Political Science

The Political Science concentration offers a foundation in the politics of Latin American countries, as well as exposure to theoretical perspectives drawn from the sub-fields of comparative politics and international relations.  Coursework addresses such issues as what factors have shaped transitions between authoritarianism and democracy, the impact of institutional design on the functioning of democracies, variations in social policy and socio-economic performance, political economy of development, problems of violence and instability, the quality of local governance, international influences on domestic politics, and the causes and impact of social movements.