Washington Center

Spring Quarter 2022

Congress in History and in Transition

Credits: 
4
Instructor: 
John Lawrence
Term or Semester: 
Spring Quarter 2022
Day and Time: 
Tuesdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Quarter Dates: 
March 22 - June 3, 2022
Campus: 
UCDC
Category: 
Core Seminar
Description: 
Congress and other branches of the U.S. government were designed nearly two and a half centuries ago under circumstances and reflecting values and philosophies that bear little relationship to contemporary America. All of these institutions have evolved over time in response to changing conditions domestically and internationally; and the American electorate had undergone significant change as well, especially in the last half century. All of these developments place dramatic and consequential pressures on government, elected officials and voters alike. How are they responding and what can we anticipate, based on historical analysis, will change as a result of these unprecedented, simultaneous crises? What is the appropriate level of idealism, pragmatism and collaboration as ways to govern a diverse and divided democracy?
 
This course will focus on the performance of Congress, the American government and the electorate during a period in which four historic forces are colliding simultaneously: the coronavirus pandemic and related societal disruptions; the widespread political/social responses to systemic racism affecting policing and other public institutions and policies; the electoral season that elevates partisan anger through the campaigns across the nation; and lastly, the diminished confidence of the American people in the structure and performance of their own government.                            
 
 
About the Instructor: Professor John Lawrence served as a senior staff person in Congress for nearly four decades, the last eight as Chief of Staff to Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He also served as staff director of two committees and on personal staff. He has taught at UCDC since 2013, and at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy and has lectured widely on history and contemporary American politics at Columbia, Princeton, Oberlin and other venues. Professor Lawrence holds a Ph.D. in American History from the University of California (Berkeley), and an undergraduate history degree from Oberlin College. 
Course ID: 
UCDC191B01V22

Reducing Poverty and Inequity: Lessons from International Development

Credits: 
4
Instructor: 
Loubna Hanna
Term or Semester: 
Spring Quarter 2022
Day and Time: 
Tuesdays, 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Quarter Dates: 
March 22 - June 3, 2022
Campus: 
UCDC
Category: 
Core Seminar
Description: 
This course introduces students to the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as agents of advocacy and socio-political, economic and cultural change. The emphasis is on a) examining ways in which the NGO sector operates at the local, national and international levels, b) understanding the range of issues NGOs promote and advocate for; c) examining the tools and strategies they use in their advocacy; and, d) assessing the impact NGOs have on the policy making process as well as the targted communities. 
 
The course is designed for students interested in questions of advocay, activism and nongovernmental interventions, all of which are central to the dynamic cultural and political landscapes where NGOs operate. Some of the NGOs we will explore focus their advocacy on promoting political rights, gender equality and minority rights, while others focus on ending poverty, violence, human trafficking, exploitative labor, health problems and environmental degradation.
 
 
About the Instructor: I am a scholar-practitioner with subject area expertise in the politics of development, gender, youth and communication. I taught at numerous universities in Morocco and the United States, including the American University’s School of International Service and the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. I am the author, co-author, and editor of numerous publications in my subject areas. I consulted with numerous intern/national development organizations and agencies including USAID, the World Bank, World Learning, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of State and the Global Fund for Women. I earned my BA from Mohamed V University in Rabat (Morocco), my MA in socio-cultural anthropology from Essex University (England) and my PhD from the Pennsylvania State University, USA. 
Course ID: 
UCDC191E02V22

Research in World Politics in Interesting Times

Credits: 
4
Term or Semester: 
Spring Quarter 2022
Day and Time: 
Thursdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Quarter Dates: 
March 24 - June 3, 2022
Campus: 
UCDC
Category: 
Core Seminar
Description: 

This seminar is designed to help you to engage critically and think systematically about crucial questions that are global in scope and to guide you through the process of developing a significant research paper. This is not a field seminar in international relations. Lectures and readings will touch on some foundational theories and concepts in comparative and international politics but will be heavily focused on principles of social science research. The issues and problems covered during class discussions and that you read and write about will be driven by your own geographical and substantive interests. The course is also designed to help you to connect your academic pursuits with your professional development in your internships and the broader political ecosystem of Washington, DC. Through the course, we will collectively engage with some of the most crucial problems facing the world’s peoples in the 21st century while examining their causes, consequences, and potential solutions.

Syllabus (Winter 2022)

About the Instructor: Professor Michael Danielson has taught at UCDC since 2014. He is also a Research Fellow at the American University Center for Latin American and Latino Studies and has taught courses in Latin American politics at various universities in Washington, DC. His book Emigrants Get Political: Mexican Migrants Engage Their Home Towns (Oxford 2018) examines the ways in which Mexican migrants engage with and shape the politics of their home towns. He has also studied the politics of indigenous rights movements in Latin America and am co-editor of Latin America’s Multicultural Movements and the Struggle Between Communitarianism, Autonomy, and Human Rights (Oxford 2013). My current research includes projects on the climate–migration nexus, migration and refugee studies, violent democracies in Mexico and Central America, and migrant mayors. When not teaching, I work as an expert consultant on social science research methodology, migration and displacement, and Latin American politics and society. Additionally, I regularly serve as an expert witness on country conditions in Mexico and Honduras in US immigration courts. I am a political scientist by training (PhD 2013, American University) with training in comparative and international politics and hold an MA in International Policy Studies from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) and Spanish and Philosophy degrees from Santa Clara University.

Course ID: 
UCDC191E01V22

The U.S. Supreme Court: Conflict, Change and the Court

Credits: 
4
Instructor: 
Jessica Gresko
Term or Semester: 
Spring Quarter 2022
Day and Time: 
Thursdays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Quarter Dates: 
March 24 - June 3, 2022
Campus: 
UCDC
Category: 
Core Seminar
Description: 
Immigration. LGBT rights. Healthcare. Abortion. The death penalty. Cell phone privacy. The U.S. Supreme Court has decided cases on all of these topics in recent years, and its decisions ultimately touch the lives of all Americans. In this class we will study the Supreme Court's place in the U.S. legal system. Topics we will cover include: how a case gets to the court, the justices, the role of lawyers before the court, the purpose of oral argument, the court building and its symbolism, and media coverage of the court.
 
In addition, students will listen to the arguments in current Supreme Court cases and spend class time discussing them. In papers, students will be asked to rigorously explain why the justices likely took those cases and how they will come out based on what they hear at oral argument. This class is geared not only toward anyone who is interested in the law or government service but also toward anyone interested in working on or being informed about the biggest issues of the day.
 
 
About the Instructor: For the last decade Professor Jessica Gresko has been a reporter for The Associated Press, first in Miami and now in Washington. As a legal reporter, she covers court cases at all levels, both local and federal. She has been at the Supreme Court for many recent high-profile decisions including cases on gay marriage, healthcare and the death penalty. Professor Gresko earned her B.A. from Columbia University in New York and a M.S.L. (Master’s in the Study of Law) from Georgetown University Law School. She grew up in Southern California and took her first journalism class at UCLA.
Course ID: 
UCDC191I01V22

Washington Media: Fake News, Social Media, and the Reshaping of American Politics

Credits: 
4
Instructor: 
Marc Sandalow
Term or Semester: 
Spring Quarter 2022
Day and Time: 
Wednesdays, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Quarter Dates: 
March 23 - June 3, 2022
Campus: 
UCDC
Category: 
Core Seminar
Description: 
Do Twitter or Facebook threaten democracy? What is the difference between “fake news” and journalism? Should the media report what people want to know or ought to know? Does objectivity exist? This seminar examines the extraordinary changes to political communication and journalism over the past half century and the consequences for American democracy. The first year of Biden’s presidency and the aftermath of Trump’s are a great backdrop to assess the news media’s mission, goals, and biases. We will look at the media’s incentives to fuel controversy, politicians’ efforts to manipulate – or lie to -- the media, and how the digital revolution has fundamentally restructured – for better and worse -- the future of political communication. Classes will combine lecture, discussion, and exercises with an emphasis on current developments. Readings include scholarly articles, a book of your choice, and a steady diet of news and journal pieces to keep up with political developments. 
 
Students will complete a major research project on a newsworthy topic which will be written in journalistic form in addition to shorter writing and speaking assignments. All assignments are aimed at sharpening research and writing skills, with a focus on identifying target audiences and communicating with clarity. Assignments may be adjusted to meet individual campus requirements. 
 
 
About the Instructor: Professor Marc Sandalow is an Associate Director of the University of California Washington Program (UCDC). He is the author of three books, including “Madam Speaker,” a biography of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He has been a journalist for 30 years, including 21 years at the San Francisco Chronicle and more than a decade as the paper’s Washington Bureau Chief. He is a former columnist and contributing editor for the California Journal, and is a currently a political analyst for Hearst Argyle television stations and KCBS radio in San Francisco. Professor Sandalow has been the UCDC program since 2008.
Course ID: 
UCDC191F01V22

Power and Purpose: Understanding U.S. Foreign Policy

Credits: 
4
Instructor: 
Christopher Preble
Term or Semester: 
Spring Quarter 2022
Day and Time: 
Tuesdays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Quarter Dates: 
March 22 - June 3, 2022
Campus: 
UCDC
Course Number: 
Pol Sci 120B (UC Los Angeles)
Category: 
Quarter Elective
Description: 

This course explores the ideas and assumptions that guide U.S. foreign policy. We will consider how U.S. leaders choose to engage with the rest of the world -- and consider how they might in the future -- by focusing on a number of recurring themes including: relations with China and Russia; nuclear proliferation; the problems of weak and failing states; democracy promotion; terrorism and counterterrorism; resource competition; the importance of culture and national identity; transnational threats such as infectious disease and climate change; and the economics of national security.

Syllabus (Fall 2021)

About the Instructor: Professor Chris Preble currently serves the co-director of the New American Engagement Initiative, a new project within the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. He served as Vice President for Defense and Foreign Policy Studies at the Cato Institute for more than 17 years at the Cato Institute. Professor Preble has written two books (on U.S. foreign policy/grand strategy) and edited three others (on Iraq, counterterrorism, and threat perception). He's also written a number of shorter papers and book chapters (on, for example, the Middle East, nuclear weapons, the defense budget, intelligence assessment, fixing failed states, and U.S.-Japan relations). Professor Preble has also taught at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota; and at Temple University, where he earned his PhD in History. He earned his BA (also in History) at George Washington University, and served for four years in the U.S. Navy, including a little more than three years on the USS TICONDEROGA (CG 47).

Course ID: 
UCDC15001V22

Introduction to Education Policy

Credits: 
4
Instructor: 
Cassandra Guarino
Term or Semester: 
Spring Quarter 2022
Day and Time: 
Tuesdays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Quarter Dates: 
March 22 - June 3, 2022
Campus: 
UCDC
Course Number: 
EDUC 023-001 (UC Riverside)
Category: 
Quarter Elective
Description: 

Education is a key component of a society’s ability to govern, foster the well-being of its citizens, and participate productively in a global economy.  As such, education reform is frequently controversial and highly politicized, particularly in election seasons. This course discusses and analyzes the hotly debated issues of the day and the policy decisions that have been or are being made that affect our nation’s students and educators. The issues we will cover are as follows: federal v state/local role in education; civil rights and education; accountaiblity movement; Common Core; school choice; teacher labor markets, unions, preparation, and evaluation; DACA; gender, race and equity in higher ed; Title IX in higher ed; higher ed funding; and, effective policy design. The course will provide you with a thorough grounding in major education policy movements in the U.S.—the discourse, prominent players, consequences, and current events—and an ability to sift through many conflicting points of view to develop a well-informed stance on the issues and to develop your own policy memos and policies. 

Syllabus forthcoming

About the Instructor: Professor Guarino is Professor of Education and Public Policy at the University of California Riverside. She obtained her PhD in the Economics of Education from Stanford University in 1999 with an emphasis on labor economics, and has held prior positions as an economist at the Rand Corporation and on the faculties of Michigan State and Indiana Universities. Her research focuses on educational equity, teacher quality, teacher labor markets, school choice, and issues in which health and education are linked. Recent work has included several studies related to value-added measures of teacher performance, teacher effectiveness in the early grades, school choice, teacher mobility, and special needs identification. She has led numerous grants from a variety of sponsors, including the Institute of Education Sciences and various state agencies and foundation. She has taught courses in education policy, economics of education, value-added, policy analysis, quantitative research methods, school choice, and microeconomics.

Course ID: 
UCDC15201V22

General Research: Developing Critical Writing and Thinking Skills Through Independent Research

Credits: 
4
Instructor: 
Loubna Hanna
Term or Semester: 
Spring Quarter 2022
Day and Time: 
Thursdays, 1:00am - 4:00pm
Quarter Dates: 
March 24 - June 3, 2022
Campus: 
UCDC
Category: 
Core Seminar
Description: 
The general research seminar introduces you to some of the main tools of social science research methods. You will learn and apply tools that will help you a) ask and try to answer critical questions about the world around you; b) understand the logic and significance of evidence-based research for analytical writing, policy recommendations and decision-making; and. c) explore research tools for your own research project. You will learn how to formulate focused and researchable questions, identify reliable data and relevant sources, and produce a robust literature review. You will also learn the uses and merits of case studies, and develop tools to reading statistical analyses and findings to better support your own research projects. Finally, you will be introduced to the elements of a policy brief and will be encouraged to use your internship experience to apply your research skills for the final research project. Ultimately, this class aims to strengthen your research competence and confidence in using tools relevant to whatever career path you choose.
 
 
About the Instructor: I am a scholar-practitioner with subject area expertise in the politics of development, gender, youth and communication. I taught at numerous universities in Morocco and the United States, including the American University’s School of International Service and the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. I am the author, co-author, and editor of numerous publications in my subject areas. I consulted with numerous intern/national development organizations and agencies including USAID, the World Bank, World Learning, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of State and the Global Fund for Women. I earned my BA from Mohamed V University in Rabat (Morocco), my MA in socio-cultural anthropology from Essex University (England) and my PhD from the Pennsylvania State University, USA. 
Course ID: 
UCDC191A01V22

A Biden-Harris Presidency : Understanding Executive Power in Historical and Contemporary Context

Credits: 
4
Instructor: 
Gilbert Nunez
Term or Semester: 
Spring Quarter 2022
Day and Time: 
Thursdays, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Quarter Dates: 
March 24 - June 3, 2022
Campus: 
UCDC
Category: 
Core Seminar
Description: 
Most of us have been inundated with elections and politics for the past year. Many Americans can name several presidents and even have opinions on “good” versus “bad” presidents. But what do they actually do and how do we measure and evaluate their performance and our expectations for their leadership? What can we expect during the next four years of a Biden/Harris administration? This course will put the modern presidency in historical and theoretical context, drawing on a variety of readings and approaches to determine which framework best explains presidential (in)action. At its core, this class is about the question of executive power in democratic government. In addition to studying and reflecting on the theme of presidential power, we will also consider the limits to this power and how presidents achieve their goals. Ultimately, we aim to understand the work of the presidency and some of the different perspectives by which we might analyze or assess presidents and their administrations, especially at a time when we transition from one administration to another.
 
Disclaimer: We will deal with real world issues of today. Our discussions will reflect these parameters and engage in some controversial topics. This is an important part of our course, and you should be prepared to understand the politics of the situation separated from your own views.
 
 
About the Instructor: I am a Ph.D. of American government and politics with specializations in the American presidency, public policy, and polarization. My research focuses on presidential governance via executive orders and how political factors influence the ability of presidents to issue their most significant orders. I have taught UCDC’s presidency seminar since Fall 2017. While earning my degree at the University of Maryland, I taught classes about public policy and Congress to students who had internships related to those fields in a format similar to the UCDC program. Outside of the classroom, I work at Community Change & Community Change Action, non-profit organizations focused on building a movement led by everyday people to create change in their communities and across the country. As the Electoral Data Manager, I work with many different teams and partner organizations to identify target audiences and track the work we are doing in communities affected by injustice.
Course ID: 
UCDC191C01V22
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