Graduate and Undergraduate Courses

POLISCI 353: Workshop in Statistical Modeling

All quarters, every year

The workshop provides a forum for the discussion of theoretical aspects and empirical applications of statistical modeling in the social sciences. The workshop is designed to have both pedagogical sessions and more specialized presentations from invited speakers. Topics/themese vary by quarter.

• Winter 2004, Causals inference: background reading & software and speakers & papers
• Spring 2004, Statistical Modelling in Political Science: speakers & papers
• Fall 2004, speakers & papers
• Winter 2005, speakers & papers
• Autumn 2008 TBA

POLISCI 420A: American Politics Seminar I

Autumn, 2008

This graduate seminar prepares students for the American Politics field exam. We review various approaches to the study of American politics---those important today as well as those that have been important in the past.

POLISCI 350A/150A, IPS 350A: Political Methodology I

Autumn, 2008

Introduction to probability and statistical inference, with applications to political science and public policy.

POLISCI 355: Statistics for Causal Inference in the Social Sciences

Winter, 2006

Experimental design, matching estimators, IV estimation, inference based on testing formal models.

Political Science 227/Public Policy 182: Polarized Politics and Special Interest Groups

Winter, 2006

This course considers the explanations and consequences of the changes in the partisan control of the US federal government. Particular attention will be paid to the role of special interest groups in explaining the degree of partisan polarization in politics.

POLISCI 350C/150C, IPS 350C: Political Methodology III

Spring, 2004

Focus is on mathematical and statistical models of individual choice behavior. Theoretical analysis and empirical applications will be considered. Readings from fields including mathematical psychology, econometrics, operations research, and political science. Topics include standard binary, ordered, and multinomial choice models, and their extensions, including strategic choice, dynamic choice, and the modeling of aggregated choices.

POLISCI 322/122: Campaign Finance and Elections

Winter, 2005

A study of campaign finance and elections, primarily in the US, with a focus on the strategies and behavior of special interest groups, parties, candidates, and voters. Emphasis on statistical models and empirical tests of formal models.

POLISCI 349: Directed Reading and Research in Comparative Politics

Spring, 2005

Comparative analysis of electoral competition and campaign financing across countries and American states.