Stern College Syllabi -- Spring and Fall 2021-2022 courses --- POLI (Politics)

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    SOCI 1647: Political Sociology
    (Yeshiva University, 2022-09) Shvetsov
    Overview This course aims to introduce students to the field of political sociology and familiarize them with its key issues. The course material is organized around three central themes:1.) the modern state, 2.) power in modern society and 3.) political conflict. Exploring approaches to the ways these topics are addressed by political sociology will allow students to address such topics as the emergence and transformation of states and state institutions, change of political regimes, social revolutions, political violence, and war. Where does the modern state derive its power? What are the ways in which the m
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    POLI 4300: American Political Thought
    (Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-09) Rogachevsky, Neil; 0000-0003-4391-0605
    ¶Course Summary This course aims to introduce students to the key debates and questions in American political thought from the time of the founding until around World War I. As has been frequently remarked, political writing and political debate have, in the United States, played the role that “national literature” has played in European countries. For the American political tradition has concerned itself not only with the evaluation of this or that policy or this or that candidate; it has frequently been the venue for the most important theoretical examinations of vital questions of statecraft, war and peace, morality, identity, and other matters. Through close study of essential essays, books, and speeches, students will begin to reflect on political-theoretical subjects such as the nature of rights and of equality, the purposes of government and the state, the nature of democracy and republicanism, and the role of religion. Concrete but also theoretical questions such as slavery and liberation, progress and the role of the Constitution, poverty, the role of “Old Europe,” and women’s rights and suffrage will also be addressed. ¶For Poli Sci majors: toward Political Theory distribution. ¶Expectations The length of the readings in this class varies. Sometimes we will be discussing a few short speeches. In other sessions, we will cover an entire novel. However, all of the material in the class demands, and rewards, careful reading and intellectual analysis. Students will thus be expected to come to class having carefully read the material for that class and developed their own opinions about its arguments and potential problems. ¶Every student will be expected to give a solo presentation on a specific reading. This presentation should be treated much like an essay: the presenter will introduce the author, the reading, outline its main arguments, highlight some problems and difficulties, and raise questions for class discussion. ¶There will be an essay assignment (c. 6-7 pages) with possible questions assigned by the instructor. ¶There will also be a take home final exam covering all the themes and materials of the course.
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    POLI 2100: The American Presidency
    (Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-09) Luders, Joseph E.
    On President Truman’s desk sat a small sign that read simply: “The buck stops here.” For Truman, this meant that presidents must make decisions on their own but it is often presumed to signify the extent to which the public holds the president broadly accountable for the state of the union – the extent to which the United States has peace and prosperity. Successful presidents, it is assumed, will bring about major changes that promote national flourishing. Yet, time and again, Americans feel that their presidents do not deliver upon their promises. Most recently, President Trump’s to build a wall on the US-Mexico border have gone largely unfulfilled, even with a Republican majority in Congress during his first two years. In drafting the US Constitution, the framers created an arrangement in which governance is divided and shared among other branches and thus, despite vast popular expectations, presidents are far from omnipotent. They indeed lack the legislative leverage that is common among prime ministers in parliamentary democracies. In spite of these institutional hurdles, presidents nonetheless struggle mightily to succeed – and some achieve great accomplishments. ¶Here is our motivating question: how can we explain why some presidents successfully enact bold agendas while others seem impotent in mastering the currents around them? To answer this question, we begin with a basic introduction to US politics and the changing dominance of partisan coalitions. Then, after a review of presidential powers, both formal and informal, we consider how presidents determine their agenda and set priorities. At all times, we will seek to understand our current historical moment – which seems fraught with profound implications for the country and the world. As the United States reels from the January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol, a critical reflection on the presidency and this historical moment could not be more timely. In brief, then, students will gain not only a working knowledge of the office of the presidency, its relationship to other branches of government, and national policymaking, but also appreciate the broader sweep of political history that has brought us to this pivotal moment. ¶Course Objectives. By the conclusion of the semester, you should be able to: ➢ Comprehend the presidential selection process; ➢ Identify the formal and informal powers of the president; ➢ Appreciate the limitations on presidential action and understand how presidential leadership is contingent; ➢ Analyze presidential decision-making and policymaking in domestic and foreign affairs; and ➢ Describe the changes in major political party coalitions from the New Deal to the present Course Instruction and Requirements: ¶This course includes multiple elements to promote student mastery of thematic and substantive content. All the course content can be found on Canvas in dated “modules.” If you do not see this structure at the home screen, then select the Modules tab to view the course sessions in order by dated (e.g
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    POLI 2293: Democracy and Development
    (Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-09) Panzarelli, Dinolis Alexandra
    ¶1. Course Description The relation between democracy and development is perhaps one of the most important topics in the field of comparative politics. In this class we will explore, from a historical perspective, the most important theories regarding the relation between D & D. The first half of the semester, we will navigate this important topic through the theories of Acemoglu and Robinson, Huntington, and Przeworski. The second part of the seminar will consist in the analysis of contemporary cases that contrast the theories outlined in the first part of the class. ¶2. Course Objectives This course aims for students to demonstrate in written and verbally in-depth knowledge of: ▪ Main theoretical debates about Democracy ▪ Understand the main ideas behind the concept of Development ▪ Understand the challenges of democracy in current times
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    POL 1201: Introduction to Comparative Politics
    (Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Panzarelli, Alexandra
    1. Course Description Why do some countries enjoy democracy while others endure dictatorships? What is the relationship between political institutions and economic development? How can we account for similarities and/or differences in terms of political and economic development across regions? This course provides answers to these questions by focusing on Comparative Politics—one of the main sub-fields of Political Science. Topics include the different types of political regimes, forms of democratic governance, party systems and electoral systems, elections under authoritarianism, populism and comparative development. Classes will consist of lectures dictated by the instructor. Active student participation is highly encouraged. Students are advised to come prepared to class by doing all the readings. Complementary readings (those listed under For Background) are not required, though students should use them for references and/or resources. ¶ 2. Course Objectives This course aims for students to learn about: § The State and the different types of government that exist throughout the world. § The challenges for democratization in some countries § The relationship between political and economic development. § The various types of party systems and electoral systems that are used around the world. § The trends and challenges that account for the expansion of development and democratization.
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    POLI 1305: American Foreign Policy
    (Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Zaitseva, Maria; 0000-0002-5865-589X
    The course examines the sources and conduct of U.S. foreign policy in both historical and theoretical perspectives. The first part of the course explores the domestic and international sources of American foreign policy. In particular, it looks at the roles of international system, ideas, government agencies, and public opinion, as they relate to various issues of U.S. foreign policy in the post-1945 period. The second half of the course examines several key issues of American policy-making, including U.S.- Soviet relations during the Cold War, globalization, nuclear proliferation, the Arab Spring, humanitarian intervention, among others. The course aims to introduce students to theories behind the conduct of US foreign policy and to apply those theories to various issues in the practice of US foreign policy in the post WWII period. The course also aims to strengthen students’ analytical and writing skills.
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    POLI 1401: Great Political Thinkers: Introduction to Political Thought
    (Stern College for Women / Straus Center, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Rogachevsky, Neil
    Political philosophy examines the fundamental problems faced by human beings both as individuals and as members of associations that, in the Western tradition, have come to be called political. They ask two fundamental questions: “how should I live my life?” and “how can and should we live together?” The great thinkers of the Western tradition have explored these and related questions with tremendous depth. In this class, we will study three seminal thinkers in the history of Western political thought: Plato, Aristotle, and Machiavelli. Plato and Aristotle produced the central writings of ancient political philosophy, while Machiavelli was the founder of modern political philosophy. Between the study of Plato and Aristotle on the one hand and Machiavelli on the other, students will be introduced to both the “ancient” and “modern” perspectives on politics. ¶However, the purpose of this study is not merely to gain historical understandings of how people thought in the past. Rather, through careful study of these writers, students should attempt to grapple with what these authors have to teach us about fundamental political and thus human questions. Such questions include: What is justice? Is thought superior to action, or is action superior to thought? What is philosophy, and how does it relate to politics? How much can expertise or reason be employed in resolving political conflict? What demands does morality make on politics, and what demands do politics make on morality? Along the way, Jewish perspectives on the themes covered will be considered. For Political Science Majors: The class counts toward the Intro course requirement or Political Theory distribution.
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    POLI 2208 Middle East Politics
    (Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Cristol, Jonathan Levi
    Course Description: The goal of this course is for students to learn about the politics and political systems of the countries of the Middle East, broadly defined as the entire MENA region. The course will use a number of major events as a lens to examine regional politics: the Islamic Revolution in Iran and the Siege of Mecca; the 2003 United States invasion of Iraq; the 2011 “Arab Spring”; and the 2017 “GCC Crisis.” The course does not specifically focus on Israel (or the Palestinian Authority, for that matter), though of course they will both come up throughout the semester— in addition to two dedicated class sessions. ¶ Major issues confronting the Middle East; religion and politics; challenges to economic development and democratization. 3.000 Credit hours
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    POLI 2320 Money and Power in International Politics
    (Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Shvetsov, Dina Antonacci
    Overview Money and power have been very consequential throughout the history of International Politics. In the media we often hear of a discussion concerning whether the economy trumps politics or politics trump the economy when it comes to the global affairs. But what is this conversation really about? Can international politics be separated from economic interests? And if not, what are the economic forces that influence international politics?¶ The course offers an approach to contemporary issues in global political affairs by first looking at the history and theory of international political economy, and then applying this foundational knowledge to an analysis of contemporary issues in international politics. The course seeks to provide essential knowledge of the main concepts in International Political Economy (globalization, global financial system, sovereign debt, economic development, trade) in order to equip students with the tools necessary to understand contemporary policy problems.¶ Course Goals The course seeks to create a foundational knowledge and develop critical thinking about the history of the relations between states and markets, theory of international political economy, as well as to provide understanding of the contemporary problems in the global economic policies and relations.
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    POLI 3300 - Seminar: International Security
    (Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 2022-01) Cristol, Jonathan Levi
    Major theories, concepts, and research programs associated with the study of international security. Addresses such topics as grand strategy, military strategy and statecraft, war termination, alliance politics, civil military relations.
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    POLI 1305 American Foreign Policy
    (2021-01) Cristol, Jonathan
    (Unofficial) Course Description: This course analyzes the content and formulation of US foreign policy. The course will begin by looking at the concept of “American exceptionalism.” Then we will look at the mechanics of US foreign policy, including the roles of the State Department, Defense Department, Intelligence Community, President, and Congress. After that we will look at the history of American foreign policy— and because this is not a history class, we will focus on the consistent questions, themes, and debates that have existed from the foundation of the republic until the present day. However, our focus will be on the post WWII era. After the midterm we will look at current US foreign policy with a focus both on particular regions and on particular problems.
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    POLI 1101 -J Introduction to American Politics
    (2021-01) Luders, Joseph E.
    Why is the United States the only rich democracy without universal health care? Why is economic inequality so much greater than in United States compared to other rich democracies? Why does the United States have two to three times the child poverty rate next to other rich democracies? Or, on a more personal level, how will you afford your college education? From education and health care to environmental protection and individual freedom, politics matters since government action – and inaction – has an enormous impact on our daily lives and the broader society in which we live. Yet, most people find politics to be confusing and perhaps not too interesting. This course is meant to accomplish three things. First, this class furnishes students with foundational knowledge about the structure and operation of the US government. Next, as a social science course, this class introduces students to various theoretical perspectives that account for patterns in political behavior and outcomes. This aspect of the course is meant to allow you to beyond current events to understand the deeper patterns that are often overlooked in journalistic accounts. Finally, this class is meant to develop your critical analytical skills. That is, you will be better equipped to evaluate arguments and evidence. This combination of foundational knowledge and critical reasoning skills are essential not only for following current events, but also for being a competent and engaged participant in the democratic process. Course Objectives: ➢ Improving student familiarity with American national political institutions and processes. ➢ Developing practical skills for competent and effective citizenship. ➢ Fostering an understanding of social scientific studies of political behavior and institutions. ➢ Sharpening analytical reasoning skills
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    POLI 1201-B Introduction to Comparative Politics
    (2021-01) Perelló, Lucas
    1. Course Description This course is an introduction to essential topics of comparative politics. The course will start by examining conceptual, theoretical, and methodological approaches in the study of comparative politics. A second and third section will discuss comparative works pre-selected by themes such as political regimes, regime transitions, comparative development, and comparative revolutions. We will then shift our attention to study the challenges of political representation—focusing on electoral systems, party system institutionalization, and the rise of populism. The selected readings were written in different disciplinary traditions and use various research methods for their empirical research. We will cover different countries and political systems in the readings. However, our objective is not to focus on particular countries but to understand key concepts and themes frequently featured in comparative political research. Classes will consist of lectures dictated by the instructor. Students should come prepared to class by doing all the readings. Complementary readings (those listed under Optional Readings) are not required, though students are encouraged to use them as references and resources. 2. Course Objectives This course aims for students to learn about: § The different theories and methodologies applied in the logic of comparative inquiry. § The differences between democracies, non-democracies, and hybrid regimes. § The relationship between political and economic development. § The various types of party systems and electoral systems that are used around the world. § The trends and challenges that account for the expansion of development and democratization.
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    POLI 1401/PHIL3200 Modern Political Thought
    (2021-01) Holbreich, Matthew
    COURSE DESCRIPTION This course examines political philosophy through the lens of classic texts in the ancient and modern period. The course will focus on readings that contrast ancient and modern political thought. The course will examine core themes of political philosophy, including, the quarrel between religion and philosophy, the proper ends of human life, the object (and limitations) of government, the role of ideas in politics, and the various forms of political organization. Throughout the course we will also think about the relationship of religious communities to political life more broadly, and various ways in which the relationship more generally of politics and religion can be examined. This course counts towards foundations of history, philosophy, and social sciences
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    POLI 2160 / SOC 1436 Social Movements and Political Change
    (2021-01) Luders, Joseph E.
    “Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor… it must be demanded by the oppressed.” As this quotation from Martin Luther King Jr. implies, citizens must sometimes resort to protests, strikes, sit-ins, strikes, and boycotts, and other disruptions to demand attention to their grievances and compel social change. Yet, shared grievances do not automatically produce social movements, and the impact of these challenges on entrenched norms or institutions is often uncertain. This course thus poses two broad questions: How do we account for the emergence of social movements, and why are some movements successful in bringing about change, while others are not? To furnish students with the tools necessary to answer these questions, this course surveys a rich interdisciplinary literature. We explicate the central concepts of social movement theory through an investigation of various social movements, with an emphasis on the civil rights and women’s movement. Then, coming up to the present, we analyze Occupy Wall Street, the Tea Party, and the Resistance movement against Trump Presidency. By the end of the semester, students will have a better understanding of movement emergence and decline, participation, and various aspects of movement impact, including upon individual participants as well as cultural and political change. __Course Goals and Objectives.__ ➢ Introduce students to social movement theory to understand movement formation and impact. ➢ Develop appreciation for the importance of incentives and social networks in explanations of individual behavior. ➢ Provide basic knowledge of major US social movements and their role in US politics. ➢ Foster theoretical understanding of change processes and policy outcomes in the US politics.
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    POLI 2215 C Latin American Politics
    (2021-01) Perelló, Lucas
    1. Course Description How did colonialism influence Latin America's lasting affair with authoritarianism? What role does economic development play in consolidating democracy? Why have some Latin American countries been more successful than others in transitioning to democracy and tackling poverty and inequality? Latin America is undoubtedly a unique and complex region. Scholars argue that it has been susceptible to path-dependent progress, in which the colonial foundations—or inheritance—continue playing a fundamental role. Despite its similar historical background, present-day countries are profoundly diverse: a fact reflected by substantial differences in living standards, levels of poverty and inequality, and democratic consolidation. This course will examine Latin America's political and economic development by differentiating general patterns from country-specific features. In the first section, we will explore the stages of nation-state building. We will start by studying colonialism, independence movements, and then shift to focus on the main stages of economic and political development. In the second section, we will discuss case studies covering Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Central America. Additional themes and concepts include poverty and inequality, political enfranchisement, democratic backsliding, indigenous movem ents, and U.S.-Latin American relations. Classes will consist of lectures dictated by the instructor. Students should come prepared for class by doing all the assigned readings. Supplementary materials (listed under Optional Readings, Films, and Music) are not required, although students are encouraged to use them as resources. 2. Course Objectives This course aims for students to learn about: *Key historical figures, concepts, and processes commonly applied in the study of Latin America. *The general patterns concerning Latin America’s political and economic development, and the extent to which differences exist between sub-regions and countries. * How the U.S. and other foreign powers have shaped the fate of nations. * The persistence of structural problems such as poverty, inequality, and corruption.
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    POLI 2175 Race and Religion in American Politics
    (2021-01) Luders, Joseph E.
    This course begins with the proposition that race and religion must be placed at the center of any analysis of the historical and contemporary dynamics of American politics. Over the semester, students will consider the importance of race and religion in shaping American institutions, propelling partisan strife, and how these divisions continue to affect political discourse and public policy. This course addresses how race and religion affected the development of social policy from the New Deal to current policy debates at the intersection of religion and politics. Special attention will be paid to political mobilization of African Americans in the 1960s, conservative evangelicals from the 1970s to the present, Republican dominance until 2008, the election and assessment of Barack Obama, Tea Party mobilization, and the 2012 presidential contest. Goals and Objectives. ➢ Promote understanding of how racial and religious divisions have shaped Americans politics and policy from the 1930s to the present. ➢ Enhance knowledge of American political culture. ➢ Clarify the underlying causes of contemporary polarization in US politics. ➢ Strengthen analytical reasoning and writing skills.
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    POLI 1291 / PUB 4930 A Topics: Healthcare Policy
    (2021-01) Leibowitz, Neil
    Course Description: An overview of healthcare policy in the U.S. Topics include The U.S. Healthcare System, Insurance, Government Entitlements, Payment Mechanisms This course provides an introduction to the social, political and economic dimensions of health policy. It examines the accessibility, quality and cost of healthcare in the U.S. through the lens of policymaking and the law. It provides knowledge about the organization of the health care system in the U.S., highlighting both public and private health insurance, pharmaceuticals and devices, healthcare technology, end of life issues and mental healthcare.
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    POLI 2392-L WMDs: Old Challenges and New Problems
    (2021-01) Zaitseva, Maria
    Course Description and Objectives: The course introduces students to the challenges posed by the invention and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and asks students to think critically and creatively about these challenges and their possible solutions. The course provides students with the theoretical framework for understanding WMD proliferation. It explores reasons for why states and non-state actors might wish to acquire these weapons or give them up; how deterrence works; what international norms and regimes govern proliferation; how nuclear energy relates to proliferation; and what are the prospects for WMD disarmament. Students will be exposed to both historical and contemporary cases of WMD proliferation, and will learn how proliferation challenges have evolved. The course will wrap up with some of the recent issues on proliferation, including rogue proliferators and WMD terrorism. The objective of the course is to 1) provide a historical context for understanding current proliferation challenges; 2) expose students to an array of issues relating to WMD; 3) challenge students to think critically about proliferation problems and possible ways of curbing WMD spread.
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    POLI 2399 -D1 Contemporary International Conflict
    (2021-01) Phua, Joanna
    Course Description & Objectives: This course will examine the conditions that make for war and peace in world politics, as well as the range of possible solutions that might help to prevent war in the future. The course begins with a theoretical reading of war. Following, the course conducts a geographical survey of conflicts across the many regions in the world. Analyses will include the causes or correlates of conflict between nation-states and non-state actors; the outcomes and consequences of conflicts; and a variety of solutions that have been applied to help prevent or limit the cost of war. Upon completion of this course, students should be familiar with many of the factors that seem to create, worsen, or reduce military conflict between nation-states and non-state actors. Students should be able to apply these factors in examining real-world scenarios, such as studying historical cases of war or assessing the prospects for future conflict in troubled areas of the world. By the end of the course you should have: - An understanding of the theoretical roots of conflict and war in international relations - An idea of why contemporary conflict is different today - A broad understanding of conflict and war in different regions, according to different themes - A sense of what mechanisms of resolution we have, and what seems to work. Drawing upon scholarship from various subfields in political science (American foreign policy, international relations, international political economy), as well as mainstream political analysis (Foreign Affairs, The Economist), this course also seeks to broaden the student’s understanding of the many voices contributing to the lively current debate surrounding war and peace in international relations today