BAPG Courses

Introduction to Politics and Governance (PG101)

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.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.

Introduction to Political Inquiry (PG102)

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.

Methods of Political Inquiry (PG103)

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.

Comparative Politics (PG104)

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.

Qualitative Research Methods (PG203)

Credits:3

The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and analytical skills required for qualitative research studies in the field of politics and governance. The course builds on PG103 which provides students with a fundamental comprehension of the research process, methods and data collection in social sciences. This course addresses research design and principles of method and case selection, formulation of research concepts, with a more focus on analysis, than data collection. It develops the ability to evaluate and offer feedback on the methodology and empirical evidence of recently published research, and to design and complete analysis for an original research project.

Public Administration (PG204)

Credits:3

Governments are composed of different types of political branches – legislative, executive, and judicial – that are designed to distribute values and decide what government should do. The doing of government is conducted by the administrative state – the offices, bureaus, agencies, departments, etc. – that house experts who deliver public goods and services. The purpose of this course is to examine the history of administrative statecraft and look at the ideas that have been used to build it. This examination will be both theoretical and practical as we think about what it takes to put a man on the moon, win a war, deliver the mail, and effectively and efficiently deliver public goods and services. Though the course will take a fundamentally American perspective, every effort will be made to contextualize ideas to the Armenian context.

Public Administration (PG204)

Credits:3

Governments are composed of different types of political branches – legislative, executive, and judicial – that are designed to distribute values and decide what government should do. The doing of government is conducted by the administrative state – the offices, bureaus, agencies, departments, etc. – that house experts who deliver public goods and services. The purpose of this course is to examine the history of administrative statecraft and look at the ideas that have been used to build it. This examination will be both theoretical and practical as we think about what it takes to put a man on the moon, win a war, deliver the mail, and effectively and efficiently deliver public goods and services. Though the course will take a fundamentally American perspective, every effort will be made to contextualize ideas to the Armenian context.

Political Ideologies (PG205)

Credits:3

Ideas matter! They are the foundations of values, beliefs and principles, both at individual and

collective levels. Ideologies have shaped not only societal fabrics, but also government systems as well as political and economic frameworks that regulate and govern countries. The goal of this course is to introduce students to classic (such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, feminism, etc.) and contemporary (such as environmentalism) political ideologies and the way they influence political processes, policies and personal value systems. Through lectures and theoretical-conceptual discussions, students will have the possibility to critically think about the origins, evolution and current relevance of ideologies. The course will also explore real-life examples of ideological underpinnings of documents (textual analysis), decisions (policy analysis), narratives and community structures.

Political Sociology (PG206)

Credits:3

This course applies a sociological approach to explore how human societies are organized

and governed and how individuals and groups interact with institutions of power. In particular, the course looks at how class, caste, race, ethnicity, and gender intersect with the perceptions of power, authority, identity, and representation to influence and shape political systems. The course goes beyond internal mechanics and features of political structures and institutions to explore broader perceptions of power, the formation of the state, social and political change, and state-society relations. Throughout the semester, students will engage in sustained inquiry on a political-sociological topic of their choice, combining empirical investigation with social theory. This will be accompanied by ongoing assessment of close reading and mastery of theoretical texts.

Special Topics in Politics and Governance (PG221)

Credits:3