PSC 122 Survey of Comparative Politics
Comparative Politics is a sprawling field of inquiry in which scholars
investigate issues ranging from the origins of revolution to the family
planning policies of various governments, from democratization to land
seizures by peasant communities in different countries. What holds this
field together is the notion that we can best understand and explain the
political phenomena of different nations (including our own) by comparing
them in careful, precise ways. In this course, we will examine some of the
questions Comparativists ask, and the ways they go about answering them.
We will also familiarize ourselves with the politics and polities of ten
nations (including the U.S.), and mull over arguments concerning their
differences and similarities. In this course you should become more
knowledgeable of other countries, and also see how comparisons enable us
to better understand our own nation’s political development. This course
is offered both semesters.
No prerequisite.
Credits: 1