Program:
Unit 1 Introduction to the Course. Methodology. Definitions.
(Sep. 5, 7) (Mahler, p. xix-xxiv; Powell, p. 1 - 17; assigned readings)
Unit 2 Comparative Political Analysis. The Political System. Political Culture. The Comparative Method.
(Sep. 12,14) (Mahler, p. 1 - 26; Powell, p. 18 - 37; assigned readings)
Unit 3 Constitutions and Ideologies. Constitutions as Political Structures. Ideologies. Classification of Regimes
(Sep. 19, 21) (Mahler, p. 27 - 48; Powell, p. 38 - 45; assigned readings)
Unit 4 Legislative Institutions. The Legislative Process. Executive Institutions. Coalition Governments.
(Sep. 26, 28) (Mahler, p. 49 - 107; Powell, p. 46 - 56; assigned readings)
Unit 5 Judicial Institutions. The Idea of Law. Political Behavior. Political Environment. Role of the Political Elite.
(Oct. 3, 5) (Mahler, p. 108 - 153; Powell, p. 57 - 74; assigned readings)
Unit 6 Pluralism. Corporatism. Interest Groups. Political Parties. Social Movements.
(Oct. 10, 12*) (Mahler, p. 154 - 176; Powell, p. 75 - 80; assigned readings)
* MIDTERM EXAM
Unit 7 The British Political System. The British Constitutional System. Executive and Legislative Structures.
(Oct. 17, 19) (Powell, p. 194 - 228; Powell, p. 81 - 94; assigned readings)
Unit 8 The German Political System. Federalism. Executive and Legislative Structures. Policymaking.
(Oct. 24, 26) (Mahler, p. 262 - 291; Powell, p. 95 - 105; assigned readings)
Unit 9 The Italian Political System. Italian Power Structure. State Institutions. Political Culture. Political Parties.
(Oct. 31, Nov. 2) (Powell, p. 106 - 122; assigned readings)
Unit 10 The European Union. European Commission, European Union Council. European Parliament.
(Nov. 7, 9) (Powell, p. 123 - 132; assigned readings)
Unit 11 Political Systems Compared. Policy-Making Process. Public Policy.
(Nov. 14,16*) (Mahler, p. 176 - 193; Powell, p. 133 - 145; assigned readings)
* PRESENTATION
Unit 12 The Russian Political System. Ideology. The Political Heritage. Federalism. Political Succession.
(Nov. 21, 23) (Mahler, p. 323 - 352; Powell, p. 146 - 166; assigned readings)
Unit 13 The Chinese Political System.
(Nov.28, 30) (Mahler, p. 354 – 387; Powell, p. 167 - 182; assigned readings)
Unit 14 Globalization. Integration and Interdependence.
(Dec. 5, 7*) (Powell, p. 182 - 200; assigned readings)
* FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT
(Dec 12 - 15, t.b.s.*)
* FINAL EXAM
Films/Audiovisual Materials Sessions:
(1. (date t.b.s.) “on power”
(2. (date t.b.s.) “on diversity”
(3. (date t.b.s.) “on ideology”
NOTE:
The syllabus schedule may undergo reasonable changes in relation to guest speakers, field trips, make-ups, discussions, events, and other contingencies.