Comparative Politics is one of the subfields of Political Science with the longest history and the noblest heritage. It addresses basic issues that are at the root of all political behavior. From the first experiments with primitive political organizations to the complex political systems of the modern world, humans have developed a variety of political organizations and government institutions. Many of these have withered away over the centuries while some have evolved into the kaleidoscope of political systems that characterizes the world today: democracies, totalitarian regimes, theocracies, etc.

During this course we will familiarize ourselves with the principal characteristics of different types of political systems. We will compare these systems, identify the principal similarities and differences between them, and attempt to isolate the factors that might have caused these similarities and differences.  To the extent we are successful in this exercise we will be able to claim we have discovered patterns, or general explanations, that might apply to all political systems.

To carry out these comparisons and develop general explanations we will need to learn about these political systems, but also about the methodology to be used to compare and explain them. Gabriel Almond, one of the founders of modern comparative political studies, used to say: “Comparative politics involves two elements : (i) it is a subject of study: comparing the nature of politics and the political process across different political systems; (ii) it is a method of study: involving how and why we make such comparisons.” Our class will therefore focus on the nature, development, structure and functioning of the political systems of a selection of countries with very different cultures, social and economic profiles, political histories and geographic characteristics. As we review these case studies, we will also learn to use the comparativist’s methods to collect and organize the information and develop general explanations.

The course will comprise three parts:

PART ONE:

-          General concepts in Comparative Politics
-          The Comparative Method

PART TWO:

-          Political Culture and Socialization
-          Interest Articulation
-          Interest Aggregation and Political Parties
-          Government and Policymaking
-          Public Policy

PART THREE:

-          Country Studies (including the US, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China, Iran, India, Italy)

-          To understand the most common methods used in comparative political research and be able to apply some of them to the study of political systems.
-          To learn about the political systems in various countries: how and why did they develop the way they did? How do they work? what are the critical issues facing them today?
-          To become familiar with some of the theories developed by leading political scientists about the structure and functions of political systems.
-          To acquire the ability to formulate some tentative general explanations of our own, based on our review of political systems and our understanding of the comparative method.

Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F.

A:  Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensiveknowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.

B:  This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.

There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.

C:  This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D:  This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.

Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.

F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.