Political Parties and Elections in the U.K. and Ireland

This course centers on two crucial components of the U.K. and Irish political systems: political parties and elections. This course will provide students with the analytical tools to compare and contrast the electoral systems of both countries, as well as the more decentralized aspect of political parties. This class will also include weekly film showings and excursions. 

European Sustainability Policies

In this course you will cover the history, the political economy and the economics of European sustainability policies from the 1970s to the present. The introduction will define the key concepts of sustainability and the European business environment. The second part will make the link between energy policies, energy saving and eventually environmental protection at the beginning of the development of an environmental conscience. It will consider the major elements of environmental policies and the key documents in the respective sectors.

Immigration, Nationalism and Border Politics in Spain and Morocco

This course is designed to provide in depth study regarding the history of immigration to Spain in general, its repercussions on society, and the relationship between Spanish and Moroccan communities in Spain and Morocco. We will study the historical and present day migratory movement of Moroccan citizens toward the Iberian Peninsula. This migration has been present for centuries, and still is today, creating one of the oldest and numerous communities in Spain. Commercial, political and labor relations have always been important, and will be studied along with borders and foreign relations.

Introduction to Chinese Government, Politics and Policy

This is an introductory course on contemporary Chinese politics, government and public policy for international students. This course examines China from a variety of perspectives to enlighten our understanding of China today. All through the course, we will try to tackle the following questions: To what extent did the communist/revolutionary legacy affect reform-era politics and policy in China? Why has China been able to achieve such significant economic growth in the past three decades?

Law, Society and Politics in Comparative Perspective

This course is ideal if you have an interest in social sciences—in particular, history, sociology or political science—or in law. It is designed as an undergraduate class, but the variety of students taking this course typically ranges from first-year students to post-graduate students. This experiential diversity provides unique opportunities for you to learn from your classmates.

Contemporary European Politics

The objective of this course is to provide a good understanding of the numerous political and economic challenges the European Union faces today. Based on a good fundamental knowledge of geographic, economic and demographic realities of Europe, the course will be strongly focused on the current state of the Union, between attempts at institutional reform, the sovereign debt crisis, and the issues surrounding monetary union and the stability pact. It will also revise some major policies and have a critical assessment of current attitudes and strategies towards European integration.

Britain in the Age of Revolution and Reform

Britain in the Age of Revolution and Reform will examine a period of great change in British politics, society and the economy. In an age greatly influenced by the revolutions in America and France, Britain itself underwent its own revolutions— the industrial and agricultural.  The period covered will show how by the end Britain was on its way to becoming the economic powerhouse of the world, with a changing landscape of growing cities, enclosed fields and factories

Britain Today: Issues and Perspectives

This course provides a foundational overview of Great Britain, its people and culture. There are two blocks: the British Present and the British Past. As their names suggest, they deal with contemporary British politics and society and with key formative moments in English history. While there is a formal structure to the course we will not live in isolation from the world outside. There will certainly be events which illustrate or contradict what has been discussed in class: you are encouraged to bring your thoughts on these into class discussions.

Politics and Economics of the Eurozone: Economic Integration of the European Union

This course provides a comprehensive examination of the processes of European economic integration and offers a critical analysis of EU policies in their broader political-economic context. In addition, the course also addresses the peculiar and often problematic relationship between Great Britain and the EU, while also focusing on the external dimension of Europe in the global economy.