Topic for Fall 2013: Classic Works in Comparative Politics
Students will be introduced to some classic as well as recent notable works in the sub-field of comparative politics. Readings and discussions will be geared toward two broad goals: First, to give students the opportunity to engage substantively with some of the landmark works in the sub-field; and second, to help students develop their own senior experience projects in the form of a substantive research paper.

Topic of Winter 2014: Leadership and Coalition Building
This seminar explores political leadership and coalition building from the perspective of strategic theories of politics. We will critically explore this approach using applications from such areas as congressional politics, the presidency, and to a lesser extent judicial politics, parliamentary politics, and international relations. This seminar is a good choice for students wishing to complete a senior experience paper on American politics.

Topic for Spring 2014: Terrorism in Media and Pop Culture
This course examines how terrorism and counterterrorism efforts are portrayed in American news programming and popular culture (including film, television and literature). This is a discussion-intensive course which includes regular reaction papers and a lengthy research assignment, which will satisfy the Government Senior Experience requirement.