printer friendly pagePUBLPOL 121L: Racial-Ethnic Politics in US (CSRE 121L, POLISCI 121L)
This course examines various issues surrounding the role of race and ethnicity in the American political system. Specifically, this course will evaluate the development of racial group solidarity and the influence of race on public opinion, political behavior, the media, and in the criminal justice system. We will also examine the politics surrounding the Multiracial Movement and the development of racial identity and political attitudes in the 21st century.
PoliSci 150A,
Stats 60 or
Econ 1 is strongly recommended.
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, WAY-EDP, WAY-SI
Instructors:
Davenport, L. (PI)
PUBLPOL 122: Biosecurity and Bioterrorism Response (BIOE 122, EMED 122)
Overview of the most pressing biosecurity issues facing the world today. Guest lecturers have included former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Special Assistant on BioSecurity to Presidents Clinton and Bush Jr. Dr. Ken Bernard, Chief Medical Officer of the Homeland Security Department Dr. Alex Garza, eminent scientists, innovators and physicians in the field, and leaders of relevant technology companies. How well the US and global healthcare systems are prepared to withstand a pandemic or a bioterrorism attack, how the medical/healthcare field, government, and the technology sectors are involved in biosecurity and pandemic or bioterrorism response and how they interface, the rise of synthetic biology with its promises and threats, global bio-surveillance, making the medical diagnosis, isolation, containment, hospital surge capacity, stockpiling and distribution of countermeasures, food and agriculture biosecurity, new promising technologies for detection of bio-threats and countermeasures. Open to medical, graduate, and undergraduate students. No prior background in biology necessary. 4 units for twice weekly attendance (Mon. and Wed.); additional 1 unit for writing a research paper for 5 units total maximum.
Terms: Win
| Units: 4-5
| UG Reqs: GER: DB-NatSci, GER:EC-GlobalCom, WAY-SI
Instructors:
Trounce, M. (PI)
PUBLPOL 123: Thinking About War (PUBLPOL 223)
Introduction to the ideas, important writers, and policy decisions about warfare. Topics include: what causes wars, great strategists of warfare, whether nuclear weapons require different strategy than conventional war, fostering innovation, what creates stable peace, and what warfare feels like to those who fight it. Each class session is organized around a question; first half of each session will explore concepts, second half will apply them in a historical case or policy decision.
Terms: Aut
| Units: 4-5
Instructors:
Schake, K. (PI)
PUBLPOL 124: American Political Institutions in Uncertain Times (POLISCI 120C)
This course examines how the rules that govern elections and the policy process determine political outcomes. It explores the historical forces that have shaped American political institutions, contemporary challenges to governing, and prospects for change. Topics covered include partisan polarization and legislative gridlock, the politicization of the courts, electoral institutions and voting rights, the expansion of presidential power, campaign finance and lobbying, representational biases among elected officials, and the role of political institutions in maintaining the rule of law. Throughout, emphasis will be placed on the strategic interactions between Congress, the presidency, and the courts and the importance of informal norms and political culture.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, WAY-SI
Instructors:
Bonica, A. (PI)
PUBLPOL 125: Law and Public Policy
This course investigates the relationship between law, politics and public policy in the United States. What is the proper role of judicial decision-making in a democratic system? How do lawyers, judges and other legal actors impact society and shape policy? In turn, how is law impacted and shaped by social forces and movements? We will explore these questions in the context of longstanding debates on policy issues such as economic inequality, racial justice, voting rights, environmental regulation, gun control, sexual identity, immigration and refugees. The course will be taught as a seminar. Discussion will involve the close reading and interpretation of judicial opinions, legislation and other legal texts, interdisciplinary scholarship, and film.
Last offered: Spring 2016
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci
PUBLPOL 126B: Curricular Public Policies for the Recognition of Afro-Brazilians and Indigenous Population (AFRICAAM 126B, CSRE 126B, EDUC 136B, EDUC 236B)
Recently two laws in Brazil (10639/2003 and 13465/2008), which came about due to intense pressure from Black and Indigenous social movements throughout the 20th century, have introduced changes in public education curriculum policies. These new curriculum policies mandate that the study of Afro-Brazilian, African, and Indigenous histories and cultures must be taught at all educational levels including at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. As part of this mandate, educators are now directed to incorporate considerations of ethnic-racial diversity in relation to people's thinking and experiences. These policies aim to fight racism as well as other forms of discrimination, and moreover, encourage the building of more equitable pedagogies. This course will discuss past and current policies and practices in Brazilian education from the point of view of different social projects organized by Indigenous Peoples, Afro-Brazilians, Asian-Brazilians, as well as Euro-Brazilians. It will also focus on Latin American efforts to promote equity in education, as well as to articulate different points of view, and reinforce and build epistemologies that support the decolonization of thinking, behaviors, research and policies. As part of this process, the course will study the experiences of people demanding these new public policies in terms of the extent to which they were able to influence institutional structures and to establish particular policy reforms. The course will also analyze theoretical frameworks employed by opponents of these movements to resist policies that might challenge their privileged place in society. In doing this, the course will offer theoretical and methodological avenues to promote research that can counter hegemonic curricular policies and pedagogical practices. The course will be fully participatory and oriented towards generating ongoing conversations and discussion about the various issues that arose in Brazil in relation to these two recent laws. To meet these goals, we will do a close reading of relevant scholarly works, paying particular attention to their theoretical frameworks, research designs, and findings.
Last offered: Winter 2015
PUBLPOL 128: International Problem-Solving Through NGOs: Policy, Players, Strategies, and Ethics (INTNLREL 128B, PUBLPOL 228)
This course will focus on advanced international problem-solving through the lens of international NGOs, while integrating other relevant players that address global issues within a lens of ethics and accountability. Particular aspects of NGOs that will be assessed are: policy, business, strategy, and engagement with other players. Students will consider the major issues that international NGOs face in their effort to effect positive change in an increasingly complex global environment. The course draws heavily on a series of sophisticated case studies involving a variety of NGOs, areas of specialization, and geographic regions. Topics may include: poverty and famine; the natural resources curse; terrorism; HIV/Aids and other epidemics and neglected diseases; natural disasters and emergencies; climate change; and contagion of unethical behavior. A final project tailored to each student's interest will be in lieu of a final exam. Students will have the opportunity to work with several internationally prominent guests.
Last offered: Spring 2013
PUBLPOL 132: The Politics of Policy Making (PUBLPOL 232)
Public policymaking in the United States is part of a political process that can take years or even decades to play out. A familiarity with the politics of policymaking is key to understanding why some reform attempts are successful while others are not. This course will give students a behind-the-scenes look at how policy actually gets made. Students will gain exposure to the theory and literature behind policy formulation, and engage in debates over historical and contemporary efforts at reform.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
Instructors:
Chen, L. (PI)
;
Hensel, N. (TA)
PUBLPOL 133: Political Power in American Cities (AMSTUD 121Z, POLISCI 121, URBANST 111)
The major actors, institutions, processes, and policies of sub-state government in the U.S., emphasizing city general-purpose governments through a comparative examination of historical and contemporary politics. Issues related to federalism, representation, voting, race, poverty, housing, and finances.
Terms: Win
| Units: 5
| UG Reqs: GER:DB-SocSci, WAY-SI
Instructors:
Nall, C. (PI)
PUBLPOL 134: Ethics on the Edge: Business, Non-Profit Organizations, Government, and Individuals (ETHICSOC 234R, PUBLPOL 234)
The objective of the course is to explore the increasing ethical challenges in a world in which technology, global risks, and societal developments are accelerating faster than our understanding can keep pace. We will unravel the factors contributing to the seemingly pervasive failure of ethics today among organizations and leaders across all sectors: business, government and non-profit. A framework for ethical decision-making underpins the course. The relationship between ethics and culture, global risks (poverty, cyber-terrorism, climate change, etc.) leadership, law and policy will inform discussion. Prominent guest speakers will attend certain sessions interactively. A broad range of international case studies might include: Zika virus; civilian space travel (Elon Musk's Mars plans); Facebook's news algorithms; free speech on University campuses (and Gawker type cases); designer genetics; artificial intelligence; Brexit; ISIS' interaction with international NGOs; corporate and financial sector scandals (Epi pen pricing, Wells Fargo, Volkswagen emissions testing manipulation); and non-profit sector ethics challenges (e.g. should NGOs engage with ISIS). Final project in lieu of exam on a topic of student's choice. Attendance required. Class participation important (with multiple opportunities to earn participation credit beyond speaking in class). Strong emphasis on rigorous analysis, critical thinking and testing ideas in real-world contexts. There will be a limited numbers of openings above the set enrollment limit of 40 students. Students wishing to take the course who are unable to sign up within the enrollment limit should contact Dr. Susan Liautaud at susanl1@stanford.edu. The course offers credit toward Ethics in Society, Public Policy core requirements (if taken in combination with
PUBLPOL 103E or
PUBLPOL 103F), and Science, Technology and Society majors and satisfies the undergraduate Ways of Thinking requirement. The course is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates will not be at a disadvantage. Everyone will be challenged. Distinguished Career Institute Fellows are welcome and should contact Dr. Susan Liautaud directly at susanl1@stanford.edu. *Public Policy majors taking the course to complete the core requirements must obtain a letter grade. Other students may take the course for a letter grade or C/NC.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
| UG Reqs: WAY-ER
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