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An introduction to the concepts basic to an understanding of politics and government with an emphasis on the political systems of the United States. A comparative examination of political processes, decision making institutions and policy issues relevant to the contemporary world. An introduction to basic research methods used in the discipline. This course fulfills the Social Analysis requirement in the core curriculum.
An overview of the contemporary international political system that examines the nature of power in global politics, particularly the transition from a bipolar to a post-cold war world. Emphasis is given to the changing relationships among the great powers, such as the United States and Russia, and to the interaction between the industrialized democracies of the North and the less-developed states of the South. Issues that cut across international politics - arms proliferation, the debt crisis, terrorism, resurgent nationalism - are examined. The course also analyzes the role and impact of non-state actors, such as the United Nations and multi-national corporations, on the international system. Prerequisite: POLS 104 or permission of the instructor
Examination of the traditional American approach to foreign policy; America's post-World War II role in the world; the roles of the president and Congress in the making of foreign policy; the foreign-policy bureaucracy; nuclear-weapons policy; contemporary American foreign policies. Prerequisite: POLS 225 or permission of instructor
This seminar will explore the lives and works of pioneering women composers and playwrights. We will study the social context of these women's lives, the way in which they overcame barriers to their creativity, and the way they changed music and theater through their contributions. Study will focus on the creative works of women in western European theatrical and musical traditions. The seminar will be topic oriented; rather than studying the composers and playwrights in strictly chronological order, we will approach their work in terms of topics they addressed, including questions of spirituality, romantic love, and politics.
Aimed at upper-level undergraduates with an interest in international relations generally and the IR subfield of international organization (IO) specifically. An examination of the ways in which state behavior is affected by international norms, international legal documents such as UN delcarations and bilateral treaties, and international organizations like the United Nations are examined. The course also looks closely at the ways in which states, individuals, and power relations shape the nature and objectives of international law and organizations. Prerequisites: POLS 104 and 225 or permission of the instructor.
Seminars in political science provide an opportunity for students to synthesize and further develop knowledge gained in earlier courses and enhance their critical and analytical skills. Students in the seminars will engage in reading and discussion and undertake a major research project pertinent to the seminar's topic. Specific topics or themes of each seminar will vary. Seminars are offered in each of the sub-fields of the discipline.
Education:
B.S. and Ph.D., University of Wisconsin—Madison M.A., University of Chicago
Dr. Buhr joined UST in 2008 with specializations in International Relations and Comparative Politics. Her research interests include the study of nationalism in East Europe and the effects of European integration on political parties and voting behavior. In addition to her studies in the United States, Dr. Buhr studied at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques in Aix-en Provence, France. She has also worked in a number of organizations outside of academia, including the RAND Corporation and the Central Intelligence Agency.
