My story is divided into five interlocking chapters, all of which are available on the links above and to the right of this page. First, in the segment called “Modernity,” I introduce you to some basic concepts about the modern nation-state.  Second, we travel down the road the West has taken toward this entity:  “Liberalism.”  Third, we consider an initially credible but ultimately failed path: “Marxism-Leninism.” Fourth, we confront the pathos and anger of the “postcolonial” world.  Finally, we return to our starting point to examine the fortunes of the nation-state in an age of seeming “globalization.” For a simple flow chart of our progress, look HERE .   And for the basic requirements of the course,  look HERE, as well as in the column to the right of this page.  As the semester develops, I will refer to whatever current events and spectacles seem useful to our journey.   Will Fidel Castro make it through the semester?  What about Kim Jong-Il?   Everything and everyone is fair game!

I have four pedagogical goals.  I hope to cultivate your understanding of different social and political phenomena by focusing on ”deep knowing” rather than “much knowing”; to develop your analytical abilities; to refine your capacity to defend arguments and persuade others; and to encourage you to develop a critical perspective on everything you think you know.

Finally, I have a modest personal objective.  If I can fundamentally change the way you think about world politics, I shall be pleased.

PLEASE NOTE: The use of electronic devices of any kind, including laptops, cell phones, and personal digital devices, is prohibited in my classroom!