TEACHING

Introduction to Quantitative Methods (graduate)

• Fall (2019, 2020, 2021, 2025)

This is the first course in the quantitative methods sequence for Ph.D. students in Political Science at Notre Dame. It provides a foundation of knowledge to draw from as students continue the methods sequence, take specialized and advanced courses or want to apply or self-learn new methods. The material is designed to make students more comfortable speaking the “language” of quantitative research and to be conversant with research using formal theory. The bulk of the learning takes place outside of the classroom by reading, coding, analyzing data, completing assignments and exams. The first part of the course provides a hands-on introduction to quantitative data analysis using R. The second part of the course takes a step back to build up some mathematical foundation for engaging with cutting edge political science. We cover calculus, optimization, and linear algebra (and, while we are at it, will try to learn some more R). The third and last part of the course focuses on probability theory and statistical inference, closing with a regression primer.

Regression I (graduate)

• Spring (2019-2022, 2024-2026)

This is the second course of a three-part sequence in quantitative methods. The course  focuses on the linear regression model.  We start by examining a non parametric motivation for OLS. Then we get into the weeds of OLS as a parametric model: we will learn about mechanics and properties, core assumptions, covering such topics as sampling distributions, standard errors, and classical hypothesis testing. The second part of the course will focus on violations of OLS assumptions, such as measurement error, heteroskedasticity, clustering and omitted variables bias. The last part of the course focuses on OLS as a tool of causal inference. Building on the potential outcomes model, we cover randomized experiments, instrumental variables, differences-in-differences and regression discontinuity designs.  Students complete weekly assignments that include analytical work, data analysis, and simulations.

World Politics: An Introduction to Comparative Politics (undergraduate)

  • Fall (2018-2021, 2023-2024)

This course introduces students to big questions in comparative politics that are also of fundamental relevance for the world today. We will examine theories and evidence concerning three themes: States and Political Regimes, Democracy (its emergence, quality and erosion), and Economic and Human Development. The course focuses on substance, but we will also evaluate the quality of the evidence and theoretical logic underpinning influential ideas in comparative politics. Though the course is organized around questions, the readings and lectures will often draw on the experience of individual countries. We will also read widely, covering political science, history, economics, sociology, evolutionary biology and anthropology, as well as clips and pieces aimed at a broader audience.

Inequality and Democracy (undergraduate)

  • Fall (2019, 2020, 2021), Spring (2025)

Formally,  democracy provides citizens equal access to fundamental rights to select their representatives and to freely express their views and associate with others.  But this formal political equality is rarely realized in practice because social inequalities – across classes, races, genders, ethnicities, and geographic areas – mean that democracy serves some individuals better than others. This course examines the effects of inequality on the quality of democracy. We will study multiple theoretical arguments linking democracy and inequality, and assess their empirical validity through case studies and data analysis. We will draw extensively on the experience of developing countries, and will often refer to the experience of advanced democracies, and the U.S. in particular.  The first part of the course is devoted to building the necessary theoretical and empirical foundations.  The second part of the course delves into the multiple ways in which inequality affects democracy -- such as unequal descriptive representation, money in politics, corruption, clientelism and violence. The third part of the course turns to solutions -- such as redistribution, conditional cash transfers, quotas, and transparency initiatives. Students complete two exams and write a research paper documenting a form of political inequality in a country of their choosing, theorizing its roots and proposing solutions. Over the course of the semester, we will hold five research workshops focusing on different parts of the research paper.