PG Courses
Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG101
Title: Introduction to Politics and Governance
Description: 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.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG102
Title: Introduction to Political Inquiry
Description: 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.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG103
Title: Methods of Political Inquiry
Description: 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.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: PG102
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG104
Title: Comparative Politics
Description: 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.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: General Education
Course Code: PG111
Title: Introduction to Political Science
Description: This course provides students with an introduction to the approaches in the study of politics. The course explores major concepts prevalent in political science including power, democracy, political culture and constitutionalism. It identifies the major fields of study within the discipline and familiarizes students with the differences in approach that each follow from a comparative perspective. Students are expected to complete regular assignments in order to acquire knowledge and to practice skills discussed in class. Not open to BAPG students.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: General Education
Course Code: PG112
Title: Introduction to US Government
Description: This course introduces students to the structures and functions of American government and politics. Students study the major institutions, how political parties interact with government, how elections are conducted and how policies are made. This is done within an historical context. American Federalism and the changes in how government attends to problems both foreign and domestic are covered. Students are expected to complete regular assignments in order to acquire knowledge and to practice skills discussed in class.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: General Education
Course Code: PG113
Title: Introduction to Armenian Government
Description: 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.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: General Education
Course Code: PG201
Title: Political Philosophy
Description: 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.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: Sophomore level required
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG203
Title: Qualitative Research Methods
Description: 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.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: PG103
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG204
Title: Public Administration
Description: 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.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG205
Title: Political Ideologies
Description: 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.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG206
Title: Political Sociology
Description: 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.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG207
Title: Public Policy Analysis
Description: The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the field of public policy analysis. In this course students will develop an understanding of the policy context, an appreciation for the concerns of diverse stakeholders, technical knowledge of analytical tools, and the ability to develop and communicate practical advice. Students will also be given project-based opportunities to practice policy analysis in Armenia.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG208
Title: Political Parties and Party Systems
Description: Political parties could be the driving force behind democratic processes or they could be another mechanism for control by less democratic regimes. The main role of political parties (at least in democratic regimes) is to bring together like-minded citizens—sometimes with a shared ideology—to achieve electoral success and to govern a country based on their vision.
This course will explore the concept of political parties, how they are formed and organized and how they influence and are, in turn, influenced by electoral politics. Through lectures and discussions students will try to answer questions such as: Are parties important for democracies? What role do parties play in linking various societal strata with the state? How do parties shape the party system in their respective countries? How has the role of parties changed, and continues to change, over the centuries and decades?
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG209
Title: History and Practice of Modern Diplomacy
Description: In the context of international relations, diplomacy is the art of implementing foreign policy by states or non-state actors. This course provides an overview of the evolution and practice of modern diplomacy by examining the institutions, strategies, practices, norms and laws related to diplomacy. Topics discussed include but are not limited to the origins of modern diplomacy; theories and concepts of diplomacy; diplomatic techniques and strategies. With the conclusion of the course, students are expected to have a solid grasp of how to analyze diplomatic practices in the contemporary world.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG210
Title: Political Communication
Description: This course examines the intricate relationship between politics and communication in domestic and international arenas and the role of mass media in modern politics. Students will explore how language, media, and technology shape political discourse, public opinion, and political processes. Topics discussed include but are not limited to the role of media in functioning and fragile democracies as well as authoritarian and hybrid regimes; media and modern warfare; social networks and movements; political campaigning; “post-truth politics,” with a view of helping students to understand how governments function in the age of media revolution.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG211
Title: International Organizations
Description: The course discusses key international organizations and how they shape international cooperation, particularly in the fields of peace and security, development, finance and trade, and human rights protection. The focus is on major supranational and intergovernmental organizations which play a significant role in international and regional affairs. The course will explore the historical origins, institutional specifics and the main functions and operations of these organizations and will attempt to analyze their role and influence on political and economic development in the world in general and its various parts.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG212
Title: International Politics of Human Rights
Description: This course examines the complex interplay between human rights and international politics. Students will explore the historical development of human rights concepts, the role of international organizations in promoting and protecting human rights, and the challenges faced in implementing human rights norms in diverse political contexts. By analyzing case studies and contemporary issues, students will develop a critical understanding of the international politics of human rights.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG215
Title: International Relations
Description: This course aims to introduce students to a wide-range of concepts, tools and cases in the study of contemporary international relations. The course includes an overview of the essential history of the global system and introduces the foundational theories and alternative theories upon which much of the analyses of world politics is based, including game theory. The course explores how the international system, international law and diplomacy function in theory and practice. Instructor-led class may include lectures, discussions, case studies, readings, group work. Assessment may include class participation, papers, essays, quizzes, exams, projects and presentations.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG221
Title: Special Topics in Politics and Governance
Description: This course covers special topics in politics and governance that are at the intermediate and advanced level and not included in regular courses. Topics vary and students may repeat the course when a different topic is covered. Prerequisites depend on the topic and will be listed on the syllabus.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG230
Title: Internship
Description: This 3-credit internship provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain practical experience and professional development in the field of Politics and Governance or social science research through a supervised internship. Students will apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world work environments, fostering career exploration, networking, and professional growth. The internship has to include no less than 120 hours of work at the host organization. At the end of the internship, students submit a report that summarizes their internship experience and relates it explicitly to BAPG curriculum, reflecting on the knowledge and skills gained. This course does not meet face-to-face on a regular basis.
Credits: 3.0
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Program: BAPG
Course Code: PG231
Title: Capstone
Description: This culminating capstone course equips graduating seniors with the skills to conduct original research or an applied project in the field of Politics and Governance, using the knowledge and skills they have obtained from across the curriculum. Working regularly with a faculty advisor throughout the semester, students will delve into a pre-approved chosen topic, to deepen their understanding of political phenomena. The course emphasizes independent learning, critical thinking, and the development of research, writing, and presentation skills necessary for success in graduate programs or professional careers. The final output will vary depending on the type of the capstone project. This course does not meet face-to-face on a regular basis.
Credits: 3.0
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