This course aims to furnish students with the tools needed to study politics and society in comparative perspective. The first part of the course introduces concepts and methods of comparative analysis and examines core assumptions about human nature that underpin social scientists’ (and all of our) thinking. The second part investigates the variety of political regimes under which people live around the world. Third, we will consider the factors that influence which type of political regime prevails in particular national settings. Why do some countries get democracy while others do not? The fourth section focuses on economic development. Why are some countries able to break out of poverty while others are not? Attendance at lecture and discussion section required.
This course can satisfy either the Social & Behavioral Sciences or International Studies breadth requirement.