Open to all majors for summer term.

The balance of power in contemporary states suggests that the legislative, judicial, and executive branches check one another to prevent the concentration of power. However, the rise of executive leaders seeking unchecked power has challenged the role of courts as central actors of this balance. Drawing from literature and cases from the U.S., Latin America, and the international human rights system, this course analyzes the role of courts at both the national and interna the multiple constraints judges face in doing their job, the biases in judicial behavior, and the causes and consequences of non-compliance with judicial decisions.

Course is open to all majors in summer.

Populism has emerged as one of the most contested and consequential forces in contemporary politics. From the rise of Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro to Brexit and the resurgence of nationalist movements in Europe and beyond, populists are reshaping political discourse, institutions, and public attitudes about democracy. But what exactly is populism? Is it inherently a threat to democracy, or can it be a force for political inclusion? Why does it thrive in some contexts and not in others? And how does it intersect with media, affective polarization, and shifting public conceptions of democracy? This course provides students with conceptual, theoretical, and empirical tools to analyze populism in comparative perspective. The course will pay particular attention to affective polarization, how citizens interpret democracy, and the role of social media in shaping populist mobilization (Populism 2.0). Through case studies spanning different regions and ideological orientations, students will develop the ability to critically assess the causes and consequences of populist politics today. By the end of the course, students will be able to situate populism within broader debates in comparative politics, including public opinion, political behavior, political psychology, party systems, and institutional design.

This course examines how intersectionality shapes political behavior, attitudes, and opinions across diverse communities in the United States. By engaging with both canonical and contemporary political science literature, students will explore foundational theories alongside cutting-edge research to understand the complex interplay of race, class gender, and other identities in American politics. Topics include intersecting identities' impact on political participation, mobilization, policy preferences and attitudes, and perceptions of political representation. We will also explore how intersectional identities inform current policy discussions on racialized policies, including debates on immigration, policing, and racial justice. Through critical readings, applied projects, and discussions, students will develop a nuanced understanding of how intersectionality informs the political behavior of marginalized community members.

Students will learn about political themes, political history, political theory and political institutions through American cinema. Students will watch and examine movies that pertain to a plethora of political issues and political events.