Open to all majors for winter term.

This course surveys security privatization research on the emergence and use of private military and security companies (PMSCs) in conflict. After reviewing the origins of PMSCs and their primary clients and tasks, we will explore the implications of hiring private actors to conduct war-related efforts. This course uses a combination of cross-disciplinary research and current events to explore key concepts and themes.

Not open to students who have completed GVPT459D.

Why are democracies weakening around the world today, and what can be done to stop it? This course explores the global decline of democracy, examining the actors, strategies, and forces driving backsliding from within, as well as the countermeasures used to fight it. We will discuss topics such as populism, polarization, misinformation, and the dynamics of elite- versus citizen-driven backsliding, alongside the strategies developed to resist them. Through real-world case studies, you will connect theory with evidence and develop the tools to critically assess democratic resilience and explore ways to strengthen it in a rapidly changing world.

Music serves as a powerful form of political expression. This course explores how artists use music to challenge power, represent identity, and shape public discourse. Students will listen and analyze politically charged songs across genres and eras, including full albums. Students will also examine the historical and political contexts that inspired them.