Political Theory

POLS V 1013x Political Theory

Critical reading and analysis of key texts in political theory. Emphasis will be placed on the challenges of democratic citizenship, origins and effects of inequality, paradoxes of modern freedom, and persistent gender inequalities. - A. Gundogdu
Prerequisites: L-course sign-up on myBarnard. Enrollment is limited to 110. Barnard syllabus. Corequisites: Required discussion section POLS V 1015. Discussion Section Required. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Reason and Value (REA).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Ethics and Values..
3 points

Political Theory

POLS V 1101x Political Theory

Critical reading and analysis of key texts in political theory. Emphasis will be placed on the challenges of democratic citizenship, origins and effects of inequality, paradoxes of modern freedom, and persistent gender inequalities. - A. Gundogdu
Prerequisites: L-course sign-up on myBarnard. Enrollment is limited to 110. Barnard syllabus. Corequisites: Required discussion section POLS V 1015. Discussion Section Required. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Reason and Value (REA).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Ethics and Values..
3 points

American Government & Politics

POLS W 1201x and y Introduction to American Government & Politics

Lecture & discussion. Dynamics of political institutions and processes, chiefly of the national government. Emphasis on the actual exercise of political power by interest groups, elites, political parties and political opinion. (Cross-listed by the American Studies Program.)- Michael G. Miller
Prerequisites: L-course sign-up through myBarnard. Barnard syllabus. Corequisites: Required discussion section POLS V1211. Discussion Section Required. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I)..
3 points

Comparative Politics

POLS V 1501y Comparative Politics

Introduction to major issues and theories in comparative politics, democratization, and human rights. - To be determined
Corequisites: Required discussion section POLS V1511. May be taken at Barnard or Columbia. Limited to 100 students. L-course sign-up through myBarnard. Barnard syllabus. Discussion Section Required. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Cultures in Comparison (CUL).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC II)..
3 points

International Relations

POLS V 1601x and y International Politics

Setting and dynamics of global politics; application of theories of international relations to selected historical and contemporary problems. - Kimberly Marten
Corequisites: Required discussion section POLS V1611. May be taken at Barnard or Columbia. L-course sign-up myBarnard. Professor Marten's section is limited to 175, including 26 incoming Barnard first-year students. Barnard syllabus. Discussion Section Required. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC II)..
3 points

Political Theory

POLS W 3002y Human Rights and Immigration

This course inquires into the challenges posed by international immigration to the existing system of human rights. It provides a theoretical understanding of the imortance of citizenship and sovereignty within this system. It combines theoretical readings on human rights with case studies on asylum-seekers, refugees and undocumented immigrants. (Cross-listed by the Human Rights Program.) - A. Gundogdu
Prerequisites: A Political Theory or a Human Rights course. Not an introductory-level course. Enrollment limited to 25 students; L-course sign-up through eBear. Barnard syllabus. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Ethics and Values.. Not offered in 2016-2017.
3 points

Political Theory

POLS V 3103x Great Political Thinkers in the Black Intellectual Tradition

In this course, we examine how the black intellectual tradition's best political thinkers grappled with a concrete and particular instance of a universal problematic of domination and submission, inclusion and exclusion, power and powerlessness, and the question of how subaltern groups can find liberation from their subalternity. Though many of the thinkers under consideration are significant as political actors, we understand their writings to provide a complex and contested theoretical backdrop for political action. We explore how black thinkers 1) criticize and American democracy corrupted by slavery 2) articulate the ideological functions of 'race,' 3) redefine race consciousness in terms of linked fate. - M. Smith
Prerequisites: None.
3 points

American Government & Politics

POLS BC 3200x American Political Development, 1789-1980

American Political Development (APD) is an emerging subfield within American Politics that focuses on the ways that political culture, ideology, governing structures (executives, legislatures, judiciaries, and subnational governments) and structures of political linkage (political parties and organized interests) shape the development of political conflict and public policy. Rejecting the fragmentation of the field of American Politics into narrow specialties, it links government, politics, policy, culture, and economics in a broad-gauged search for understanding. (Cross-listed by the American Studies Program.) - D. Kato
Prerequisites: V 1201 or equivalent intro course in American Politics. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Historical Studies (HIS).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I)..
3 points

American Government & Politics

POLS V 3212x Environmental Politics

The political setting in which environmental policy-making occurs. The course will focus on grassroots and top-down policy-making in the United States with some comparative examples.Topics include the conservation movement and national agenda politics, pollution control and iron triangle politics, alternative energy policy and subsidy politics, climate change and issue networks, and transnational environmental issues and negotiation of international policy regimes. (Cross-listed by the American Studies Program.) - R. Pious
Prerequisites: None. Some knowledge of American politics and government (i.e. prior high school or college coursework) is recommended. Barnard syllabus.
"L" sign-up through myBarnard. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I)..
3 points

American Government & Politics

POLS V 3213y American Urban Politics

A study of cities in the US focusing on local government structures and relationships with other levels of government. Themes include power and decision-making; the leadership and administration of cities; and present day problems and strategies to deal with them. Topics include urban political economy, political machines and urban reform, race and ethnicity in urban politics, and urban problems such as fiscal strain, poverty, the burden of growth and attracting economic investment, the costs and consequences of urban terror and disaster, and the global city. (Cross-listed by the American Studies Program.) - C. Vargas-Ramos
Prerequisites: This course counts as an introductory-level course in American Politics. L-course sign-up through eBear. Enrollment is limited to 80, including 20 incoming Barnard first-year students. Barnard syllabus. Discussion Section Required. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC II)..
3 points

American Government & Politics

POLS V 3222y Political Science Research Methods

The course introduces students to the systematic study of political phenomena. Students will learn how to develop research questions and executable research designs. Then, taking an applied approach, students learn basic statistical and case study techniques for evaluating evidence and making empirical claims. No prior experience with statistics is assumed. - Michael G. Miller
Prerequisites: At least sophomore standing recommended. No prior experience with statistics is assumed. Corequisites: POLS V 3223 Computer Lab: TBD (50 minutes per week). Enrollment limited to 40 students: "L" sign-up through eBear. Not an introductory-level course. Barnard syllabus. Lab Required. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I)..
3 points

American Politics

POLS V 3240x Race, Law, and American Politics

This class focuses on the broader implications of race as it relates to constitutional law, resistance movements and political economy. This class examines the dynamic relationship between race, law and American politics as a lens by which to interrogate core concepts in legal, social and political decision-making. Enrollment limited to 40 students. - D. Kato
Prerequisites: POLS V 1201 or equivalent
3 points

American Government & Politics

POLS BC 3254y First Amendment Values

Examines the first amendment rights of speech, press, religion and assembly. In-depth analysis of landmark Supreme Court rulings provides the basis for exploring theoretical antecedents as well as contemporary applications of such doctrines as freedom of association, libel, symbolic speech, obscenity, hate speech, political speech, commercial speech, freedom of the press and religion. (Cross-listed by the American Studies Program.) - P. Franzese
Prerequisites: POLS W1201 or an equivalent. Not an introductory course. Not open to students who have taken the colloquium POLS BC3302. Enrollment limited to 25 students; L-course sign-up.
3 points

American Government & Politics

POLS V 3313y American Urban Politics

A study of cities in the US focusing on local government structures and relationships with other levels of government. Themes include power and decision-making; the leadership and administration of cities; and present day problems and strategies to deal with them. Topics include urban political economy, political machines and urban reform, race and ethnicity in urban politics, and urban problems such as fiscal strain, poverty, the burden of growth and attracting economic investment, the costs and consequences of urban terror and disaster, and the global city. (Cross-listed by the American Studies Program.) - C. Vargas-Ramos
Prerequisites: This course counts as an introductory-level course in American Politics. L-course sign-up through eBear. Enrollment is limited to 80, including 20 incoming Barnard first-year students. Barnard syllabus. Discussion Section Required. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC II)..
3 points

Comparative Politics

POLS V 3401x Democracy and Dictatorship in Europe

Examines the development of democracies and dictatorships in Europe from the French Revolution to the present day. Analyzes the nature and dynamics of European political history and uses the European experience as a foundation upon which to build a broader understanding of how different types of political regimes emerge, function and are sustained over time. (Cross-listed by the European Studies and Human Rights Programs.) - S. Berman
Prerequisites: A course in European history or comparative politics preferred but not necessary. Enrollment is limited to 70, including 20 incoming Barnard first-year students. Barnard syllabus. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Historical Studies (HIS).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC II)..
3 points

Comparative Politics

POLS BC 3402x The Comparative Politics of Gender Inequality

Uses major analytical perspectives in comparative politics to understand the persistence of gender inequality in advanced industrial states. Topics include: political representation and participation; political economy and capitalism; the historical development of welfare states; electoral systems, electoral quotas; the role of supranational and international organizations; and social policy. - C. Ullman
Prerequisites: Not an introductory-level course. Not open to students who have taken the colloquium POLS BC 3507. Enrollment limited to 20 students; L-course sign-up through eBear. Barnard syllabus. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I)..
3 points

Comparative Politics

POLS V 3413x Political Movements in the Middle East and North Africa

The 2011 "Arab Spring" took all observers by surprise. Yet the region has a rich history of bottom-up demands for accountable government. This course examines the diverse forms of popular mobilization in the Middle East region from the 19th century to 2011, including women's, human rights, and labor movements. (Cross-listed by the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Cultures) - M. El-Ghobashy
Prerequisites: Limited to 40 students. L-course sign-up through eBear. This course counts as an introductory-level course in Comparative Politics. Barnard syllabus. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I).. Not offered in 2016-2017.
3 points

American Government & Politics

POLS BC 3521x Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

Explores seminal caselaw to inform contemporary civil rights and civil liberties jurisprudence and policy. Specifically, the readings examine historical and contemporary first amendment values, including freedom of speech and the press, economic liberties, takings law, discrimination based on race, gender, class and sexual preference, affirmative action, the right to privacy, reproductive freedom, the right to die, criminal procedure and adjudication, the rights of the criminally accused post-9/11 and the death penalty. (Cross-listed by the American Studies and Human Rights Programs.) - P. Franzese
Prerequisites: POLS W1201 or the equivalent. Not an introductory-level course. Not open to students who have taken the colloquium POLS BC3326. Enrollment limited to 25 students; L-course sign-up through eBear. Barnard syllabus.
3 points

POLS W 3560x Politics of Urban Development in Latin America

Analyzes historical and contemporary dimensions of urban development within Latin America as a lens on the broader political challenges of local governance in an urbanized world. Uses theories from political science and other disciplines to critically analyze specific aspects of urban development, including social mobilization, political participation, and urban violence. - E. Moncada
Prerequisites: POLS V1501 Introduction to Comparative Politics
3 points

International Relations

POLS V 3604x Civil Wars and International Interventions in Africa

At least sophomore standing. Limited to 70 students. L-course sign-up. Barnard syllabus. This course counts as an introductory course for International Relations or Comparative Politics. Analyzes the causes of violence in civil wars. Examines the debates around emergency aid, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Focuses on recent conflict situations in Africa -- especially Congo, Sudan, and Rwanda -- as a background against which to understand the distinct dynamics of violence, peace, and international interventions in civil conflicts. (Cross-listed by the Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race and both of Barnard's Human Rights and Africana Studies programs.) - S. Autesserre
BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I)..
3 points

International Relations

POLS V 3615y Globalization and International Politics

Exploration of how globalization affects the structures and functions of the international economy, state sovereignty, international security, and international civil society. Emphasis is placed on problems of international governance, legitimacy and accountability, and the evolving organizational processes that characterize contemporary international politics. - A. Cooley
Prerequisites: Limited to 69 students. L-course sign-up through eBear. Barnard syllabus. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I).. Not offered in 2016-2017.
3 points

Comparative Politics

POLS V 3620y Contemporary Chinese Politics

Introduction to some basic aspects and major events in Chinese political life under the communists since 1949, focusing on the post-Mao reform period since 1978. Examination of economic and political development in China in a broader context of global transition from authoritarianism and state socialism. - X. Lu
Prerequisites: Limited to 69 students. L-course sign-up through eBear. This course counts as an introductory-level course in Comparative Politics. Barnard syllabus. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Historical Studies (HIS).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I)..
3 points

American Politics

POLS W 4205x Politics, Crime and Punishment

This course investigates the politics of crime and the criminal justice system. We investigate the origins of the politics of law and order from the mid-twentieth century to today, against a broader backdrop of partisan competition, urban de-industrialization, and socio-cultural tensions. Particular attention is paid to the role of politicians and political institutions such as the Congress, the Judiciary and federal, state and local bureaucracies such as local police in conceptualizing the need for a "war on crime;" and developing the political and institutional mechanisms for carrying out this war. The course reviews the current political, institutional and societal developments arising from the war on crime and current debates amongst politicians and policymakers. Issues such as sentencing disparities; racial differences in death penalty cases; New York City's "stop and frisk" policy; and, felon disenfranchisement, are among some of the topics that will be covered in this course. Students will analyze a mix of social science research, legal cases, and policy analyses, as a means of understanding the political development of the American criminal justice. Readings and in-class discussions will be supplemented by guest speakers drawn from organizations involved in the crime/criminal justice system. - Kimberley Johnson
Prerequisites: At least one social science course. At least one course in American Politics. Not offered in 2016-2017.
3 points

American Government & Politics

POLS W 4316y The American Presidency

Growth of presidential power, creation and use of the institutionalized presidency, presidential-congressional and presidential-bureaucratic relationships, and the presidency and the national security apparatus. (Cross-listed by the American Studies Program.) - R. Pious
Prerequisites: POLS W1201 or any course that qualifies for the the introductory-level American Politics course. Barnard syllabus.
"L" sign-up through eBear. Not offered in 2016-2017.
3 points

American Government & Politics

POLS W 4321y The Constitutional Law of Presidential-Congressional Relations

Constitutional issues involved in presidential-congressional relations, including assertions of presidential emergency powers, control of the administrative agencies, and the constitutional law of diplomatic and war powers. (Cross-listed by the American Studies Program.) - R. Pious
Prerequisites: POLS W1201 or any course that qualifies for the introductory-level American Politics course. At least sophomore standing required. Barnard syllabus. Not offered in 2016-2017.
3 points

Comparative Politics

POLS W 4428y European Political Development

This is an upper-level course in European political development. It is designed for undergraduates who already have some exposure to European history and politics and graduate students. The course will analyze important theoretical works, and debates about, the evolution of European political systems and institutions since the early modern period and place the European experience in comparative perspective - S. Berman
Prerequisites: Course in European history or political science or relevant comparative politics courses.
4 points

Comparative Politics

POLS W 4435x Political Corruption and Governance

Survey of the social science discourse on political corruption in the contemporary world and its relationship to political and economic development. Exploration of questions concerning political corruption, its causes, consequences, patterns, and effective mechanisms to reduce, contain, and eliminate corruption. Barnard syllabus. - X. Lu
Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or its equivalent. Additional courses in comparative politics are recommended. Open to undergraduate students with at least sophomore standing and graduate students.
3 points

Comparative Politics

POLS W 4445x Politics of the Middle East and North Africa

This course has two objectives: studying the political economy and history of the Arab states, Israel, Turkey, and Iran, and reviewing major themes in the Middle East political science literature. Topics include: historical legacies of colonialism, the political economy of state-society relations, the politics of religion, the politics of democratization, and burgeoning forms of new media. - M. El-Ghobashy
Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or the equivalent. Enrollment limited to 70 students. L-course sign-up through eBear. Barnard syllabus. Not offered in 2016-2017.
3 points

International Relations

POLS W 4820y International Relations of a Post-Western World

Examines emerging challenges to the Western-built order of international politics, including emerging powers and the Bretton Woods economic institutions, the reslience of the US-led security system, and the contestation of Western values issues such as international, human rights and democracy promotion. Focus on Eurasia, Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. - A. Cooley
Prerequisites: POLS 1601 or an equivalent introductory course in International Politics; an introductory course in Economics or international finance is recommended for background, but not required.
3 points

International Relations

POLS W 4875y Russia and the West

Exploration of Russia's ambiguous relationship with the Western world. Cultural, philosophical, and historical explanations will be examined alongside theories of domestic political economy and international relations, to gain an understanding of current events. Select cases from the Tsarist, Soviet, and recent periods will be compared and contrasted, to see if patterns emerge. - K. Marten
Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to 30 students. L-course sign-up through eBear. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Historical Studies (HIS).. BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC I)..
3 points

International Relations

POLS BC 3055y * Colloquium on Political Violence and Terrorism

What causes political violence and terrorism? How should we define "terrorism"--is it true, as the old saw goes, that one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter? What is the role of religious belief, as opposed to more immediate political goals, in fomenting terrorist action? Are al Qaeda and those linked to it different from terrorists we've seen in various places around the world in the past, or does all terrorism and political violence stem from the same variety of goals and purposes? Can governments take effective action to prevent or counter terrorism, or are we all doomed to live in insecurity? What is the proper balance between protection against terrorism and protection of civil liberties? This course examines these questions through weekly assigned readings, analysis and discussion. - K. Marten
Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or POLS V1601 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus. Not offered in 2016-2017.
4 points

Political Theory

POLS BC 3101x * Colloquium on Black Political Thought

Advanced political theory colloquium treats black political thought as concerned with the universal problem of domination. Examines how black thinkers relate democracy, slavery and race; redefine race consciousness as linked fate; articulate new social theories to suggest new "meanings" for race; redefine the political to address social and aesthetic concerns. - M. Smith
Prerequisites: POLS W1013 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus. Not offered in 2016-2017.
4 points

Political Theory

POLS BC 3102x * Colloquium on Race and Modern Political Thought

Race and Modern Political Thought is a Political Theory colloquium that explores how the concept of race became available to modern thought as a legitimate conceptualization of human being and difference and to political thought as an idea useful to structuring political communities. Is race best understood in ideological terms, i.e., as a viewpoint shared by philosophers and lay-persons alike about difference that usefully reflected the needs and aspirations of slaveholders and colonialists? Or is race instead an artifact of modern forms of reasoning? Or should we ignore questions of origin and simply take seriously the notion that the only practical-ethically correct or politically progressive-approach to theorizing race is to attend critically to the organization of racial power? What kind of idea is race? - Michelle Smith
Prerequisites: POLS 1013 or the equivalent.
4 points Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students.

International Relations

POLS BC 3118x * Colloquium on Problems in International Security

Examination of causes and consequences of major current problems in international security. Topics include state power dynamics and the rise of China, nuclear deterrence and proliferation, military intervention and R2P, ethnic nationalism and sectarianism, state failure and warlordism, transnational terrorism. - K. Marten
Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or POLS V1601 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus.
4 points

American Politics

POLS V 3250y Voting and Political Behavior

This course examines political behavior in the United States, including voting, contributing, and volunteering. It also considers how people interpret information and use it to form preferences, and also how external forces can affect individuals' propensity to participate. - M.G. Miller
Prerequisites: POLS 1201 is suggested but not required.
3 points

American Government & Politics

POLS BC 3304y * Colloquium on Politics and Policy-Making in American Federalism

Examines increasingly complex relationships existing amongst all levels of American government and theoretical and practical challenges these relationships present for policy-makers and citizens. Themes include which levels of government ought to be doing what, the role of exit and voice, and what it means to produce coherent public policy. - S. Minkoff
Prerequisites: POLS W1201 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus.
4 points

American Politics

POLS BC 3306x *Colloquium on Politics of Judicial Interpretation

Focusing on the development of constiutional doctrine across time, we will consider the growth of Supreme Court authority over constitutional questions (and challenges to that authority), the Court's relation to the other federal branches, and the relationship between constitutional change and social movements - D. Kato
Prerequisites: POLS 1201 Intro to American politics or an equivalent American Politics course. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students.
4 points

American Politics

POLS BC 3307x *Colloquium on Racial Violence

This colloquium examines two particular episodes of racial violence, each of which situates the political differently: lynchings and prisons. The goal is to not only explore how to bring the state back in but also examine the differences, similarities and points of intersections across disciplines. - D. Kato
Prerequisites: POLS 1201 Intro to American Politics or an equivalent American Politics course. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students.
4 points

American Politics

POLS BC 3328y * Colloquium on Politics of Urban Development

Explores the development policies that American cities are pursuing and the political, economic, and social contexts in which they pursue them. Emphasis will be placed on developing both a theoretical and practical understanding of the challenges cities face as they seek economic prosperity. - S. Minkoff
Prerequisites: POLS W 1201 (Introduction to American Government and Politics), POLS V 3313 (American Urban Politics), or permission from the instructor. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students.
4 points

Political Theory

POLS BC 3329x * Colloquium on Harlem in Theory

Harlem in Theory is an advanced political theory colloquium. Its focus is both thematic and methodological. Joining a two-thousand year tradition of doing philosophy in and for the city, we theorize Harlem as urbs and civitas (place and socio-political association) and bring Harlem to bear on philosophy. We explore the political theorist's craft by engaging different theoretical approaches and methodologies used by political, social and critical theorists. Our readings include political philosophy, critical frameworks for interpretation and historical, social scientific and literary works about Harlem - supplemented by film, music and of course periodic trips to various Harlem venues. General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC). - M. Smith
Prerequisites: Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students.
4 points

POLS BC 3330y (Section 001) Women in American Politics

A well-functioning democracy should certainly reflect the intent of its citizens, but it is worthwhile to consider whether this goal is achievable when the legislative assembly does not take on the characteristics of the population. In Congress, membership is comprised of fewer than 20% of women. Women constitute a somewhat greater proportion of the various state assemblies, but still not at levels that approach their share of the population. In this class, we will discuss the electoral experiences of women who run for office. We will also consider whether the women who are elected to public office behave differently, and what, if any, implications such a difference might have for public policy. We will also study how gender intersects with race and socio-economics in American political life. This course will introduce students to the concepts, major themes, and debates in the study of gender in American politics. Students who complete the class will learn how to: 1. Identify the key concepts, trends, and debates in the empirical study of women in American politics. 2. Draw linkages between theoretical political science and practical politics in describing how gender affects political outcomes. 3. Critically engage media coverage of women in politics. 4. Assess the theoretical and/or empirical quality of academic arguments about women in politics. 5. Use empirical evidence to present an effective argument, both written and verbal. 6. Produce a high-quality, original research paper that contributes to our understanding of gender in American political life. - M. Miller
Prerequisites: V 1201 or equivalent
4 points Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students.

American Government & Politics

POLS BC 3331x * Colloquium on American Political Decisionmaking

Readings on decisionmaking, policy analysis, and the political setting of the administrative process. Students will simulate an ad hoc Cabinet Committee assigned to prepare a presidential program to deal with aspects of the foreign aid program involving hunger and malnutrition. (Cross-listed by the American Studies Program and by the Athena Center for Leadership Studies.) - R. Pious
Prerequisites: POLS W1201 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus. Not offered in 2016-2017.
4 points

American Government & Politics

POLS BC 3332x * Colloquium on Exploring Political Leadership in the U.S.

Exploration of the effect of political leadership on political outcomes in the United States, with special attention to how individual characteristics, like personality, political style, ideology, gender, race and class, interact with the political environment in shaping political outcomes. (Cross-listed by the American Studies Program and by the Athena Center for Leadership Studies.) - F. Davidson
Prerequisites: POLS W1201 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus. Not offered in 2016-2017.
4 points

American Politics

POLS BC 3334x *Colloquium on American Elections and Campaigns

The purpose of this course is to examine how political science can inform the real-world campaign environment, improving our understanding of strategy and outcomes in American elections. - M. Miller
Prerequisites: POLS V 1201 or equivalent American Politics course. POLS V 3222 or equivalent Research Methods course is recommended. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students.
4 points

American Politics

POLS BC 3337y *Colloquium on Election Reform

The purpose of this course is to examine problems in American democracy, and to critically evaluate proposals for reform. We will examine the manner in which political science has engaged "real-world" problems in election systems and administration, campaign finance, and fraud. - M.G. Miller
Prerequisites: POLS 1201 or an equivalent intro-level course in American Politics.
4 points

Political Theory

POLS BC 3410x *Colloquium on Human Rights in a Diverse World

Exploration of the nature of human rights and questions of their validity and relevance, protection and redefinition, in this world of cultural diversity and diversity of national interests. (Cross-listed by the Human Rights Program.) - A. Gundogdu
Prerequisites: POLS V1013 or W3001 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus.
4 points

International Relations

POLS BC 3411y *Colloquium on Building Peace

How can we build peace in the aftermath of extensive violence? How can international actors help in this process? This colloquium focuses on international peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding efforts in recent conflicts. It covers general concepts, theories, and debates, as well as specific cases of peacebuilding successes and failures. Cross-listed with Human Rights. - S. Autesserre
Prerequisites: POLS 1601 (Intro to International Politics) or equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students.
4 points

International Relations

POLS BC 3417y *Colloquium on Sovereignty and its Challenges

States are often assumed to maintain control over their sovereign affairs, yet in our contemporary era a variety of external actors regularly violate state sovereignty, pressure governments or challenge their domestic policy autonomy. This course explores how the traditional political, economic and security functions of states are being undermined and reconfigured. - A. Cooley
Prerequisites: POLS 1601 or equivalent Introduction to International Relations course. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students.
4 points

Comparative Politics

POLS BC 3500x *Colloquium on Political Economy of Corruption and Its Control

Comparative political economy course which addresses some important questions concerning corruption and its control: the concept, causes, patterns, consequences, and control of corruption. Introduces students to and engages them in several key social science debates on the causes and effects of political corruption. - X Lu
Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus.
4 points

POLS BC 3501y (Section 001) Urban Violence In Comparative Perspective

One of the key contemporary challenges for democracy and development across both the developing and developed worlds is urban violence. From urban gangs to paramilitaries to vigilantes to citizen defense committees, the city is increasing a key setting for a range of armed actors that engage in equally diverse forms of criminality and the exercise of coercive force. Major cities throughout the world thus lead two lives: as control and command centers in a globalized (and urbanized) economy, and as the stages where the monopoly over the legitimate use of violence that Max Weber identified as a defining attribute of the state is contested on a daily basis. This course has two overarching objectives. The first objective is to examine and critically assess existing theories of the drivers, functions, and consequences of urban crime and violence. The second objective is to situate existing research within a broader range of classic and emerging political science research on state building, institutions, democracy, development, and conflict. The methodological emphasis of the course is comparative analysis, and therefore empirical material will largely draw on analyses of crime and violence in Latin America and Africa, and the United States. This course will introduce students to the key theories, debates, and empirical studies of urban crime and violence. Students who successfully complete the class will: 1. Acquire a broad knowledge of the theories and concepts used to analyze urban crime and violence. 2. Develop a theoretically informed and empirically grounded understanding of both historical and contemporary trends in crime and violence in major cities across Latin America, Africa, and the United States. 3. Draw linkages between news coverage of urban crime and violence and political science theories on a range of broader issues regarding state building, institutions, democracy, and development. 4. Use existing theories to analyze, assess, and present empirical data, both written and verbal. 5. Produce a major, original research paper that advances existing knowledge of the origins, dynamics, and/or consequences of urban crime and violence. - E. Moncada
Prerequisites: V 1501 or equivalent
4 points Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students.

Comparative Politics

POLS BC 3504x * Colloquium on Social Movements across Time and Space

Examines the origins, trajectories, and effects of social movements, from 18th century Britain to 19th century Iran to late 20th century Argentina, China, and the United States. Focuses on social movements' relation to political parties, the state, and transnational forces and asks whether social movements promote or undermine democratization. - M. El-Ghobashy
Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus. Not offered in 2016-2017.
4 points

Comparative Politics

POLS BC 3505y * Colloquium on Making Democracy Work

Examination of democratic consolidation and promotion. What makes democracy work and what, if anything, can outside actors do to help this process along? Topics include the theoretical literature on democratic consolidation, historical cases of intervention, debates about America's role in promoting democracy, and examination of some of the research on democracy promotion. (Cross-listed by the Europen Studies and Human Rights Programs.) - S. Berman
Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus.
4 points

Comparative Politics

POLS BC 3507x *Colloquium on Gender, Politics, and Markets

Considers why men more than women control political and economic resources in advanced industrial states of the world. Examines how labor markets, welfare states, and political institutions have a different impact on women than men. Evaluates attempts at increasing gender equality in political representation, labor market participation, and household work. *Please note, students who have already taken BC 3402 The Compative Politics of Gender Inequality may not register for this colloquium.* (Cross-listed by the Womens Studies Program.) - C. Ullman
Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus.
4 points

Comparative Politics

POLS BC 3540x *Colloquium on Constructing States, Nations, and Democracy

The course will examine the development of, and relationship among, the three constituent features of the modern political world: states, nations and democracy. The course will analyze both historical and contemporary cases, tracing how causal processes unfold over time and space and what past conditions and experiences lie behind today's political dynamics and problems. - S. Berman
Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students.
4 points

POLS V 3565y Drugs and Politics in the Americas

One of the major challenges for democracy in much of the developing world is the complex links between illegal drug markets and politics. These linkages span multiple levels, from the micro-dynamics of everyday politics in territories controlled by drug gangs to interdependence between drug trafficking and civil conflict to the contentious politics of global drug regimes. This course will examine these dynamics theoretically and empirically with a focus on the Western Hemisphere (North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean). The first section of the course is designed to bring all class participants onto a level playing field through a historical overview of the illicit drug trade. As part of this first section we will examine the history of specific drugs, consumption patterns, and the factors that facilitate the transport of drugs across the Americas. The second portion of the course shifts to a focus on the points of linkage between the drug trade and politics. This section examines theories to account for patterns of drug-related violence, the drug trafficker and drug gang as political actors, and analyses of participation in the drug trade (specifically the point of sale portion of the production chain). The final section builds on the first two sections by introducing and critically analyzing several of the key debates regarding the "war on drugs." LEARNING OBJECTIVES This course will introduce students to the key theories, debates, and empirical studies of the intersection between the drug trade and politics. Students who successfully complete the course will: 1. Acquire a broad knowledge of the theories and concepts used to analyze the illicit drug trade. 2. Develop a theoretically informed and empirically grounded understanding of both historical and contemporary trends in drug trafficking. 3. Enhance understanding of the ways in which illicit markets and politics are mutually constitutive. 4. Draw linkages between widespread media coverage of the drug trade and a range of analytic and theoretical frameworks to critically assess this information. 5. Use existing theories to analyze, assess, and present empirical data, both written and verbal. - E. Moncada
3 points

POLS BC 3801y (Section 001) Politics of Economic Development In the World

Description: The semester-long course aims to study political and social factors behind economic development and exam empirical cases of the success and failure in economic growth in order to understand the key features of the development processes. In the last two centuries, some countries successfully achieved economic growth and development, while other failed to do so. Even in the post-WWII period, the world has witnessed the rise and decline of economies around the world. Why do nations succeed or fail in economic development? How do political institutions affect economic outcomes? What are the ways in which state and market interact and influence each other? Can democracy be considered a cause of development, an outgrowth of development, or neither and to which extent? How do external factors such as foreign aid encourage or discourage development? We will try to examine these questions by taking a historical-institutional and comparative approach and take a critical look at the role of political and other institutions by applying theoretical guidelines and empirical cases. We will explore competing explanations for the successes and failures of economic development in the world. Objective:1. Understand some important concepts and theories within the fields of comparative politics and political economy. To explore the interconnections between politics, economy, and society in the context of development policy and practice.2. Develop basic analytic skills to explore various factors that shape political, economic, and social development and underdevelopment in the world;3. Understand some country specific political economy processes and how these processes prove or disprove certain theories and policies. - X. Lu
Prerequisites: V 1501 or equivalent BC: Fulfillment of General Education Requirement: Social Analysis (SOC II)..
4 points Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students.

International Relations

POLS BC 3805x *Colloquium on International Organization

Exploration of the various structures, institutions, and processes that order relations among states and/or actors in the international system. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary issues such as dilemmas of humanitarian intervention, the politics of international institutions, the rise of non-governmental organizations, and globalization. - A. Cooley
Prerequisites: POLS V1601 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus.
4 points

International Relations

POLS BC 3810x *Colloquium on Aid, Politics & Violence in Africa

Explores the concepts, theoretical traditions and debates around development and humanitarian aid, focusing on the relationships between aid, politics, and violence. It looks at the political and military impacts of aid, the linkage between humanitarian aid and conflict resolution, and aid's contribution to perpetuating subtle forms of domination. (Cross-listed by the Africana Studies and the Human Rights Programs.) - S. Autesserre
Prerequisites: POLS V1601 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus.
4 points

International Relations

POLS BC 3812y * Colloquium on State Failure, Warlords, and Pirates

What are sovereign states, why do they fail, does their failure matter, and can the international community help? This course examines these questions using social science theories and historical case studies. It focuses on the political economy and security consequences of two current forms of state failure: warlordism and piracy. - K. Marten
Prerequisites: POLS V1501 or POLS V1601 or the equivalent. Admission by application through the Barnard department only. Enrollment limited to 16 students. Barnard syllabus. Not offered in 2016-2017.
4 points

POLS W 4150y Crisis and Critique: The Frankfurt School

The Institute of Social Research, founded in 1923 for the purposes of revitalizing Marxist studies in Germany and attached to the University of Frankfurt, became the source of what is now known as "the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory." This course centers on the writings of the key figures associated with the "first generation" of the Frankfurt School: Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno, Walter Benjamin, Franz Neumann, Otto Kirchheimer, Friedrich Pollock, and Herbert Marcuse. In addition, it includes various background readings from thinkers whose works were key references for the critical theorists of the Frankfurt School: Immanuel Kant, G. W. F. Hegel, Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, Max Weber, and György Lukács. The course takes the Holocaust as a turning point for the members of this group, as this event brought their conception of critical theory into a crisis, urged them to rethink their assumptions about the relationship between theory and practice, dampened their hopes for revolutionary social change, and compelled them to undertake a much more radical critique of the Enlightenment. We will study the changing and divergent trajectories of critical theory by covering a wide range of material, including different perspectives on reason and rationality, the relationship between theory and practice, intertwinement of freedom and domination in modernity, and pathologies of mass society. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon the completion of this course, students should be able to: Demonstrate broad factual knowledge of the intellectual origins, key figures, works, and approaches in the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory; Demonstrate an informed understanding of the political and normative arguments of selected theorists about key concepts (e.g. reason, progress, Enlightenment, reification); Compare and contrast different interpretations or analyses of the main problems or phenomena studied by selected theorists (e.g. industrial capitalism, Nazism, modern technology, mass culture); Write focused essays analyzing the key arguments, concepts, and issues or questions in assigned readings; Develop a clear and persuasive argument supported by textual evidence. - A. Gundogdu
3 points

POLS BC 3765x and y Supervised Faculty-Student Research

For joint Faculty-Student research on a deisgnated topic of the instructor's choice. Students will critically engage with scholarly debates, formulate research designs, analyze or interpret data, and learn to summarize and present findings. Apply directly to the instructor. Can be taken once for elective credit toward the major. - Political Science faculty
Prerequisites: None formally; instructor may recommend introductory or advanced course in their subfield
3 points

POLS BC 3799x and y Independent Study

Students who wish to do an independent study project (I.S.P.), should speak with a Political Science faculty member willing to serve as sponsor, then fill out a "Request for Approval of Credit for Independent Study" (see Registrar's link below) and obtain signatures from the sponsor and from our Department Chair. File this form with the Committee on Programs and Academic Standing, which must approve all requests. (It must be filed with the C.P.A.S. well before the Registrar's program-filing deadline for the semester of the I.S.P.) Note that no credit is given for an internship or job experience in or by itself, but credit is given for an academic research paper written in conjunction with an internship, subject to the procedures outlined above. The internship and the I.S.P. can be in the same semester, or you may do the I.S.P. in the semester following the internship. A project approved for three or four points counts as an elective course for the purpose of the ten-course major or five-course minor requirement. No more than two such three- or four-point projects may be used for the major, and no more than one for the minor. An independent study project may not be used to satisfy either the colloquium or senior seminar requirement. Each instructor is limited to sponsoring one independent study project per semester. The Registrar will assign a POLS BC 3799 section and call number unique to the faculty sponsor. The Registrar's ISP form: http://www.barnard.edu/sites/default/files/inline/indstudy.pdf. The Political Science faculty: http://polisci.barnard.edu/faculty-directory.
1-4 points.

POLS BC 3601x International Law and the United Nations in Practice

Examines the development of international law and the United Nations, their evolution in the Twentieth Century, and their role in world affairs today. Concepts and principles are illustrated through their application to contemporary human rights and humanitarian challenges, and with respect to other threats to international peace and security. The course consists primarily of presentation and discussion, drawing heavily on the practical application of theory to actual experiences and situations. For the Barnard Political Science major, this seminar counts as elective credit only. (Cross-listed by the Human Rights Program.) - S. Inglis
Prerequisites: POLS V1601 or POLS/HRTS V3001 or equivalent. Limited to 20 students. Admission by approval from Professor J. Paul Martin, jmartin@barnard.edu, Director of the Human Rights Program. For the Barnard Political Science major, this seminar counts as elective credit only.
4 points