This course examines the way in which new technologies challenge and provide alternatives to traditional political structures and functions. The course discusses the moral status of the state through the lens of anarchic political thought, with an emphasis on the concept of consent. Themes of anarchic thought are then discussed in light of how new technologies decentralize power and challenge traditional state goals, such as regulation or state secrecy. Technologies to be discussed include social media platforms and nongovernmental, digital currency, as well as decentralized energy sources like solar and wind. The ethical and moral implications of these new technologies, the harms and benefits they present, and their use as challenges to the moral status of the state are all central themes.

The purpose of the Experiential Learning: Political Science option is to give students first hand experience in an appropriate organization or study abroad program that meets the needs of the student's career objectives. Students are closely supervised at the host organization, developing their pre-professional skills while learning the organizations programs, agenda and methods.

This seminar provides an opportunity to study in-depth any theme, problem or work within the discipline of political science, for example the foundations of self-government, foreign policy, international law and organizations, and the fundamental problems of international relations. Course content will be determined in consultation with the instructor. Teams of students will write a substantial paper on a topic related to the general themes of the seminar.