Political Science 2300
Introduction to Comparative Politics
FALL 2007
Course Description and Evaluation
Introduction to Comparative Politics
An introduction to the techniques of comparative analysis and the ways in which we can account for differences and similarities among difference kinds of political systems. Questions to be considered include differences among democracies, semi-democracies and authoritarian systems, reasons why some countries - but not others - are liberal democracies, political culture and the forces which shape it, the role of parties, interest groups, and the public in political decision-making, the role which states play in economic life, and the extent and ways in which liberal democracies and other systems have been or are changing.
The aim of the course is to make you to think, while providing you with tools and approaches useful in advanced courses and understanding the world around you. If this is to happen, you need to take an active approach to learning. This means following the news, completing assigned readings and thinking about them before you come to class, attending class and participating in class discussions, and completing net commentaries and in-class exercises. There will be one paper, approximately 1750-2500 words (8-10 double-spaced pages) in length, a midterm exam and a final examination. Late papers will be penalized five marks per day.
Evaluation
Paper (due November 26th)
30%
Midterm exam (Friday, October 19th)
20%
Final examination
40%
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Net assignments, in-class exercises, participation
10%
The course will combine lectures and discussions. There will be five net assignments, due at the date and time indicated. You will receive two points (full credit) for each net assignment submitted on time and cogent enough to indicate that you have made a reasonable effort to answer the question(s) posed. You will receive one point for net assignments submitted no more two days (48 hours) after the deadline. You will also receive one point for less than coherent responses submitted prior to the deadline. If you fail to submit anything, you will receive no marks (zero) for the assignment.
Office Hours and Consultation
I will be happy to answer questions and discuss course material. My office is SN2031 (Political Science Department Office). I will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30 p.m. You can also reach me via e-mail at swolin@mun.ca
