Course Syllabus - POLS 102 Introduction to Comparative Politics

Instructor: Matt Wadsworth Day/Time: Monday and Wednesday 10-12 Room Number: 360 E-mail: [email protected] Office Hours: Room 530

Monday and Wednesday 12 – 1:15pm; Tuesday and Thursday 10 – 11:30am Or by appointment

Course Outline:

Why have some states successfully democratized, while others have tried and failed? Why is political participation higher in some democratic states than in others? Why does political violence occur in one state, but not in another? The study of comparative politics enables students to answer these questions, raise important questions of their own and develop tools to critically analyze the similarities and deifferences across states. Students will be introduced to a variety of methods for comparing political experiences within states, explore a variety of political systems and consider the institutional, economic, social and cultural forces that impact and inform them. Case studies from Asia, Africa, Europe and South America provide practical examples illustrating the theories and concepts that are introduced.

Objectives:

The primary of objective of this course is to introduce students to a number of the basic elements of using comparison as an analytical tool in the study of politics. Focusing on identifying evidence and developing arguments, this course will help to build a solid foundation for students from which to continue on in the field of political science. At the end of the course, students should be able to identify the benefits of comparison, strengths and weaknesses of a variety of political systems, cultural and social inputs of political systems and understand the positive and negative impacts of globalization on global and local politics. Assignments are meant to encourage the process of critical thinking and assess events in the world around them through an empirical political science lens. Finally, students will understand the scholarly nature and types of scientific rigor associated with political science.

Textbook:

Required: Comparative Politics: Integrating Theories, Methods and Cases. J. Tyler Dickovic and Jonathon Eastwood. 2014. Oxford University Press: Toronto. Evaluation:

Midterm 20% Case Study Assignment 15% Term Paper 25% Attendance/Group Work 10% Final Exam 30% Total: 100%

Course Schedule:

Week 1 Introduction: Understanding Comparative Methods Readings: Ch 1

Week 2 Asking Questions, Finding Evidence and Developing Arguments Readings: Ch 2

Week 3 Understanding the Contemporary State

Case Study: the United Kingdom Readings: Ch 3

Week 4 Myths and Symbols: Nationhood and Nationalism

Case Study: Nigeria Readings: Ch 12

Week 5 Development and Political Economy

Case Study: Brazil Readings: Ch 4

Week 6 Democracy and Democratization

Case Study: India Readings: Ch 5

Week 7 Authoritarianism, Totalitarianism and Non-Democratic Rule Readings: Ch 6

Midterm Exam Monday June 22nd

Week 8 Contention, Violence, State Breakdown and Revolution

Case Study: Iran Readings: Ch 11 and Ch 14 pg 357-362 and 368-375

Week 9 Comparing Institutions of Government 1: Constitutions, Legislatures and the Executive

Readings: Ch 7 and Ch 8 196-211

Week 10 Comparing Institutions of Government 2: Constitutions, Legislatures and the Executive

Case Study: Russia Ch 8 211-220 and Ch 9

Week 11 Democratic Participation

Case Study: Japan Ch 10

Week 12 Norms, Rules, Rights, Society and Culture

Case Study: Germany Ch 13 Term Paper Due Monday July 27th

Week 13 Internationalization and Globalization

Case Study: France Ch 15

Week 14 Final Exam

Notes:

 Each unit covers approximately 1 chapter (weeks 8, 9 and 10 cover slightly more)

 Students are encouraged to read about current events in major newspapers or news magazines on a weekly basis and consider them in light of the week’s formal readings. Numerous dailies are available through the College’s library website: http://library.columbiacollege.bc.ca/REFDATABASES.5.htm

CLASSROOM CODE OF CONDUCT

Students at Columbia College are expected to show respect for the rights of other students, in particular the right to study and learn. Any behaviour in a classroom that interferes with the instructor’s ability to conduct the class will be treated as disruptive; the penalties for disruptive behaviour are set out in the College Calendar, and include suspension and even expulsion from the College. In general students are expected to be attentive and courteous during class and lab time, to complete assigned work and to accept responsibility for their own achievement. In particular:

1. students will aim to arrive at all classes early so as to be ready when the class begins – this means taking a seat and getting out paper, pens, necessary texts and so on before the class starts.

2. students will not expect to leave the class before the instructor has finished. On those rare occasions when a student must leave a class early he/she should seek the permission of the instructor before the class starts. If a student must excuse himself/herself during a class the student should request permission and leave as quietly as possible.

3. cellphones, pagers and beepers will be turned off during classes, not simply switched to “vibrate” mode. Students should never consult their phones, etc, during a class.

4. students will not talk while the instructor is talking.

5. students will speak respectfully when asking a question or answering a question posed by the instructor.

6. students may not eat or drink during classes unless the instructor indicates that this is acceptable in his/her class

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM:

Columbia College expects all students to uphold the principle of academic honesty. Cheating and plagiarism (presenting another person’s words or ideas as one’s own) are not acceptable behaviour at any educational institution. Depending on the severity of the offense such acts can result in a grade of zero on the test or assignment, a failing grade (F) in the course or expulsion from the college. In all cases, the circumstances and the penalty are recorded in the student’s file. So, you know, don’t do it.