POLS 3200 Comparative Politics Michael Herb Fall 2021 | Monday & Wednesday 9:30–10:45 | Classroom South 328 | CRN 92093 [email protected] | Office hours onZoomTuesdays 12:00–2:00 or by appointment This course introduces students to the study of political systems around the world. The questions that we will ask in the course include: What is a state, and where did states come from? What is the relationship between nations and states? What sort of political systems are found in the modern world, and what are their main characteristics? What are the main institutions of democratic governance, and how do they differ from one democratic country to another? How do authoritarian political systems differ from democratic political systems and from each other? Students should come away from the course with an ability to understand the basics of how political systems in other countries differ from the US political system. SCHEDULEOFT OPICS ➙Introduction ➙States ➙Political Economy ➙Identity ➙Democracy ➙Democratic Institutions ➙Authoritarian Institutions ➙Democratic Backsliding ➙Debates ➙Student Presentations C ALENDAR Dates for the debates and presentations are found in the list of topics and readings in the syllabus. Dates for debates are approximate. September 1Map QuizBring a piece of notebook paper. September 29MidtermBring a bluebook. Tuesday, October 12Semester Midpoint November 8First Draft DueUpload the paper in the docx (Microsoft Word) format in iCollege. Wednesday, December Final ExamPlease note that this is an hour and a half 1
8, 8:00 ambefore the usual class start time. Bring a bluebook. Friday, December 10Final Draft of PaperDueUpload the paper in the docx (Microsoft Word) format in iCollege. GRADEDA SSIGNMENTS Map Quiz10% Midterm20% Final20% Debate10% Presentation10% First Draft of Paper10% Final Draft of Paper20% ASSIGNMENTD ETAILS Teams The class will be divided into eight teams. You will participate with your team in both the debates and the country presentations. Debates We will hold four debates during the semester. Each team will argue for or against a debate resolution (the affirmative team argues for the resolution, the negative team against). Teams will develop the team’s position on the issue and assign debate roles among the team members. You will be graded individually on participation in the debates. An A grade requires that you make factually accurate, relevant points that contribute to the debate. Quantity is less important than quality. ➙Debate Resolution 1: Proportional representation is the best way to translate votes into seats in a democracy. ➙Debate Resolution 2: When explaining political behavior, ascriptive political identity is more important than economic class. ➙Debate Resolution 3: In comparative perspective, the events of January 6th are best understood as a coup attempt.
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