PG 101 Introduction to Politics and Governance (Credits: 3)
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the relationship between politics and governance. The course takes an interdisciplinary perspective on politics, borrowing concepts from political and social theory, to help students understand how political ideas and systems are used to build the procedural and institutional foundations needed for successful societies – measured in terms of life-style, prosperity, health, technological advancement and a number of other variables. Students are encouraged to think broadly, critically, and comparatively as they assess a number of normative approaches to politics and governance.
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PG 102 Introduction to Political Inquiry (Credits: 3)
This entry-level course is designed for beginners with no experience in social science research. It starts with basic questions, such as “what is research, hypothesis, variables, unit of analysis, reliability, validity?” and so on. The course introduces students to types of research (academic, applied, conceptual, empirical, deductive, inductive, quantitative, qualitative) and the main stages of the research design (formulating a research question, conducting a literature review, choosing an appropriate research method, assessing the results). Instructor-led class may include lectures, discussions, case studies, readings, group work. Assessment may include class participation, papers, essays, exams, and presentations.
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PG 103 Methods of Political Inquiry (Credits: 3)
As a continuation of PG 102 Introduction to Political Inquiry, the aim of this course is to deepen comprehension of research in social science and strengthen data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation skills. The course introduces students to basic principles of empirical research design and implementation, focusing on several key quantitative and qualitative methods (such as surveys, qualitative interviews, observation and document analysis). Instructor-led class may include lectures, discussions, readings, group work and practice exercises. Assessment may include class participation, papers, essays, exams, projects and presentations.
Corequisites:
Prerequisite: PG102
PG 104 Comparative Politics (Credits: 3)
This course provides an introduction to the comparative study of politics. It covers a variety of questions facing nations, societies, political parties and political institutions. After providing students with a general understanding of the field of comparative politics, including government systems, electoral proceedings and relations between various branches of government, the course will then focus on comparing countries with various political, social and economic backgrounds. Countries examined range from industrialized and developed Western countries to underdeveloped and new countries in the Global South. Upon completion of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the function and operation of various political institutions as well the basic political culture of different countries. Instructor-led class may include lectures, discussions, readings, group work and practice exercises. Assessment may include class participation, papers, essays, exams, projects and presentations.
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ECON101 Introduction to Economics (Credits:3)
This course examines key concepts in both microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course explores individual consumer and industry behavior, supply and demand, market efficiency and equilibrium and the impact of government intervention. Students will also analyze the economy as a whole, especially issues related to output, unemployment, productivity, inflation, trade, and economic growth and development. Students will use these basic concepts to weigh different perspectives on monetary and fiscal policy and evaluate economic claims used in articles and newspapers, political campaigns, and debates. Home tasks will include reading assignments and problem sets. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week. Not available to BAB students.
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PSIA103 Introduction to Armenian Government (Credits:3)
This course is a general introduction to the structure and functions of Armenian Government and its institutions, from historical, legal and comparative perspectives. The role of each branch of the government, the scope of its authority, and checks and balances in the system, will be examined in light of constitutional design and ongoing political processes, along with the relationship between the national, regional and local levels of government. Specific issues will include the state tax and budgeting process, fiscal accountability, lawmaking and regulation making, civic participation in the process, and mechanisms for public oversight of government activities and protection of individual rights as well as the military, law enforcement, and security agency’s special responsibilities and authority. The course aims to help students understand the role of government in the 21st century and the rights and responsibilities of 21st citizen in public and governmental affairs, in light of international best practices and Armenia’s development. Three hours of instructor-led instruction per week.
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CHSS183 Statistics for Humanities and Social Sciences (Credits:3)
The course is designed to facilitate student learning to understand the underlying concepts and philosophy of statistics and why we use these concepts to interpret the world around us. The course will develop skillsets to properly interpret statistical applications provided in the humanities and social sciences literature and media sources, and to critique the misuse and proper use of statistics. Special emphasis will be placed on developing communication skills to properly explain the meaning of these findings to the general public. The course will also provide students practice with basic SPSS statistical applications using humanities/social science databases. Basic Gaussian statistics and the development and interpretation of scales will be covered. Students will be graded by quizzes and exams, group projects, oral presentations and participation. Three hours of instructor-led class time per week including discussions and problem sets. Not open to BAB, CS, DS, ES students.
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PSIA201 Political Philosophy (Credits:3)
This course examines some of the deepest questions about politics and society. Why should we have government and what would things be like without it? Is there a duty to obey government or are people sometimes justified in resisting it? What form should government take and in particular, is democracy the best form of government? How much freedom should people have and is society justified in restricting freedom? What form of property system should society have and should society try to redistribute income and wealth? We will also examine the contribution that feminism has made to social and political thought. The course is organized around five main topics: 1. State of Nature, 2. Political Obligation, 3. Forms of Government, 4. Freedom and Rights, 5. Property and Social Justice. Among the thinkers whose work will be covered are Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Mill. Course work will involve essays, research, presentations, and close reading of philosophic texts. Three hours of instructor-led discussion per week.
Corequisites:
Prerequisite: At least 30 credits completed