PSCI 204
Introduction to Comparative Politics: Nationalism, Ideology, and State Power
Spring 2015
(also offered Fall 2014)
Division II
This is not the current course catalog
Class Details
While the field of international relations focuses on the actions of sovereign states towards one another, 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: 30
Class#: 3584
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Limit: 35
Expected: 30
Class#: 3584
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation:
(fall) five 2-page essays, a 5-page paper, and a short final; (spring) two 5-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
PSCI Comparative Politics Courses
Class Grid
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PSCI 204 - 01 (S) LEC Intro Comparative Politics
PSCI 204 - 01 (S) LEC Intro Comparative PoliticsDivision IIMW 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Greylock C3584
Megamenu Social