Politics-Comparative Politics

Introduction to Comparative Politics surveys the major themes, theories, and methods of domestic politics around the globe in the modern era. Thematically, we examine the gap between rich and poor nations, between democracies and dictatorships, and between civil war and civic orders. Theoretically, we consider theories of political culture, political institutions, and political economy.

Introduces key analytical concepts used by Karl Marx, Max Weber, and Emile Durkeim in their analysis of how the development of modern society has shaped the nature of modern politics.

Special Topics in Comparative Politics.

This course is about Russia and the Soviet Union. It is designed to explore some of this country's major political themes of the twentieth century through an understanding of Russia's history, culture and politics.

Surveys patterns of government and politics in non-Western political systems. Topics include political elites, sources of political power, national integration, economic development, and foreign penetration. This class replaces PLCP 2120 therefore you will not get credit for the course twice.

Surveys developments since 1945 in democratic stability, party politics, and political economy in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

This seminar investigates the origins, expansion, and stabilization (or crisis - take your pick) of the welfare state in the rich OECD countries (North America, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand) focussing on why market and non-market based systems of social protection emerged and the roles played by states, labor market actors, and women's groups.

Examines the political prerequisites (and impediments) to economic development, focusing on agricultural exporters in the 19th century and manufactured goods exporters in the 20th century. Draws on empirical material from North and South American, Europe, Asia and Africa. Prerequisite: PLIR 2050 or instructor permission.

Looks at how different groups have sought representation in democracies. We investigate multiple forms of, and channels for, representation, such as political parties, social movements, and protests. Countries include the US and select countries in Latin America and Europe.

Analyzes the political system of the former USSR and Russia from 1917 to the present. Focuses on evolution of the Soviet state, modernization and social change, efforts to reform the system, the collapse of the USSR, as well as the economic and political transformation taking place in the newly independent states. Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of Russia.

This course compares the origins and consequences of the rise of nationalism, separatism, secessions, and irredentist claims in the Russian Federation and other former Soviet republics, at the end of the Cold War. Prerequisite: one class in PLCP or permission of instructor.

This course provides an overview of politics in Latin America. Topics include the organization of the New World colonies, the legacies of the colonial period for development, the nature of political competition in Latin America's newly independent states, import-substituting industrialization and populism, the emergence and eclipse of military regimes, the transition to democracy and free markets, and the performance of democracy.

Focuses on the state and how power is gendered in the developing world. Topics include feminist methods and concepts, women in the military, nationalism, women's movements, quotas, citizenship and globalization. Cross-listed with SWAG 3350.

Introduces contemporary political systems of the region stretching from Morocco to Iran. Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or history of the Middle East.

Analysis of selected issues and concepts in comparative politics.

General introduction to Chinese politics in its societal context. Conveys a concrete appreciation of China's societal reality and how it interacts with the political system. Covers China's changing role in Asia and the world. Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or the history of China.

Surveys political development in India and Pakistan examining the process of nation-building, the causes of democratization and authoritarian rule, the development of ethnic and religious conflict, environmental politics, the political impact of cultural globalization, and gender-related political issues. Prerequisite: Some background in comparative politics and/or study of history and society in South Asia.

How does state intervention differ in the three largest advanced industrial economies? Do these differences matter? Does one country have a decisive 'competitive edge'? This course tries to answer these questions by looking at how variations in the institutions and processes the state uses to regulate the economy affect labor productivity, technological innovation, and thus ultimately international competitiveness.

Surveys and critically evaluates theories of origins of democratic and authoritarian governments, and the causes of subsequent transitions to, and away from, democratic regimes. Prerequisite: One course in PLCP or instructor permission.

Explores why policies on issues like health care, social welfare, education, and immigration differ markedly from nation to nation, focusing on how contrasting cultures, state institutions, and societal organizations shape the historical trajectory of public policies. The primary focus of the course is on policies in advanced industrialized nations such as Britain, the U.S., Japan, and Sweden.Prerequisites: Prior course work in American and/or comparative politics is required.

Examines how and why legislators and legislative parties make the decisions they do. Compares legislative decision-making processes and outcomes in a variety of institutional settings. Prerequisite: At least two courses at the 3000 level in American politics and/or comparative politics.

Examines political parties in a variety of institutional and socioeconomic settings, focusing on parties in the democratic political systems of Europe, the United States, and Japan.

Comparative Budgeting and Economic Policy

A wave of economic change has swept across countries from Argentina to Zimbabwe over the last 15 years. The unfolding of these changes has been structured by and, in turn, has shaped the politics of the countries in which they have occurred. Formulates an analytical framework for understanding the politics of economic reform. Studies cases in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Prerequisite: Previous course in PLCP, PLIR, or economics is recommended.

This course focuses on marginalized groups and the production of injustice with a focus on the global South. It draws on multidisciplinary scholarship that is theoretically challenging, empirically rich, and politically provocative. Readings span the globe and address topics such as drugs, migration, and policing.