Three main themes are dealt with: the nature of power in the international political system, conflict and conflict resolution in the system, and the basis of national foreign policy decisions. Issues of current importance, such as the likelihood of global war, conflict between rich and poor nations, and East-West relations, provide the substantive material to illuminate these main themes.

This course focuses on the way in which political systems other than that of the United States operate. The common features of governments are identified and examined with special attention to such topics as political elites, political institutions, mass political behavior, political change and revolution. Examples are drawn from a wide range of political systems.

An examination of the forces that shape the broad outlines of United States foreign policy, including historical background, and the effects of social forces and governmental structures. The challenges, opportunities and constraints presented by the international environment are also considered.

This course will probe the institutions, objectives and techniques which are reflected in contemporary Russian external policy. Economic, military and cultural dimensions will augment the primarily political focus of the course. One segment of this course examines Russian - American relations today.

This course analyzes the dual thrust of Latin American foreign relations: toward autonomy and "third world" nationalism on the one hand, and interdependence and integration on the other. The course analyzes the background of Latin American-United States relations in the 20th century, and also gives attention to the new relationships and issues emerging among Latin American states.

This course examines the content and domestic and international contexts of the foreign policies of Western European nations, NATO, and the European Union.

This course surveys the international relations of selected Asian countries. For each country, the course presents the basic historical background shaping foreign relations, introduces the external and domestic influences on foreign policy, and identifies emerging international challenges. It examines both the economic and military-security dimensions of Asian foreign relations.

This course discusses selected topics in the area of international relations.

An overview of select Western European political and economic systems (including those of Britain, France and Germany); examination of the European Union and relations between Western Europe and the international community.

This course offers an overview of the fundamental premises, structures and political developments in Russia. Special attention is given to issues of transition from Communism to the new reality, and the emphasis is on contemporary politics. Key issues include the place of the military, economic and business patterns, health, education, and gender.

An examination of the history of Latin America and the major institutions, social sectors, and actors that shape the political life of the region. The course focuses on the development of revolutionary regimes and movements as well as military regimes and their demise during the transition to democracy.

An introduction to contemporary government and politics in Asia, focusing on China and Japan, with comparative reference to other Asian and non-Asian political systems. Special attention will be made to the emerging political and economic role of the Pacific Rim.

An introduction to African politics. The course will focus on the basic concepts, issues, and theoretical models used in studies of the dynamics of government and politics in Africa from the precolonial era to the contemporary period.

This course explores contemporary political issues in the Middle East. It includes country profiles, a review of the Arab-Israeli conflict, analysis of opposing viewpoints about the revival of Islam and about Islamic fundamentalism, and the region's position in the emerging new world order.

A comparative examination of political institutions, processes, and contemporary problems in select countries such as Laos, Kampuchea, Burma, and Thailand. Issues such as insurgency, modernization, democracy, and political development are featured.

Intensive study of the politics of one foreign nation.

This course examines the history, institutional structures and processes, and policies of the EU. It will look at how the EU is unique, sharing characteristics of states and of international organizations.

Focus is on the military dimensions of international politics, such as nuclear and conventional deterrence, arms races, arms control, alliances, and American defense policy, and how those affect war and peace.

Political conflicts over trade relations, global inequality, development, growth, inflation, and scarcity are analyzed, with special emphasis placed on a description of the institutions and processes that shape international economics.

This course seeks to familiarize students with major theories, research traditions, and issues regarding the role of Catholicism in the contemporary world. It will assess the role of various levels and actors with the Church--the Vatican, priests and nuns, lay groups and movements, activists, and others--in working as forces of social change/stability in matters of world politics, economics, and culture. The course will also consider the impact of globalization and other transnational processes on the activities and options of Catholic institutions and actors.

This course will examine the historical and theoretical foundations of the United Nations, particularly in light of the changing problems and issues that confront the global community, such as international peace and security, global economic inequality, and environmental and human rights norms.

Drawing on general theories of international relations and historical cases, this course examines both the forces that inhibit the development and effectiveness of ethical norms at the international level and the conditions under which such norms develop and affect the behavior of states and other actors.

Advanced topics in international relations.

Aspects of revolution, emphasizing contemporary cases, including units on ideology, leaders, followers, organization, techniques, weapons, causes and theories of revolution.

This course compares democracies and dictatorships in order to ascertain how they differ and what are the requisite conditions for each type of political system. Among the concepts to be examined are elections, participation, distribution of resources, corruption, and transparency.

A comparative treatment of those processes and institutions that comprise the representative system, including executives, legislatures, political parties, coalitions, and elections.

This course examines the origin, nature and strategies of state formation in general, with particular emphasis on African state processes.

This course examines the nature, causes, and consequences of ethnic conflict in "Third World" nations, including conflict resolution in the presence of ethnic and racial cleavages.

This course covers the causes of the "democratic'' revolutions in 1989 and the processes of change in Eastern Europe as those countries transform from Soviet-model political systems to other forms of politics. The course will cover economic and social developments within those nations as well as relevant changes in their international environments.

This course examines how inequalities between women and men are connected to the global politics of power, security, the political economy, and ecology. It focuses on the theoretical and practical linkages between "women's issues" and political matters such as wars of secession, arms proliferation, global economic recessions, and environmental degradation. Questions of the nature of power, abuses of human rights, the human costs of global inequality, and the meaning of a just world order are explored.

Advanced topics in comparative politics.

The nature, sources, and applications of international law in the international community, including issues of recognition, territory, jurisdiction, settlement of international disputes, diplomatic agents, intervention and the use of force.