The course will familiarize students with the basic debates and research areas in the field of political sociology. The course will examine theories of power, authority, and state from modern and postmodern perspectives and how power structures are manifested within various social institutions. The theoretical debates will be followed by examination of political parties, social movements, processes of globalization vs. the nation-state, civil-military relations, war conflicts, voting behavior, and the mass media. (SOC 3007)
PSC380.15 Political Sociology
PSC380.14 Current Issues in World Politics
The first part of the course is designed to provide students with a theoretical framework to critically think about major developments in world politics. The second part will focus on various contemporary political issues and problems at the international level, including, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, unilateralism vs multilateralism, use of force, international organizations and legitimacy, soft power vs hard power, civil wars and peacekeeping operations. Meets with IRP 380.14. (POL 4412)
PSC380.13 Public Opinion and Foreign Policy
The aim of this course is to introduce students to theoretical debates about the nature, significance and measurement of public opinion with specific focus on foreign policy decision-making. It aims to provide you with the background knowledge and theoretical and practical skills needed to study and understand public opinion and post Cold War era foreign policy connection. Given the theoretical and practical importance of studying public opinion in democratic systems, students learn the logic of inquiry on public opinion and foreign policy, including case-specific and variable-oriented analyses. The main geographical focus is on American and ‘European’ (at national and supranational levels) public opinion. The main foreign policy issues explored are military interventions and post-Cold War era security concerns. (POL 4428)
PSC300.2 Democratization Theory in Comparative Perspective (Fall, Spring)
The study of political regimes (democracy and authoritarianism) has been one of the central concerns of political science. This course is designed to introduce students to these studies by first outlining the main approaches to democratization, and then contextualizing these approaches in the Middle East and Turkey. The course is composed of four modules: 1) political regime definitions; 2) approaches to democratization; 3) democracy and authoritarianism in the Middle East; 4) democracy and authoritarianism in Turkey. These modules will both help us understand the political regime dynamics in the Middle East and Turkey, and provide avenues to better evaluate and discuss current political developments in the region. Can also be registered as MES 300.2.
PSC180.1 Introduction to Comparative Politics
As a major sub-field of political science, comparative politics seeks to offer a better understanding of the world we live in through an examination of the key aspects of political systems such as the nature of their regimes, governmental institutions, and party systems. As its name suggests, comparative politics also involves the systematic comparisons of politics in various countries around the world. The comparative method is an important means to analyze a variety of critical issues and questions in politics. How are democratic systems established and maintained? What are the major differences between democratic and authoritarian regimes? What are the sources of political conflicts? What types of political institutions are best suited to meet the demand of citizens? How do economic and social factors influence political life? What are the main reasons for military interventions and breakdown of democracies? SU students cannot earn credit for both this course and PSC 123.(POL 2352)
PSC422 Modern Spain: History and Politics (Fall, Spring)
Through history, and by analyzing the present, the main aim of this class is to help the students understand present-day Spain, politically, socially, economically, culturally, etc. Starting with a review of Spanish history, and analyzing in depth the numerous political systems developed during the 20th century (including a parliamentary monarchy, a republic that brought the Civil War, the forty-year dictatorship of Franco, and the outstanding Spanish transition to democracy), they will be able to understand the origin and debates concerning some of the conflicts that exist today in Spain such as the regional-nationalisms, the debates about the structure of Spain, welfare state, Spain in the EU, etc.
This course may also be registered as HST 412.
PSC405 Politics of the European Union (Fall, Spring)
The latest developments in the European integration process—with the launch of a common currency, the attempt to have a Constitution, and the constant request for membership by Turkey—have reinforced the necessity of a better understanding of European Union politics. This course considers the historical background of the process, the initial efforts to establish a permanent international organization, the economic incentives that promote deeper integration among diverse national socioeconomic systems, and the different politics that are affected by the present role of the European Union. The new EU, launched in 1992 as a new experience of integration, is worth studying deeply. It has created an international actor that some scholars think replaces nation-states; states give sovereignty to a supranational entity, shaping a new way of doing politics that will benefit American students to know. You will understand European politics better considering the developments of international politics.
Course Restriction: Matriculated Syracuse students may not receive credit for both this course and PSC 396.
PSC356 Political Conflict (Fall, Spring)
This course is an in-depth study of the theory and practice of peace and conflict. The goal is to enhance students’ capacity to think critically about the basic forces that drive international conflicts and how to solve them. The first part of the course analyzes the causes of conflict (war, terrorism, ethnic cleansing). We explore the international organizations involved in conflicts, such as the UN and NATO, as well as examine the importance of NGOs and civil society movements. The second part of the course focuses more on the Spanish experience of fighting against terrorism (as in the case of ETA, the Basque separatist group). Finally, we also explore very different types of conflicts from the wishes of democratization in the Arab Spring cases or the fight for resources, to conflicts in the Balkans, Colombia, or the cruel situations of child soldiers and femicide. All this will allow students to understand and interpret future developments in international politics.
PSC471 Internship at the Council of Europe (Fall, Spring)
Syracuse University provides a unique opportunity for internships at the Council of Europe (CoE). Often referred to as the “United Nations of Europe,” the CoE is an international inter-governmental organization focused on upholding human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It is one of the most important multilateral institutions in the world. Founded in 1949, it has 46 member states and covers over 800 million people.
Syracuse University and the Council of Europe enjoy a unique, special relationship developed over 30 years. Syracuse University is the only university with this kind of relationship with the Council.
Students participate in the Council of Europe traineeship program. Students observe, assist, and conduct research for various Directorates of the Council of Europe, including Political Affairs, the Parliamentary Assembly, Human Rights, Public Health, Drug Policy, Cultural Affairs, Sports, and the Environment. The 3-credit internship includes a seminar to discuss pan-European issues and support interns.
Assignments vary according to student experience and Directorates’ needs. Placements are highly competitive.
Interested students should submit the Internship Request Form and resume as part of the application process and speak with their academic advisor to find out whether there are any limitations or restrictions on how internship credit counts in their degree. Candidates for these internships are selected on the basis on an interview with Syracuse faculty and then nominated to the Council of Europe, which makes the ultimate selection.
PSC405 Politics of the European Union (Fall, Spring)
To be offered in Fall 2025
Politics of European integration from a variety of perspectives: theoretical, historical, institutional, and policy-making. Fundamental post-war political process in modern-day Europe.
The European Union has been widely considered the most successful political enterprise of the 20th -century in Europe. Through economic, cultural and political interactions, as well as on the basis of a complex institutional framework, the EU has become the fundamental actor helping to preserve peace and promote prosperity in the post-WWII and the post-Cold-War European continent. However, the current period of crises and the questioning of the EU’s rationale constitute probably the most important challenge to its existence and to its policies since its inception. Do recent national and European electoral results mean that European institutions require profound reforms? How should the EU adapt to the fast changing global environment and the emergence of new threats and challenges in its neighbourhood? In the wake of the 2019 European elections, the new EU leadership will need to proceed to necessary reforms and policy changes which will be of utmost importance for the future of Europe. Through this course you will understand the functioning of the European institutions (the Council of Europe/COE and the European Union/EU), examine the evolution and general institutional structure of the EU, and analyze the policy-making process within the EU.
Satisfies Shared Competency for Critical and Creative Thinking
Matriculated SU Students note: You may not receive credit for both this course and PSC 396 European Integration