PSCI 204
Introduction to Comparative Politics: State, Nation, and Democracy Spring 2013 (also offered Fall 2012)
Division II
This is not the current course catalog

Class Details

The comparative study of politics looks mainly at what goes on inside countries, the domestic dynamics of political power and institutions. It asks, for example, where sovereign states come from, why political life differs so much from one country to another, and how political regimes, structures and institutions change, sometimes suddenly. Thus comparative politics is often about what citizens of countries with stable and relatively effective governments take for granted (and why they may take it for granted). In this course, we will examine several broad historical-political themes: the rise of modern state structures; the emergence of capitalism; the articulation of national identities; the spread of liberalism and democracy; and the roots of terrorism, and the effects of war and religion on politics. Worthwhile answers will require us to look at them theoretically, historically, comparatively, and through contemporary developments.
The Class: Format: lecture/discussion
Limit: 35
Expected: 23
Class#: 3639
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: (fall) five 2-page reaction papers, a 5-page paper and a short final exam; (spring) two 5- to 7-page papers and a final exam
Prerequisites: none
Enrollment Preferences: first-year students and sophomores
Distributions: Division II
Attributes: POEC Required Courses
PSCI Comparative Politics Courses

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