Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021
Comparative and International Studies Master  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Core Seminars | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 857-0001-00L | Methods I: Research Design, Qualitative Methods, and Data Collection  Only for MA Comparative and International Studies (MACIS). | O | 6 credits | 2U + 2S | S. Hegewald, F. Schimmelfennig | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The seminar covers basic issues of research design, small-n research, and data collection. It deals with issues of causality, conceptualization, case study design and QCA. Data collection includes interviews, surveys, text analysis, and experimental research. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | This MACIS core seminar covers basic issues of research design, small-n research, and data collection. It familiarizes students with general research design problems such as defining research questions, analyzing causality, and designing single and comparative case studies. It then introduces them to basic issues in small-n research. Students acquire an understanding of the specific challenges and design problems in qualitative analysis. Finally, students are introduced to exemplary methods of data collection. By the end of the course, students should be able to use the principal methods of data collection used by political scientists;have a critical understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the methods, and should be able to reflect on and discuss the methods in light of research questions of their interest. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
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| 857-0007-00L | Democracy Only for MA Comparative and International Studies. | W | 8 credits | 2S | F. Schimmelfennig, D. Kübler | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The seminar focuses on seminal books and articles as well as brand new analyses on topical issues of democratic theory and practice. After reviewing theoretical models and different types of democracy, the seminar deals with core problems of democratic governance and with challenges to democracy stemming from globalization and international institutions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | At the end of the seminar, students are familiar with the relevant theoretical and empirical literature on democracy and democratization in national and international contexts. They are able to reflect on contemporary challenges to democracy, in particular those stemming from the internationalization of politics. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | see http://www.cis.ethz.ch/education/macis/courses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | see http://www.cis.ethz.ch/education/macis/courses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
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| 857-0009-00L | Political Violence Only for Comparative and International Studies MSc. | W | 8 credits | 2S | L.‑E. Cederman, G. D. Clayton | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This course offers an introduction to political violence in domestic and international politics. The course covers explanations of interstate wars, theories of civil and ethnic wars and regional conflict. Other topics include new threats, including transnational terrorist networks and other non-state actors, and the relationship between conflict and nation-building and democratization processes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | This course offers an introduction to political violence in domestic and international politics. The course covers explanations of interstate wars, theories of civil and ethnic wars and regional conflict. Other topics include new threats, including transnational terrorist networks and other non-state actors, and the relationship between conflict and nation-building and democratization processes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 857-0091-00L | Methods II: Quantitative Methods Only for Comparative and International Studies MSc and UZH MA in Politics. | O | 6 credits | 2U + 2S | D. Hangartner, A. Alrababa'h | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This class provides an introduction to quantitative methods for social science and policy analysis. The class covers statistical inference, introductory probability, descriptive statistics, regression, and statistical and database programming. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | After this course, students should be able to assemble a dataset, prepare descriptive statistics, develop and test hypotheses, and present their results in a high-quality presentation or paper. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Research Seminars | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 857-0103-00L | Topics in Public Policy: Governing the Energy Transition Only for MA Comparative and International Studies. | W | 8 credits | 3S | S. Sewerin, N. Schmid, T. Schmidt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This course addresses the role of policy and its underlying politics in the transformation of the energy sector. It covers historical, socio-economic, and political perspectives and applies various theoretical concepts to specific aspects of governing the energy transition. On this basis, students develop their own research project and produce a research paper. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | - To gain an overview of the history of the transition of large technical systems - To recognize current challenges in the energy system to understand the theoretical frameworks and concepts for studying transitions - To demonstrate knowledge on the role of policy and politics in energy transitions - To develop own research question and address it in research paper | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Climate change, access to energy and other societal challenges are directly linked to the way we use and create energy. Both the recent United Nations Paris climate change agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals make a fast and extensive transition of the energy system necessary. This course introduces the social and environmental challenges involved in the energy sector and discusses the implications of these challenges for the rate and direction of technical change in the energy sector. It compares the current situation with historical socio-technical transitions and derives the consequences for policy-making. It then introduces theoretical frameworks and concepts for studying innovation and transitions. It then focuses on the role of public policy and policy change in governing the energy transitions, considering the role of political actors, institutions and policy feedback. The course has a highly interactive (seminar-like) character. Students are expected to actively engage in the weekly discussions and to give a presentation (15-20 minutes) on one of the weekly topics during that particular session. In addition to weekly lectures and student presentations, students will write a research paper of approximately 6000 words. The presentation and participation in the discussions will form one part of the final grade (20%), the final exam another (20%), with the research paper forming the rest (60%). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Slides and reading material will be made available via moodle.ethz.ch (only for registered students). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | A reading list will be provided via moodle.ethz.ch at the beginning of the semester. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | This course is intended for the MA Comparative International Studies programme. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 857-0104-00L | Topics in Public Policy: The Politics and Policies of International Migration Number of participants limited to 18. MACIS students are given priority. | W | 8 credits | 3S | D. Hangartner | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This seminar will provide a collaborative and immersive research experience where students work together with the instructor to design and implement a randomised experiment to study topical questions related to the politics or policies of international migration. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Upon completion, course participants will have first-hand experience with collaborate research including project management, spanning the entire project cycle from ideation, study design and pre-analysis planning, field phase and data collection, statistical analysis and paper writing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | The reading materials consist of a series of academic papers (see detailed syllabus) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Essential: Familiarity with statistical methods for causal inference at the level of Methods 3. Desirable: Familiarity with supervised machine learning methods at the level of Methods 4. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 857-0052-00L | Comparative and International Political Economy Number of participants limited to 15. MACIS students are given priority. Registration required to koubi@ir.gess.ethz.ch | W | 8 credits | 2S | V. Koubi, E. K. Smith | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This research seminar complements the MACIS core seminar in Political Economy. It covers topics such as international trade, environmental policy, international finance and foreign direct investment, and welfare state policy. Students will, based on reading assignments and discussions in class, develop a research question, present a research design, and write a paper. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Students will acquire an advanced understanding of some of the key issues and arguments in comparative and international political economy. They will also prepare the ground for a high-quality MA thesis in political economy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Because the number of students will be very small, the Political Economy core course runs in parallel, and research interests will be heterogeneous, the general approach will be informal and decentralized. Before the seminar starts we will identify what research topics - within the broader field of Comparative and International Political Economy - the participating students are most interested in. In the first two weeks of the semester, we will meet twice for two hours each as a group to discuss how to write a good research seminar paper, and to identify more closely what each student will be working on. Each student will then receive a reading list, so that she/he can get familiar with the state-of-the-art in her/his area of interests and develop a research design in close consultation with Profs. Bernauer and Koubi as well as postdocs from Prof. Bernauer's group. The group as a whole meets again ca. in week 7 of the semester to discuss the provisional research designs. Research then continues in a decentralized fashion - again in consultation with Profs. Bernauer and Koubi as well as postdocs from Prof. Bernauer's group. The group as a whole meets again in the second to last week of the semester. Each student reports on progress in her/his research during that meeting. The research seminar paper must be finalized and submitted by the end of July 2015. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | This seminar is restricted to students enrolled in the MACIS program. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 857-0098-00L | The Politics of Cybersecurity Number of participants limited to 15. MACIS students are given priority. | W | 8 credits | 2S | M. Dunn Cavelty, M. Leese | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This research seminar focuses on the rise of “cyber security” as a security political issue. We focus on the interrelationship between digital technologies, their development, their use and misuse by human actors on the one hand and enduring negotiation processes between the state and its bureaucracies, society, and the private sector to develop solution on the other. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The aim of this research seminar is to introduce students to different waves of cybersecurity literature, have them reflect critically on the development and main focal points, and to give them enough theoretical background so that they can write a research papers on a cybersecurity politics topic of their choice. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
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| 857-0106-00L | International Environmental Politics (with Research Paper) Only for MA Comparative and International Studies. | W | 8 credits | 2V + 3S | T. Bernauer, V. Koubi | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Based on the contents of the International Environmental Politics lecture (860-0023-00L) students will develop a research question and study design on a topic of their choice, carry out independent research and write a research paper under the supervision of Prof. Bernauer as well as postdocs and doctoral students in his research group. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Acquire skills for carrying out independent research and writing a research paper in the area of international environmental politics. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 860-0023-00L | International Environmental Politics Particularly suitable for students of D-ITET, D-USYS | W | 3 credits | 2V | T. Bernauer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This course focuses on the conditions under which problem solving efforts in international environmental politics emerge and the conditions under which such efforts and the respective public policies are effective. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The objectives of this course are to (1) gain an overview of relevant questions in the area of international environmental politics from a social sciences viewpoint; (2) learn how to identify interesting/innovative questions concerning this policy area and how to answer them in a methodologically sophisticated way; (3) gain an overview of important global and regional environmental problems and how they could be solved. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | This course deals with how and why international problem solving efforts (cooperation) in environmental politics emerge, and under what circumstances such efforts are effective. Based on theories of international political economy and theories of government regulation various examples of international environmental politics are discussed: the management of international water resources, political responses to global warming, the protection of the stratospheric ozone layer, the reduction of long-range transboundary air pollution, protection of biodiversity, how to deal with plastic waste, the prevention of pollution of the oceans, etc. The course is open to all ETH students. Participation does not require previous coursework in the social sciences. After passing an end-of-semester test (requirement: grade 4.0 or higher) students will receive 3 ECTS credit points. The workload is around 90 hours (meetings, reading assignments, preparation of test). Visiting students (e.g., from the University of Zurich) are subject to the same conditions. Registration of visiting students in the web-based system of ETH is compulsory. This course will take place fully online. Course units have three components: 1. A pre-recorded lecture by Prof. Bernauer, available via Moodle, for all course units 2. Reading assignments, available via Moodle, for a few selected course units 3. Online meetings (via Zoom) for all course units on Mondays at 16:30 – 18:00, where we discuss your questions concerning the lecture and reading assignments and focus in greater depth on a particular facet of the respective course unit, on occasion with a guest (to be announced a few weeks ahead of the respective course unit). You must watch the lecture and complete the reading assignment for the respective unit ahead of the online meeting. The online meeting will be recorded and made available via Moodle. To facilitate your planning, the course is organized in terms of weekly units. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Assigned reading materials and slides will be available via Moodle. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Assigned reading materials and slides will be available via Moodle. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | This course will take place fully online. Course units have three components: 1. A pre-recorded lecture by Prof. Bernauer, available via Moodle, for all course units 2. Reading assignments, available via Moodle, for a few selected course units 3. Online meetings (via Zoom) for all course units on Mondays at 16:30 – 18:00, where we discuss your questions concerning the lecture and reading assignments and focus in greater depth on a particular facet of the respective course unit, on occasion with a guest (to be announced a few weeks ahead of the respective course unit). You must watch the lecture and complete the reading assignment for the respective unit ahead of the online meeting. The online meeting will be recorded and made available via Moodle. To facilitate your planning, the course is organized in terms of weekly units. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 857-0027-00L | International Organizations (Field Trip) Only for Comparative and International Studies MSc. | W | 2 credits | 1S | D. Hangartner | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | A two-day field trip to international organizations in Geneva - e.g., the World Trade Organization, the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Become familiar with the work and challenges of international organizations based in Geneva. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Karen A. Mingst, Margaret P. Karns. The United Nations in the Twenty-First Century, Third Edition (Dilemmas in World Politics). Westview Press, 2007. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Teams of 2-3 students prepare a 2-3 page background reading for the group on a specific international organization and lead the discussion with representatives of that organization during the visit. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 851-0609-06L | Governing the Energy Transition Primarily suited for Master and PhD level. | W | 2 credits | 2V | T. Schmidt, N. Schmid, S. Sewerin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This course addresses the role of policy and its underlying politics in the transformation of the energy sector. It covers historical, socio-economic, and political perspectives and applies various theoretical concepts to understand specific aspects of the governance of the energy transition. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | - To gain an overview of the history of the transition of large technical systems - To recognize current challenges in the energy system to understand the theoretical frameworks and concepts for studying transitions - To gain knowledge on the role of policy and politics in energy transitions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Climate change, access to energy and other societal challenges are directly linked to the way we use and create energy. Both the 2015 United Nations Paris climate change agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals make a fast and extensive transition of the energy system necessary. This lecture introduces the social and environmental challenges involved in the energy sector and discusses the implications of these challenges for the rate and direction of technical change in the energy sector. It compares the current situation with historical socio-technical transitions and derives the consequences for policy-making. It introduces theoretical frameworks and concepts for studying innovation and transitions. It then focuses on the role of policy and policy change in governing the energy transition, considering the role of political actors, institutions and policy feedback. The grade will be determined by a final exam. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Slides and reading material will be made available via moodle.ethz.ch (only for registered students). | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | A reading list will be provided via moodle.ethz.ch at the beginning of the semester. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | This course is particularly suited for students of the following programmes: MA Comparative International Studies; MSc Energy Science & Technology; MSc Environmental Sciences; MSc Management, Technology & Economics; MSc Science, Technology & Policy; ETH & UZH PhD programmes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 865-0064-00L | Decolonizing Aid Only for MAS/CAS in Development and Cooperation students, as well as specialists with at least 24 months of practical experience in international cooperation. Doctoral students dealing with empirical research in the area of development and cooperation (EZA) may be admitted "sur Dossier". Registration only through the NADEL administration office. | W | 2 credits | 3G | K. Schneider, L. Hensgen | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The course is designed to increase awareness of how cultural perceptions and power structures have influenced society and our understanding of and practice in aid. It promotes alternatives to aid as linear and progressive Eurocentric narrative. The course draws on different theoretical perspectives and scrutinizes practical examples of aid interventions and similar initiatives. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The course goes beyond awareness raising of personal cultural characteristics and recognizing cultural values within development concepts. It unfolds traces of colonialism and power structures in day to day live and the aid industry. It promotes searching and initiating alternatives to aid as a Eurocentric narrative. Participants get familiar with different theoretical perspectives on decoloniality and scrutinize practical examples of aid interventions and similar initiatives. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | - Decolonialism key terms and concepts - Conceptions of and alternatives to development (cooperation) - Cultural (self-)awareness, diversity - The role of culture in aid / development cooperation - Implications of decolonialism for aid policy making and practice | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 865-0070-00L | The Private Sector and Development Organizations: Building Successful Alliances Only for MAS/CAS in Development and Cooperation students, as well as specialists with at least 24 months of practical experience in international cooperation. Doctoral students dealing with empirical research in the area of development and cooperation (EZA) may be admitted "sur Dossier". Registration only through the NADEL administration office. | W | 1 credit | 2G | F. Brugger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The following topics will be discussed: The political economy of the Corporate Social Responsibility discourse, voluntary governance regimes and development: theory of change and effectiveness of soft law approaches, PPPs: introducing concepts and taking stock of experience, analysis of private sector strategies from selected governance actors, engaging with the private sector. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | This course seeks to increase the participants' understanding of the multifaceted and dialectic relationships between civil society, governments and private sector. It equips participants with knowledge and tools required for a strategic interaction between private sector organizations and development agencies. The course enables participants to contribute effectively to policy debates on the role of private sector actors and development. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Students of the course must fulfill requirements specified on the homepage of NADEL. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Master's Thesis | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 857-0019-00L | Master's Thesis Colloquium Only for Comparative and International Studies MSc. Permission to begin master thesis is required to take part in Colloquium. | O | 4 credits | 3K | J. Spirig | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | In this colloquium, students enrolled in the MACIS program first present and discuss research design and methods issues concerning their prospective MA theses. Towards the end of the semester they present preliminary findings from their MA thesis work. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | It is the goal of the colloquium to help students with the initial steps of writing their master theses. During the colloquium, they will develop a relevant research question and hypotheses and select appropriate methods and data. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 857-0021-00L | Master's Thesis Only students who fulfill the following criteria are allowed to begin with their master thesis: a. successful completion of the bachelor programme; b. fulfilling of any additional requirements necessary to gain admission to the master programme. | O | 26 credits | 56D | Professors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The Master Thesis is an independent piece of research on an issue in comparative and international politics. It combines theory, methods, and empirical work. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The Thesis should demonstrate the students' ability to conduct independent research on the basis of the theoretical and methodological knowledge acquired during the MA program. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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