-3:25pm

* EP&E 4306a / PLSC 3221a, First Amendment and Ethics of Law  Karen Goodrow

This course addresses the First Amendment and freedom of speech, focusing on the ethical implications of restrictions on free speech, as well as the exercise of free speech. Course topics and discussions include the “fighting words” doctrine, hate speech, true threats, content regulated speech, freedom of speech and the internet, and the so-called “right to be forgotten.” By the end of the course, students recognize the role free speech plays in society, including its negative and positive impacts on various segments of society. Students also have an understanding of the competing interests arising from the First Amendment’s right to free speech, and can analyze how these competing interests are weighed and measured in the United States as compared with other countries.  SO
W 1:30pm-3:25pm

* EP&E 4314b / ECON 3380b / GLBL 4102b, Emerging Markets  Mayara Felix

Emerging markets are economies transitioning from low- to middle-income status, experiencing rapid urbanization, increasing integration into global trade, and strengthening financial institutions. These countries, which include China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, and Mexico, are characterized by stronger state capacity compared to other developing economies. This course exposes students to the challenges and opportunities faced by people and firms in emerging markets, with a special focus on policy reforms aimed at addressing such challenges. We cover contemporary issues in trade policy, taxation, labor markets, and welfare programs. Each theme is explored through empirical research published in leading economics journals, allowing students to derive evidence-based insights into policy effectiveness. Prerequisites: ECON 117 and ECON 121, or permission from the instructor.  SO
Th 4pm-5:55pm

* EP&E 4324a / ECON 4482a, Economics of Cities  Cody Cook

This seminar explores the economic forces shaping cities, their structure, and the lives of their residents. Topics include why cities exist, urban amenities & disamenities, housing markets, segregation, transportation infrastructure, and the political economy of local governments. The course emphasizes both the core theoretical models of urban economics and policy-relevant empirical applications, such as zoning reform, affordable housing programs, congestion pricing, and climate adaptation. Prerequisites: Intermediate micro and econometrics and a working knowledge of calculus and some basic statistics. Problem sets involve some coding and data analysis.  SO
W 1:30pm-3:25pm

* EP&E 4328a / EP&E 328 / PLSC 2509a / S&DS 1720a, YData: Data Science for Political Campaigns  Joshua Kalla

Political campaigns have become increasingly data driven. Data science is used to inform where campaigns compete, which messages they use, how they deliver them, and among which voters. In this course, we explore how data science is being used to design winning campaigns. Students gain an understanding of what data is available to campaigns, how campaigns use this data to identify supporters, and the use of experiments in campaigns. This course provides students with an introduction to political campaigns, an introduction to data science tools necessary for studying politics, and opportunities to practice the data science skills presented in S&DS 123, YData.
   QR
W 4pm-5:55pm

* EP&E 4334a / PHIL 4455a, Normative Ethics  Shelly Kagan

A systematic examination of normative ethics, the part of moral philosophy that attempts to articulate and defend the basic principles of morality. The course surveys and explores some of the main normative factors relevant in determining the moral status of a given act or policy (features that help make a given act right or wrong). Brief consideration of some of the main views about the foundations of normative ethics (the ultimate basis or ground for the various moral principles). Prerequisite: a course in moral philosophy.  HU
T 1:30pm-3:25pm

* EP&E 4350a / AFST 3385a / HIST 2391a / HIST 3344 / PLSC 3439a, Pandemics in Africa: From the Spanish Influenza to Covid-19 and Ebola  Jonny Steinberg

The overarching aim of the course is to understand the unfolding Covid-19 pandemic in Africa in the context of a century of pandemics, their political and administrative management, the responses of ordinary people, and the lasting changes they wrought. The first eight meetings examine some of the best social science-literature on 20th-century African pandemics before Covid-19. From the Spanish Influenza to cholera to AIDS, to the misdiagnosis of yaws as syphilis, and tuberculosis as hereditary, the social-science literature can be assembled to ask a host of vital questions in political theory: on the limits of coercion, on the connection between political power and scientific expertise, between pandemic disease and political legitimacy, and pervasively, across all modern African epidemics, between infection and the politics of race. The remaining four meetings look at Covid-19. We chronicle the evolving responses of policymakers, scholars, religious leaders, opposition figures, and, to the extent that we can, ordinary people. The idea is to assemble sufficient information to facilitate a real-time study of thinking and deciding in times of radical uncertainty and to examine, too, the consequences of decisions on the course of events. There are of course so many moving parts: health systems, international political economy, finance, policing, and more. We also bring guests into the classroom, among them frontline actors in the current pandemic as well as veterans of previous pandemics well placed to share provisional comparative thinking. This last dimension is especially emphasized: the current period, studied in the light of a century of epidemic disease, affording us the opportunity to see path dependencies and novelties, the old and the new.  SO
Th 1:30pm-3:25pm

* EP&E 4356a, Constitutional Law and Business Ethics  Gregory Collins

The purpose of this course is to explore how the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court case law have had an impact on business and commercial activities throughout U.S. history. We first identify provisions of the Constitution that relate to economics and familiarize ourselves with methods of constitutional interpretation, including originalism and living constitutionalism. We then apply this guiding framework to our analysis of key Supreme Court cases that have addressed the Commerce Clause, the Takings Clause, the First Amendment, the Fourteenth Amendment, and a number of other constitutional provisions that relate to commercial exchange and the legal status of corporations. Additional concepts we discuss include the countermajoritarian difficulty, the rational basis test, strict scrutiny, substantive due process, fundamental rights, disparate impact, public accommodations law, antidiscrimination law, and antitrust law. The guiding question we confront is whether the courts should a.) defer to legislatures in regulating business actors; or b.) overturn democratically enacted laws to protect the economic liberties of individuals. 
T 1:30pm-3:25pm

* EP&E 4390a / EVST 3212a / PLSC 3217a, Democracy and Sustainability  Michael Fotos

Democracy, liberty, and the sustainable use of natural resources. Concepts include institutional analysis, democratic consent, property rights, market failure, and common pool resources. Topics of policy substance are related to human use of the environment and to U.S. and global political institutions.  WR, SO
Th 9:25am-11:20am

* EP&E 4396b / AMST 4469b / PLSC 3238b, American Progressivism and Its Critics  Stephen Skowronek

The progressive reform tradition in American politics. The tradition's conceptual underpinnings, social supports, practical manifestations in policy and in new governmental arrangements, and conservative critics. Emphasis on the origins of progressivism in the early decades of the twentieth century, with attention to latter-day manifestations and to changes in the progressive impulse over time.  SO
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* EP&E 4399a / AMST 3365a / ER&M 3695a, Platforms and Cultural Production  Julian Posada

Platforms—digital infrastructures that serve as intermediaries between end-users and complementors—have emerged in various cultural and economic settings, from social media (Instagram), and video streaming (YouTube), to digital labor (Uber), and e-commerce (Amazon). This seminar provides a multidisciplinary lens to study platforms as hybrids of firms and multi-sided markets with unique history, governance, and infrastructures. The thematic sessions of this course discuss how platforms have transformed cultural production and connectivity, labor, creativity, and democracy by focusing on comparative cases from the United States and abroad. The seminar provides a space for broader discussions on contemporary capitalism and cultural production around topics such as inequality, surveillance, decentralization, and ethics. Students are encouraged to bring examples and case studies from their personal experiences.   HU, SO
M 4pm-5:55pm

* EP&E 4471a, Directed Reading and Research  Jose-Antonio Espin-Sanchez

For individual reading and research unrelated to the senior essay. Students must obtain the signature of the faculty member supervising their independent work on an Independent Study Form (available from the Ethics, Politics, and Economics registrar's office). This form must be submitted to the director of undergraduate studies at the time the student's class schedule is submitted.
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* EP&E 4478b / PHIL 4450b, The Problem of Evil  Keith DeRose

The challenge that evil's existence in the world poses for belief in a perfectly good and omnipotent God. The main formulations of the problem of evil; proposed ways of solving or mitigating the problem and criticism of those solutions. Skeptical theism, the free-will defense, soul-making theodicies, and doctrines of hell.  HU
T 4pm-5:55pm

* EP&E 4490b / CGSC 4260b / PHIL 4426b / PSYC 4220b, The Cognitive Science of Morality  Joshua Knobe

Introduction to the emerging field of moral cognition. Focus on questions about the philosophical significance of psychological findings. Topics include the role of emotion in moral judgment; the significance of character traits in virtue ethics and personality psychology; the reliability of intuitions and the psychological processes that underlie them.  HU
W 4pm-5:55pm

* EP&E 4491a, The Senior Essay  Jose-Antonio Espin-Sanchez

A one-term senior essay. The essay should fall within the student's area of concentration. If no appropriate seminar is offered in which the essay might be written, the student, in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies, should choose an appropriate member of the faculty to supervise the senior essay. Students must obtain the signature of the faculty member supervising their independent work on an Independent Study Form (available from the Ethics, Politics, and Economics registrar's office). This form must be submitted to the director of undergraduate studies at the time the student's class schedule is submitted.
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* EP&E 4492a and EP&E 4493a, The Yearlong Senior Essay  Jose-Antonio Espin-Sanchez

A two-term senior essay. The essay should fall within the student's area of concentration. The student, in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies, should choose an appropriate member of the faculty to supervise the senior essay. Students must obtain the signature of the faculty member supervising their independent work on an Independent Study Form (available from the Ethics, Politics, and Economics registrar's office). This form must be submitted to the director of undergraduate studies at the time the student's class schedule is submitted.
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