Undergraduate Courses
In all of my undergraduate courses, I select materials and design class discussion so that my students are exposed to themes related to the study of comparative politics, while helping them develop analytic skills in support of their success in my classroom, in other classrooms, and beyond. With both of these goals in mind, I generally eschew textbooks in favor of article- or chapter-length readings. In asking my students to read "real" social science, my intent is: to expose them to the most relevant research in contemporary comparative politics; to teach them to engage with complex reading material and extract its main ideas; and to encourage a better understanding of social scientific inference by seeing how it is applied.
Watch me talk about my approach to undergraduate teaching in this fun interview, as Alison and I walk the 940 feet between Foellinger Auditorium and the Illini Union:
PS 152 offers an introduction to the comparative politics of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). We focus on explaining differences within MENA and how MENA countries compare to others around the world. In particular, we explore variation in a number of key political-economic outcomes – (i) the state, whether strong or weak; (ii) the regime, whether democratic or autocratic; (iii) the economy, whether developed or underdeveloped; (iv) religious and ethnic identity, whether politically mobilized and whether extremist in orientation; and (v) political behavior, including variation in the favorability of democracy, levels of trust, political participation, and participation in violent conflict. For each outcome, we discuss how it might be observed and measured cross-nationally and how different factors – including colonialism, natural resources, Islamic institutions, economic underdevelopment, autocracy – might explain the variation we see. The majority of the course will focus on broad themes rather than specific countries or time-periods. Throughout the semester, we focus on developing a set of analytic skills that can be used to understand contemporary politics and economics in MENA.
PS 199 introduces freshman to the concept of group identity in political science. We focus on defining the costs and benefits associated with identity in the practice of politics, as well as mechanisms through which these costs and benefits are realized, considering three different identities – ethnicity, religion, and nationality. One common theme is the tradeoff between intra-group cooperation and inter-group conflict, and how this plays out in different political processes – voting, violence, economic exchange, and the provision of public goods, trade. We also consider how identities themselves are created and how they be observed for social scientific research. In so doing, the goal is to develop a set of tools to infer the importance of group identity to politics.
PS 240 introduces students to comparative politics and how it can be used to understand politics in the W.E.I.R.D. world -- Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democracies. In particular, we seek to understand: (i) variation in the legitimacy of the worlds oldest states; (ii) how different institutions impact accountability, representation, and the stability of democracy; (iii) how national identity develops and reacts to immigration; and (iv) how to economic inequality intersects with these political processes. Throughout the course, we consider how best to identify and explain the differences we see, asking important questions about how political variables should be defined and observed. We also utilize the comparative method in order to understand which factors produced the variation we see today, often highlighting the role of institutions, both formal and informal. While, at times, we focus on a particular country, region, or time period, the course is designed to cover broader themes in the W.E.I.R.D. world, as a whole.
PS 241 introduces students to comparative politics and how it can be used to understand politics in the developing world. In particular, we seek to understand: (i) variation in the strength of states in former colonies; (ii) how autocracies maintain their control over their citizens; (iii) the role of ethnic and religious identity in cooperation and conflict; and (iv) how to support economic development in the world's poorest countries. Throughout the course, we consider how best to identify and explain the differences we see, asking important questions about how political variables should be defined and observed. We also utilize the comparative method in order to understand which factors produced the variation we see today, discussing the role of colonialism, human and natural resources, as well as cultural norms. While, at times, we focus on a particular country, region, or time period, the course is designed to cover broader themes in the developing world, as a whole.
PS 347 is an advanced undergraduate seminar exploring the domestic politics of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Together, we discuss cutting-edge research that raise critical questions about the region. What role does colonialism play in the composition and strength of modern MENA states? Why does democracy seem so elusive in the region? How do historical and contemporary institutions shape economics in the region and the role that women play in it? What factors shape whether religious and/or ethnic identity dominate MENA politics? What are the causes and consequences of the Arab Spring? By the end of the semester, students are able to develop and test their own theories of MENA politics, using critical thinking skills developed over the course of our in-class discussions. Although not required, successful completion of PS 152 or PS 241, in addition to PS 230, is strongly encouraged before enrolling in PS 347.
PS 494 is an advanced undergraduate seminar for juniors in the Political Science Honors Program. We work to develop students' social scientific research skills while exposing them to cutting-edge research about the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The first half of the semester introduces students to the research process – from developing research questions and engaging with the literature, to developing and testing theories of causal change. To illustrate how these methods are used in contemporary research on MENA, we engage with studies about state-building, autocratic politics, Islamism, gender, the Syrian refugee crisis, and the Arab Spring. The second half of the semester is devoted to helping students complete their own research project, from start to finish. A series of exercises are designed to support students in developing their own research ideas and designing appropriate tests using qualitative or quantitative evidence. Although not required, successful completion of PS 152 or PS 241, in addition to PS 230, is strongly encouraged for all PS 494 students.
PS 495 is an essential part of the Honors Program in the Department of Political Science. It supports students as they design and begin writing their senior honors theses. While the bulk of the thesis will be completed over the course of the Spring semester, this Fall seminar offers an overview of the research process and provides valuable support in constructing the foundation of a successful project – i.e., one that contributes to an existing political science literature and is appropriate given students’ time and resources. This seminar is primarily designed to support qualitative or quantitative thesis projects that involve deductive research, i.e., developing falsifiable theories and employing empirical hypothesis testing. Students considering other research methodologies should speak with the instructors early in the semester so that appropriate accommodations can be made. Whenever possible, the seminar will support collaboration between its instructors, students, and their thesis advisors.