Special Topics in Political Science (490-0-29)

Topic

Authoritarian Politics

Instructors

Sirus Bouchat
Office Hours: https://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/sarah-bouchat.html

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Tues 9:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

Authoritarianism has been the modal form of governance throughout human history, but its nature has varied over time and across global regions. This seminar course will address several important questions about these types of governments, including: what makes regimes "authoritarian" how do authoritarians govern, how do authoritarian institutions function, when and how does resistance or revolution against authoritarianism occur? We will draw on both theoretical literature as well as important cases throughout Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the post-Soviet states.

Learning Objectives

In this class, you will

- become familiar with broad theoretical research examining authoritarian politics;
- learn to differentiate among types of political regimes;
- learn social science measurement and analysis strategies as applied to authoritarian regimes;
- gain skills in evaluating and critiquing case studies, empirical (statistical models and data, and formal theoretic (game theory) scial science literature;
- learn to apply theoretical frameworks from cutting edge social science reserach; and
- develop your own research questions within the field of authoritarian politics

Evaluation Method

- Discussion Leadership: 10%
- Discussion Participation: 40% (5% each "week")
- Research Design: 50%

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for Graduate Students.