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Introduction to Comparative Politics (250-0-20)

Instructors

Andrew L Roberts
Scott, #205
Office Hours: http://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/advising.html

Meeting Info

Tech Institute Lecture Room 2: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course will introduce students to comparative politics, the study of domestic politics in countries around the world. It will focus on the problem of creating stable and prosperous democracies. The first half of the course will explore issues in political development: state-building, democratization, ethnic conflict, economic policy, and civic life. The second half will turn to the nature of political institutions: executive-legislative relations, electoral systems, and federalism. Students will learn both to understand the variety of political systems around the world and to analyze current political events.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will become proficient in identifying and applying the central questions that motivate research on political structures and processes within countries, as well as differences and similarities across countries.


  • Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of core concepts and a range of theories and approaches for explaining comparative politics.


  • Students will improve their analytical skills by constructing causal arguments to explain political phenomena, evaluating competing claims to identify which hypotheses are most convincing, and effectively communicating that analysis.

Teaching Method

Lecture and discussion section

Evaluation Method

Short exercises; midterm; final exam; participation

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - Technological Institute L158: Thurs 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - Technological Institute L170: Thurs 5:00PM - 5:50PM

DIS - Parkes Hall 214: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - 555 Clark 230: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - Locy Hall 303: Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM

DIS - Annenberg Hall G29: Thurs 4:00PM - 4:50PM