38 courses with the subject PLCP, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
PLCP 1010Introduction to Comparative Politics3
Effective Date 08/01/2023 Introduction to Comparative Politics surveys the major themes, theories, and methods of domestic politics around the globe in the modern era. Thematically, we examine the gap between rich and poor nations, between democracies and dictatorships, and between civil war and civic orders. Theoretically, we consider theories of political culture, political institutions, and political economy.
Effective Date 03/01/2009 Introduces key analytical concepts used by Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkeim in their analysis of how the development of modern society has shaped the nature of modern politics.
Effective Date 04/03/2012 This course is about Russia and the Soviet Union. It is designed to explore some of this country’s major political themes of the twentieth century through an understanding of Russia’s history, culture and politics.
Effective Date 08/01/2025 Surveys patterns of government and politics in non-Western political systems. Topics include political elites, sources of political power, national integration, economic development, and foreign penetration.
Effective Date 01/01/2020 Surveys developments since 1945 in democratic stability, party politics, and political economy in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
PLCP 3120Politics and Political Economy of the Welfare State3
Effective Date 05/01/2011 This seminar investigates the origins, expansion, and stabilization (or crisis - take your pick) of the welfare state in the rich OECD countries (North America, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand) focussing on why market and non-market based systems of social protection emerged and the roles played by states, labor market actors, and women’s groups.
PLCP 3125Politics in Britain and America: a Comparative Perspective3
Effective Date 05/01/2026 This course will provide an introduction to the comparative politics of the US and the UK. Attention will be given to similarities as well as differences, and the course will use comparative analysis to throw light on the political systems in both countries. Occasional reference will be made to other countries. No prior knowledge of British politics will be assumed, but prior knowledge of US politics will be.
Effective Date 11/30/2011 Examines the political prerequisites (and impediments) to economic development, focusing on agricultural exporters in the 19th century and manufactured goods exporters in the 20th century. Draws on empirical material from North and South American, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Effective Date 01/29/2025 Examines continuity and change in Japanese politics, including party and electoral politics, political economy, and public policy. It explores how the Liberal Democratic Party established dominance of the system and how this party presided over rapid growth for 30 years, and then 30 years of stagnation. Through the case of Japan, we will understand the role of institutions and social structures in shaping political behavior and public policy.
Effective Date 08/01/2025 Looks at how different groups have sought representation in democracies. We investigate multiple forms of, and channels for, representation, such as political parties, social movements, and protests. Countries include the US and select countries in Latin America and Europe.
Effective Date 03/01/2009 Analyzes the political system of the former USSR and Russia from 1917 to the present. Focuses on evolution of the Soviet state, modernization and social change, efforts to reform the system, the collapse of the USSR, as well as the economic and political transformation taking place in the newly independent states.
Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Russia. Credits: 3
PLCP 3240Post Soviet Political Challenges3
Effective Date 03/01/2009 This course compares the origins and consequences of the rise of nationalism, separatism, secessions, and irredentist claims in the Russian Federation and other former Soviet republics, at the end of the Cold War.
one class in PLCP or permission of instructor. Credits: 3
PLCP 3330Politics of Latin America3
Effective Date 09/23/2016 This course provides an overview of politics in Latin America. Topics include the organization of the New World colonies, the legacies of the colonial period for development, the nature of political competition in Latin America’s newly independent states, import-substituting industrialization and populism, the emergence and eclipse of military regimes, the transition to democracy and free markets, and the performance of democracy.
Effective Date 11/30/2011 General introduction to Chinese politics in its societal context. Conveys a concrete appreciation of China’s societal reality and how it interacts with the political system. Covers China’s changing role in Asia and the world.
Some background in comparative politics and/or the history of China. Credits: 3
PLCP 3630Politics in India and Pakistan3
Effective Date 08/01/2025 Surveys political development in India and Pakistan examining the process of nation-building, the causes of democratization and authoritarian rule, the development of ethnic and religious conflict, environmental politics, the political impact of cultural globalization.
Some background in comparative politics and/or study of history and society in South Asia. Credits: 3
PLCP 4130Capitalisms Compared3
Effective Date 08/01/2010 How does state intervention differ in the three largest advanced industrial economies? Do these differences matter? Does one country have a decisive ‘competitive edge’? This course tries to answer these questions by looking at how variations in the institutions and processes the state uses to regulate the economy affect labor productivity, technological innovation, and thus ultimately international competitiveness.
Effective Date 08/01/2021 Surveys and critically evaluates theories of origins of democratic and authoritarian governments, and the causes of subsequent transitions to, and away from, democratic regimes.
One course in PLCP or instructor permission. Credits: 3
PLCP 4200Comparative Legislatures3
Effective Date 01/01/2013 Examines how and why legislators and legislative parties make the decisions they do. Compares legislative decision-making processes and outcomes in a variety of institutional settings.
At least two courses at the 3000 level in American politics and/or comparative politics. Credits: 3
PLCP 4201Comparative Political Parties3
Effective Date 01/01/2018 Examines political parties in a variety of institutional and socioeconomic settings, focusing on parties in the democratic political systems of Europe, the United States, and Japan.
Effective Date 08/01/2025 What is identity? Where do identities come from? How and why do groups pursue identity politics? How do identity groups interact with one another? Readings may address topics like Indigenous movements in Latin America, nationalism versus sexuality rights in Eastern Europe, and identity politics in the US.
Effective Date 01/29/2025 This course explores material deprivation and political freedom in Arab countries. It offers broad explanations applicable across time periods, analyzing macrohistorical perspectives, oil wealth effects, societal structures, and the Arab Spring aftermath. Through intensive reading and critical discussion, students gain insights into the complex dynamics of the Arab world, fostering critical thinking and identifying promising research avenues.
Effective Date 01/01/2013 A wave of economic change has swept across countries from Argentina to Zimbabwe over the last 15 years. The unfolding of these changes has been structured by and, in turn, has shaped the politics of the countries in which they have occurred. Formulates an analytical framework for understanding the politics of economic reform. Studies cases in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Previous course in PLCP, PLIR, or economics is recommended. Credits: 3
PLCP 4270Power, Violence, and Inequality in Global South3
Effective Date 08/01/2025 This course focuses on marginalized groups and the production of injustice with a focus on the global South. It draws on multidisciplinary scholarship that is theoretically challenging, empirically rich, and politically provocative. Readings span the globe and address topics such as drugs, migration, and policing.
Effective Date 01/29/2025 This seminar explores America’s efforts to exert influence through nation-building. Drawing on theoretical literature and case studies spanning from Reconstruction in the American South, through post-WWII Germany and Japan, to contemporary efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the course investigates the factors contributing to nation-building success or failure.
PLCP 4290Multi-Ethnic Democracy in the Global South3
Effective Date 08/01/2025 This seminar investigates why some groups in the Global South have achieved representation within democratic societies while others continue to face barriers. Examines theories of representation and citizenship. Explores the interaction between historical legacies and contemporary institutions.
Effective Date 01/01/2013 An examination of the causes and consequences of corruption around the world. Assesses the impact of corruption on political and economic development and explores the relationship between corruption and factors such as culture, institutions, economic policies, and natural resources.
One course in PLCP or instructor permission. Credits: 3
PLCP 4652Markets, Inequality, and the Politics of Development3
Effective Date 03/29/2010 Examination of how politics affects the historical development of markets and the impact of inequality on the development of markets and economic development more generally.
Effective Date 01/01/2013 Studies the government and politics of sub-Saharan Africa. Includes the colonial experience and the rise of African nationalism; the transition to independence; the rise and fall of African one-party states; the role of the military in African politics; the politics of ethnicity, nation- and state-building; patromonialism and patron-client relations; development problems faced by African regimes, including relations with external actors; and the political future of Southern Africa.
Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Africa. Credits: 3
PLCP 4840Gender Politics in Africa3
Effective Date 08/01/2025 Investigates the ways social structures and institutions shape gender in sub-Saharan Africa, with an emphasis on the state. Topics include gender in the pre-colonial and colonial era, contemporary African women’s movements, women in politics, development, and HIV/AIDS.
PLCP 4990Honors Core Seminar in Comparative Politics9
Effective Date 03/18/2009 A critical analysis of important issues and works in comparative politics from diverse perspectives. Students are required to write weekly analytical essays and actively participate in small seminar discussions on issues including: democratic and authoritarian regimes, political economy of development, and ethnic and religious conflict.
