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Introduction to Comparative Politics (250-0-20)

Instructors

Nicole E. Wilson

Meeting Info

University Hall 122: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course introduces students to the study of comparative politics, or the study of politics within countries. Core questions include: How do states form? What leads countries to democratize or fall into authoritarianism? How do electoral systems and political parties shape governance? And how do political institutions affect economic outcomes? Students will gain a set of analytical tools for comparing governments and political behavior across the globe, and will come away better equipped to understand why countries differ in their political structures and policy choices.

Registration Requirements

Majors and Minors only

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Articulate the core questions and methods of comparative politics;

  • Identify how states, regimes, and institutions vary across countries;

  • Apply comparative frameworks to explain political differences across real-world cases;

  • Critically evaluate evidence and arguments about political phenomena

Teaching Method

lecture and discussion section

Evaluation Method

Two midterm exams, one final exam, and participation

Class Materials (Required)

Principles of Comparative Politics, by William Roberts Clark, Matt Golder and Sona Nadenichek Golder, Sage, Fourth Edition. ISBN: 9781544369587 (ebook), ISBN: 9781544369563 (paperback)

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for Political Science students until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites.

Associated Classes

DIS - Lunt Hall 104: Wed 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - Locy Hall 106: Wed 5:00PM - 5:50PM

DIS - University Hall 112: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Parkes Hall 215: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM