Political Science 255-01

Introduction to Comparative Politics

Longwood University

Spring 2008

 

Instructor: Scott Cole, Ph.D.                                                  

Office: Ruffner 235                                                               

Office hours: MW 8-9 am; TR 3:30-4:30 pm (others by appointment)                        

Phone: 2526

Email: colens@longwood.edu

Class day/times/room: TR/9:30-10:45/Ruffner 256

 

Course description

 

In the 21st century, it is imperative that Americans understand international politics, especially since our political and economic systems are influenced by events and actors beyond our shores.  Specifically, financial markets in Asia impact our employment opportunities, and terrorists from the Middle East influence US elections and democracy.  In this class, students will learn various theories and concepts that will help them understand comparative and international politics.  To reinforce these ideas, numerous countries/cases will be talked about during this course, including Russia, Britain, Iran, Cuba, and China. 

 

While lectures will be used in many instances, this class seeks to promote an active learning model that encourages student participation.  This approach gives students an opportunity to apply the knowledge that they have learned.  To facilitate this teaching method, numerous projects will be assigned throughout the semester, with the ultimate aim of promoting student participation.

 

Course objectives

 

Upon completion of this class, students should be able to:

 

1.      Understand the different types of political systems, mainly democratic and authoritarian, and how they operate.

2.      Understand the differences between the developed and developing worlds and the factors that influence their economic and political systems. 

3.      Analyze and write about politics using various theories of political science.

4.      Comprehend the nature and causes of political change and revolutions.

5.   Understand the concepts of nationalism, ethnicity, and political culture and how they impact contemporary politics. 

6.   Describe how different political systems develop public policies and also how they deal with social justice.

7.   Understand freedom and equality from a comparative perspective.          

 

This course also fulfills the following general education criteria:  It will help students:

 

1.      Understand the methods of the social sciences.

2.      Recognize the contributions of the social sciences to our cultural heritage. 

3.      Understand how the social sciences approach contemporary social issues.

4.      Consider questions of ethical values.

5.      Explore past, current, and future implications of disciplinary knowledge.

6.      Explore course content from diverse perspectives.

7.      Increase information literacy through data collection and manipulation.

8.      Learn writing skills through various writing projects.

9.      Understand the common elements among disciplines.

10.  Recognize why this discipline is important to the development of the educated citizen.

 

This course satisfies Goal 9: An understanding of the diversity of other cultures and societies. 

 

Outcomes:

 

1.      Understand the culture, society, and history of groups outside of the Western European tradition.

2.      Employ an appropriate vocabulary and rational argument to discuss complex issues involving race, nationality, gender, ethnicity, class, or sexual orientation.

3.      Understand the concept of ethnocentrism.

4.      Differentiate between personal discomfort and intellectual disagreement in situations where cultures may conflict.

5.      Distinguish between facts and cultural assumptions relating to issues of diversity.  

 

*All provisions of the Longwood Honor Code apply to this course. 

 

Course requirements

 

1.      Exams (120 points total):  There are three essay exams in this course: two midterms and a final.  See the course outline for specific dates of these tests.  You need to use blue books, which can be purchased in the bookstore, for these exams.    

 

2.      Debate group (20 points): Each student will participate in a debate group.  During these debates, students must cite books, journal articles, and newspaper stories (when available).  I will divide the class into groups for this project.  Look for materials in the following places for this project: Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, Current History, World Politics, The New York Times, Financial Times, BBC (bbc.co.uk), Political Science Quarterly, International Studies Perspectives, and International Affairs.  These resources can be located in Longwood’s library or on its website.  Students will select a debate topic from the following list:

a.  SHOULD CHINA SLOW ITS ECONOMIC GROWTH TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT? 

b.  IS THE UNITED STATES RESPONSIBLE FOR CUBAN COMMUNISM AND CUBA’S POVERTY? 

                        c.  DOES THE UNITED STATES NEED WESTERN EUROPE?

                  d.  IS RUSSIA BECOMING A SUPERPOWER?   

 

3.  Project/homework assignments (20 points): There are several homework assignments that students must complete for this class.  I will randomly collect assigned projects to ensure that students are completing them.  Homework assignments are listed in the course outline, which is at the end of this syllabus.     

 

4.  Book review (30 points): Students will write a three-page book review (typed and double-spaced) focusing on Samuel Huntington’s The Clash of Civilizations.  This review should consider the positive and negative aspects of his research.  One page of this review should be a summary of this book, one page should critique his work, and the final page should state what chapters need to be added to this book.  Use bbc.com to locate stories that can be cited in your critique of The Clash of Civilizations.  I will be grading your paper based on your use of the bbc.com.  This project is due on 3/20. 

 

*Longwood’s attendance policy applies to this class. 

 

*Student conduct:  Any student caught sleeping, talking, or disrupting this class will have points deducted from his/her final grade.  The penalty is 5 points for each infraction. 

 

*Computer/phone usage in class:  Students are not allowed to use cell phones, email, instant messaging, games, or any other aspect of the Internet during this class.  The penalty is 5 points for each infraction. 

 

Required readings

 

Patrick O’Neil.  Essential Readings in Comparative Politics, 2nd edition.

 

Samuel Huntington.  The Clash of Civilizations. 

 

There is also an online textbook for this course (called and “E-book” in the course outline).  I will email you information on how to access this E-book. 

 

There are several hyperlinked articles on this syllabus that must be read, and they must be accessed on Longwood’s campus, not off-campus. 

 

Accommodations

 

Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Disability Services and inform the instructor of any special needs.

 

Course outline

 

Part I: Basic issues, terms, themes, and theories

 

1/15    Goal: Course introduction.

            Cases: none.

Projects: We will address these questions: What is wrong with the world today?  Is anything wrong with the world?  What can be done to fix the world?  Why should we care about the world?      

            Readings: none.

 

1/17    Goal: Understand how political scientists study comparative politics.  We will consider some basic terms, concepts, and theories during this lecture.    

            Cases: none.   

Projects: We will consider this question: How can we understand the political systems of other nations? 

            Readings: O’Neil ch. 1

 

Part II: Political economy

 

1/22    Goal: Understand why some countries are wealthy and others are poor.  The theories of modernization and dependency will be considered.    

            Cases: several.

Projects: Pick one country from Africa or Latin America and research its economic situation.  Focus on the following factors: per capita income, gross national product (GNP)/gross domestic product (GDP), natural resources, industries, agriculture, debt, unemployment, transportation, education systems, etc.  You can obtain this type of information by visiting the United Nation’s website (http://www.un.org/ecosoc/), the Library of Congress’ website (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/list.html), the CIA’s website (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html), or the World Trade Organization’s website (http://www.wto.org/).  While you might not be able to locate information on every single economic aspect of your country, get as much as possible.  Bring your materials to class and make sure to staple them together with your name on the first page. 

Readings: UN Development goals (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/) and O’Neil ch. 4

 

1/24    Goal: Understand the evolution of economic history since the beginning of the 2oth century, including capitalism, Keynesianism, communism, socialism, and neoliberalism.    

            Cases: none.

Projects: We will watch portions of Part I of “Commanding Heights,” a PBS documentary.

            Readings: O’Neil ch. 9

 

1/29    Goal: Understand the concept and definitions of globalization.  We will discuss the development and impact of globalization, focusing on its positive and negative aspects.  We will start this conversation by building on the film that was watched during the previous course, including a discussion of capitalism, Keynesianism, communism, and neoliberalism.   

            Cases: several.  

Projects: Bring a random selection of clothing, food, and other consumer items to class.  You only need to bring about two or three items, and make sure they have a “Made In” label on them.    

            Readings: O’Neil ch. 10

 

1/31    Goal: Understand the impact that economic development has on the global environment.   

            Cases: China.

Projects: Debate group, SHOULD CHINA SLOW ITS ECONOMIC GROWTH TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT?  (Before coming to class, students are encouraged to watch “An Inconvenient Truth” by Al Gore).    

Readings: Gallagher at http://www.currenthistory.com/org_pdf_files/106/703/106_703_389.pdf

 

Part III:  Democratic development

 

2/5      Goal: Understand why more democracies have emerged since the 1980s.  We will consider the impact of several variables during this lecture.     

            Cases: several.

Projects: Visit Freedom House’s website (http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=363&year=2007) and explore their “map of freedom.”  Answer these questions:  Where is there more freedom in the world?  What regions of the world have less freedom?  Why is there more freedom is some parts of the world and less in others?  Put your answers on a sheet of paper (typed, one page, single spaced) and bring it to class.  

            Readings: O’Neil ch. 6

 

2/7      Goal:  Understand the challenges facing new/emerging/transitional democracies.  We will talk about “illiberal” democracies and the problems associated with democratic transitions and consolidations, focusing on what it takes to become democratic and to stay democratic. 

            Cases: Russia and its history and politics.

Projects:  none.

            Readings: E-book chapter on Russia (entire chapter)  

 

2/12    Goal: Understand how established/advanced democracies differ from transitional/emerging democracies.  We will talk about democratic development, institutionalization, economic modernization, party development, and other issues.  Some comparisons between the British case and the previous day’s cases will be made.       

            Cases: Britain and its history and politics.

Projects: Find three newspaper articles from the bbc.com that focus on current political issues in Britain and bring them to class.

            Readings: E-book chapter on Britain (entire chapter); O’Neil ch. 7   

 

2/14    First exam (50 points)   

 

Part IV: Authoritarian politics

 

2/19    Goal: Understand communism’s development and impact.  We will begin by defining some basic features of communism.  

            Cases: A focus on Cuba’s pre-revolutionary period and Castro’s rule.  

            Projects: none.  

            Readings: O’Neil ch. 8; E-book chapter on Cuba (entire chapter)

 

2/21    Goal:  Understand authoritarian and totalitarian governments. 

            Cases: China’s history and politics from 1949 until today. 

Projects: none. 

            Readings: E-book chapter on China (entire chapter) and O’Neil ch. 5

 

2/26    Goal: Understand authoritarian and totalitarian governments. 

            Cases: Iran’s history from the Pahlavi Dynasty until today.

            Projects: Find three articles from the bbc.com that discuss Iran and bring them to class. 

            Readings: E-book chapter on Iran (entire chapter)

 

Part V: Identity politics

 

2/28    Goal: Understand the concept of ethnicity and its political dimensions. 

            Cases: Sudan. 

            Projects: We will watch a Frontline video about Sudan and the Darfur crisis.  

Readings: Prunier (http://www.currenthistory.com/org_pdf_files/105/691/105_691_195.pdf) 

 

            *Evening presentation of a documentary Darfur Now in Wygal Auditorium at 7:30 pm.  This is an extra-credit opportunity for students.

 

3/4      Goal: Understand the concept of ethnicity and its political impact.  Several theories of ethnic identity will be introduced, especially focusing on primordialism and constructivism.  

            Cases: several.

            Projects: none.     

            Readings: none.   

           

            *Evening presentation on Darfur in the Dorrill Dining Hall’s Grand Dining Room at 8:00 pm.  This is an extra-credit opportunity for students to pursue.  (You can only use one extra-credit event for this class).      

 

3/6      Goal: Understand the concepts of nation and nationalism.  We will talk about several theories related to national identity and its development and impact, focusing on positive and negative aspects of this subject.   

Cases:  United States in the 21st century, Hitler’s Germany in the 20th century, China in the 21st century, Putin’s Russia.

Projects: none.  

            Readings: O’Neil ch. 3

 

3/11-3/13       No class – Spring break

 

3/18    Goal: Understand the concepts of culture and political culture.   

            Cases: several. 

Projects: Interview three friends (or family members) and ask them this question: What do you think about when you hear the term “Middle East”?  You will need to type up these responses and bring them to class.  Do not mention names when you type up these responses.  Just refer to them as #1, #2, and #3.     

            Readings: none. 

 

3/20    Goal: Understand the clash of civilizations theory.    

            Cases: several.  

            Projects: We will have an in-class discussion of Huntington’s book today.   

            Readings: The Clash of Civilizations (entire book). 

Your book review is due today. 

 

3/25    Second exam (40 points)

 

Part VI: Domestic politics

 

3/27    Goal: Understand political change and revolutions.  Why do revolutions happen?  Who leads them and what are the outcomes of revolutions?    

            Cases: Iran, Russia, China, Cuba. 

Projects: none.     

            Readings: O’Neil ch. 11 

 

4/1      Goal: Understand how different political systems develop public policies and create community and government responsibilities.  We will talk about social contracts and social justice. 

            Cases: several.

Projects: Pick a country (not the U.S.) and research one of these issues: healthcare policy, education policy, or transportation policy.  We will begin class by dividing into groups and discussing what you found.  Type up your information and bring it to class. 

Readings: Brady (http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/social_forces/v083/83.4brady.html)

 

4/3      Goal: Understand how political organizations (i.e., interest groups and political parties) work in different types of political systems.  We will talk about various types of political parties and the interest group theories of pluralism and corporatism.    

            Cases: US, Russia, Britain, Cuba, China. 

            Projects:  none.    

Readings: Rauch at http://www.jonathanrauch.com/jrauch_articles/demosclerosis_the_original_article/index.html

 

4/8      Goal: Understand the role that elites play in politics.  We will talk about democratic and elitist theories related to who holds power in society, how they obtain it, and how they use it.    

            Cases: several. 

Projects: none. 

            Readings: Dohmoff at http://www.dushkin.com/text-data/articles/22266/body.pdf .  

 

Part VII:  International politics

 

4/10    Goal: Understand how the United States impacts other societies.    

            Cases: Cuba.

Projects: Debate group, IS THE UNITED STATES RESPONSIBLE FOR CUBAN COMMUNISM AND CUBA’S POVERTY? 

            Readings: Corrales at http://www.currenthistory.com/org_pdf_files/104/679/104_679_69.pdf  

 

4/15    Goal:  Understand how countries rise to international power. 

            Cases: Russia. 

Projects: Debate group, IS RUSSIA BECOMING A SUPERPOWER?    

Readings: Layne at http://www.currenthistory.com/org_pdf_files/107/705/107_705_13.pdf 

 

4/17    Goal: Understand how the United States interacts, economically and politically, with other societies. 

            Cases: Western Europe.

Projects: Debate group, DOES THE UNITED STATES NEED WESTERN EUROPE?

            Readings: Busby at http://www.currenthistory.com/org_pdf_files/102/662/102_662_113.pdf

 

Part VIII: Concluding thoughts

 

4/22    Goal:  Understand how other nations perceive the notion of freedom and equality.  Is there more than one type of democracy?     

            Cases: several.  

            Projects: Pick a country and finds its “bill of rights” online.  Print this information, put your name on it, and bring it to class.    

            Readings: none.

 

4/24    Goal: A review what has been learned throughout the semester and some concluding thoughts.  I will also discuss the final exam. 

            Cases: several. 

            Projects: none. 

            Readings: none. 

 

5/1      Final exam at 11:30-2:00 (30 points)