THE WORLD'S POLITICAL SYSTEMS
POLITICAL SCIENCE 104
PROFESSOR BROWN-FOSTER
Rm: 015-16 Diloreto
Phone: ext. 22961
. email: BrownW@ccsu.edu
THE WORLD'S POLITICAL SYSTEMS
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| The purpose of this course is to compare and
contrast the structures and functions of governmental systems throughout
the world. We will investigate the role that political culture, political
ideology, cleavages (ethnic/racial, language and/or religious diversity),
economic development, and economic factors play in the politics of each
nation used as a case in the course. We will establish the criteria
for this purpose and proceed to query and answer questions about the performance,
efficiency and goal achievement of the different systems.
This is a basic level introduction to the study of political science and comparative politics. This course is divided into two parts. Part one covers the basic concepts of political science and comparative politics. In part one of the course, we approach a political system as though it is a puzzle. We look at each piece of that puzzle individually and then in relation to the other pieces. The pieces we cover are the fundamental concepts and ideas to lay the foundation for the study of the nation case studies during Part Two of the course. Part two of the course entails the actual study and comparison of the nation-state cases using the concepts and ideas taught in part one. Before comparing political systems it is important for you to know how and what we will compare, therefore students need to understand the basic components, concepts, variables and ideas that make-up a political system and secondly, how those components relate to one another conceptually in a political system. I encourage your full participation in the course through discussions and questions. I am not the resident "guru". You are encouraged to share your opinions and points of view. I may challenge you and your ideas, but this is only meant to help you develop your thinking. The materials for this course have been moved to the webct site at http:\\pipeline.ccsu.edu. The site is available only to those enrolled in the course. You will access all online course materials from that site, primarily. |
| COURSE REQUIREMENTS (all work must be completed)
There will be a three tests 33.3% each. Class attendance
and participation in class discussions are necessary. BOOKS REQUIRED Annual Editions (Latest Edition). Comparative Politics --recommended |
READING SCHEDULE
| Week 1: | Introdution to Comparative Politics
Hague et al., Chapters 1-3, 5 Hauss, Chapter 1 |
| Week 2: | Political Ideologies/Political Economy
Lecture and Chart |
| Week 3: | Politics and Culture/Individuals in Politics
Hague et al., Chapters 6-9 |
| Week 4: | Interest Groups and Political Parties
Hague et al., Chapters 10-11 |
| Week 5:
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Government, institutions and policymakers
Hague et al., Chapters 12-15 |
| Week 6: |
Bureaucracy and policymaking Hague et al. Chapters 16-17 |
| CASE STUDIES | |
| Week 7: | Industrial Democracies GREAT BRITAIN AND THE U.S. Hauss, Chap. 2, 3, 4 |
| Week 8: | France and Germany
Hauss, Chap. 5, 6, 7 |
| Midterm week | |
| Week 9:
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Japan
Hauss, Chap. 8 |
| Week 10: | Transitional Nations Russia Hauss, Chap. 9, 10, 11 |
| Week 11: | China
Hauss, Chap. 7 |
| Week 12: | Developing World India Hauss, Chap. 12-13 |
| Week13: | Mexico
Hauss, Chap. 16 |
| Week 14: | South Africa
Hauss, Chap. 15 |
| Week 15: | Iraq
Hauss, Chap. 14 |
| FINAL EXAMINATION |
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