The Roots of Technological Progress Look around at modern life. We are surrounded by technological marvels that would have astonished people from the Founding Fathers’ period. Where does technological progress come from? In this course we will investigate that question by exploring the social, political, and economic stories behind five major technological advances: the steam engine, refrigeration, the airplane, radio, and the washing machine. For each of these, we will examine what led to the invention of these new technologies (and what had previously stood in their way), how they were initially received and contested, and how they impacted society.

International Political Economy This course examines the politics of global economic relations, focusing principally on the advanced industrial states. How do governments and firms deal with the forces of globalization and interdependence? And what are the causes and consequences of their actions for the international system in turn? The course exposes students to both classic and contemporary thinking on free trade and protectionism, exchange rates and monetary systems, foreign direct investment and capital movements, regional integration, and the role of international institutions like the WTO. Readings will be drawn mainly from political science, as well as law and economics.

International Politics What causes conflict or cooperation among states? What can states and other international entities do to preserve global peace? These are among the issues addressed by the study of international politics. This course examines the forces that shape relations among states, and between states and international regimes. Key concepts include: the international system, power and the balance of power, international institutions, foreign policy, diplomacy, deterrence, war, and global economic issues. Both the fall and spring sections of this course emphasize rigorous analysis and set theoretical concepts against historical and contemporary case studies.

Climate Change and the Markets of Tomorrow In this course, we will examine how new technologies and capitalism can be leveraged to fight climate change with a particular focus on green energy, plant-based meats, and electric vehicles. We analyze how these markets are evolving and what public policies can do to help them advance more quickly. The course takes an intentionally international approach and should be especially interesting to IPEC, PSCI, and ENVS majors. This course counts as a social science cognate for ENVS majors with foci in the natural sciences, humanities, or arts.

The Politics of Taxes Who gets taxed and how much they get taxed is at least as much a political decision as an economic one. Additionally, the ways governments tax their citizens (and how much they tax them) vary widely between different countries. Moreover, the purpose underlying governments’ use of taxes ranges from fighting inequality to incentivizing various behavioral changes. In this course we will examine sales taxes, wealth taxes, corporate profits, income taxes and the politics around those taxes in a variety of national contexts. (Comparative Politics).

The Politics of Money and Finance Governments’ choices on money-related matters deeply affect people’s lives. Stock market crashes, inflation, debt, and unforeseen currency fluctuations can scar society. Conversely, if stock markets, inflation, debt, and currencies are all well-managed, prosperity can be created. One of the central aims of governments across the world is to do just that - manage these issues in order to promote economic growth. In this course, we examine the choices governments face in the pursuit of that and, what leads them to make the choices they do, and what kinds of choices have historically been the most successful.

International Law In this course, we analyze key concepts that underpin how scholars and practitioners examine the rules that assist and constrain international actors (states, businesses, activists, and individuals). We analyze legal issues and cases involving sovereignty, human rights, trade and investment law, use of force, and environmental treaties.

Gary Winslett

Reviews and ratings for Gary Winslett at Middlebury College.Gary Winslett teaches Roots of Tech Progress, Internatl Political Economy, International Politics and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Gary Winslett good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Professor Winslett is clearly very knowledgeable and very passionate about the topics he covers in this course. It is sometimes difficult to tell what is opinion and what is fact, since he presents them similarly. There are three big assigments: a paper (graded tough), a paired podcast, and an oral exam. 

This was a very reasonable J Term course in terms of load and quantity of information. We had readings for homework every day, which we then discussed in depth in class, so it was important to have done them. The big project for the class was a group video, which was honestly pretty fun. Be aware that this class involves giving Professor Winslett your phone and computer for a full 24 hours and writing about the experience.

Mostly readings and lectures but the lectures can tend to be about a bunch of stuff not just covered by readings. Main projects are a 3000 word paper and a group podcast but wasn't an impossible paper topic to get to 3000 words.