This course provides an introduction to comparative politics. It aims to provide students with the tools necessary to study politics and society in comparative perspective. The course is divided into four parts. The first introduces some basic concepts and methods of comparative analysis and examines some of the core assumptions about human nature that underpin social scientists’ work. The second surveys the gamut of political regimes under which people live. The third and most extensive portion of the course investigates the factors that influence what type of political regime and what forms of governance prevail in particular national settings. The fourth and final section of the course provides concluding ideas on comparative analysis and thoughts on the future of political change around the world.
Requirements consist of two preliminary exams, a final exam, and attendance at all lectures and discussion sections. Grades will be determined as follows: 20 percent for each of the preliminary exams, 20 percent for attendance and performance in discussion sections, and 40 percent for the final exam. Students are expected to do the readings for the week in their entirety before the meeting of their discussion section.
No laptop computers are allowed in class.