UG Course Descriptions

East Asia has been an important part of the world economy since ancient times. China’s advanced economy provided many goods – both luxuries and practicalities – to foreign lands. The rapid industrialization of the West in the Nineteenth Century reversed the relationship, with the Asian market taking in important place in world trade. Belatedly, Japan, then China, then other Far Eastern countries began their own industrialization. These countries have been so successful that political power has followed on economic power. Now, China, Japan, the United States, and the European Union are entangled in a complex relationship. That relationship mixes competition with cooperation, and envy with ambition. Understanding something of the economy, society, and politics of “Industrial East Asia” is now and will remain in your lifetimes essential for business, travel, and informed citizenship.

Combines theory, case studies, and historical analysis to see how particular issues are included on the government agenda, how policy then is shaped, and what impact policies actually have. Issues studied will be drawn from the broad categories of health care, economic policy, science and environmental regulation, and social problems: poverty and welfare, racial divisions, crime, generations.

A study of the historic forces that have shaped the contemporary Middle East, and an analysis of the region’s significance in international politics including basic principles of Islam, Arab culture, and the influence of new forces in the Middle East.

Historical forces shaping the Russian identity and institutions; the rise and fall of the Communist regime, and contemporary developments in Russia.

Covers topics ranging from women’s political participation and voting patterns, to how women navigate campaigns, to how gender impacts women’s legislative patterns. The course will explore these topics focusing on gender, as well as the intersection of race, class, and party in the consideration of public policies of note in the present political environment.

This designation is for courses offered as electives in the Undergraduate Honors Program, and may include both Honors-only courses and augmented Honors versions of courses that are offered elsewhere in the catalog. Courses have limited enrollment and content reflects Honors Program course outcomes around rigorous critical engagement, interdisciplinarity, effective communication, and meaningful collaboration.

An analysis of administrative and political systems in local/regional population centers, and an interdisciplinary examination of the economic, political, and social dynamics of cities large and small. Student participation in urban fieldwork available.

This course explores the role of information and discourse in social and political life. Students will engage with ongoing political and social debates, and discuss structures and patterns in the creation and dissemination of news and information.

Explores the roles that parties, interest groups, and social movements play in forming public policy and shaping public opinion. Examination of the political environment is paired with discussions of the formal and informal structures and functions of political actors and organizations. Case studies and simulations may be used to reinforce course content.

Examines the role of computers, the Internet, and telecommunications in and as the subject of international affairs.