Political Science 003
Introduction to Comparative Politics
 Professor R. Newnham

Required Texts:

Optional Text:  
Grading: Quizzes:
About once a week at random. Probably 11 total--one with lowest score dropped.
Short (10 minutes) and general--covering the weeks reading and lectures. NOTE: THE QUICKEST WAY TO FAIL THE COURSE IS TO SKIP CLASS AND MISS QUIZZES.
 
Term Paper:
8 to 10 pp. Topic: focus on a recent election in a foreign country (may be a state which we are not studying in class). The paper will have two parts. First, describe the election. What parties were involved and who won? Second, explain the election results in terms of the concepts we will learn in Comparative Politics. For example: What does this election tell us about the underlying political culture of the country (issues raised, style of election, etc.) and about its institutions (election rules, what branch of gvt. is contested, etc.)?  How did this election compare to typical elections in the U.S. or other countries where the history, institutions, and political culture are different? Remember: both parts of the paper are equally important. More details on the term paper will be provided in class.
 
 
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Class Structure and Readings:

The class will be divided into three basic units. First, we will compare several states which are considered part of the First World (the "West")--Great Britain, France, and Germany.

After the Midterm Examination, we will look at Russia and China, which have been  considered part of the Second World (the "East") and then Brazil and South Africa, which represent the Third World (the "South").

In studying these countries we will be looking at three main areas: Political Culture, History, and Institutions.

Week  1

Week  2 Week  3 Week  4 Week  5 Week   6 Week  7 Week   8 Week  9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12  Week 13 Week 14 Week 15 Week 16 Final Exam -- Date and location of exam to be announced
 

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