PSC 211: 1002 M/W 10:00-11:15 WRI-C301 Syllabus: PSC 211 Course Description Comparative politics is one of the broadest fields of political science. In this field, one addresses issues related to, for example, political institutions, political culture, political economy, and political development in countries across the world. Although some associate comparative politics with “the comparative method,” those conducting research in the area of comparative politics use a multitude of methodologies and pursue diverse topics. In this course, students will gain an understanding of some of the basic concepts and tools employed in comparative politics. Students will learn about some of the contemporary topics in comparative politics such as political institutions, political development and democratization. In addition, students will become familiar with the political systems and issues of specific countries. Instructor: Peter Pizor, Ph.D. Part-Time Instructor WRI A216 (702) 895-1498 [email protected] Office hours: Monday and Wednesday 8:30-10:00 AM and by appointment Why you should take this class? This class introduces the fundamental concepts underlying political systems from around the world. It is designed for those who seek broader understanding of political systems and for political science majors. Textbooks Essentials of Comparative Politics by O’Neil. Edition:3RD 10 Publisher:NORTON I SBN: 9780393933765 This book is also available as an ebook.Cases In Comparative Politics by O’Neil. Edition 3RD 10 Publisher: NORTON ISBN: 9780393933772 This book is also available as an ebook It is highly recommended that you stay abreast of current events through reading newspapers such as the New York Times, The Economist, or through careful monitoring of newspapers and internet news sources. Page 1 of 5Requirements This course includes four examinations and a quiz in weeks in weeks in which there are no exams. Outcomes: As measured by the tests and quizzes students will learn the essentials of comparative politics and the comparative method. Class Participation You are expected to participate actively and intelligently in class discussions. As a rule of thumb, you should plan to spend about an hour or two going over your notes from the readings and preparing for class each week after you have completed the readings. If you must miss a class, please notify the instructor in advance. More than 5 unexcused absences or unprepared sessions will lower your class grade. Exams and QuizzesThere will be four exams. The examinations include multiple choice and essays. Students are required to bring scantron forms, a number 2 pencil, and a blue book. Tests include the current chapters as well as questions of importance from earlier chapters. The final exam is comprehensive and addresses all of the course material. In weeks without an exam there will be a weekly online quiz. Academic Misconduct – “Academic integrity is a legitimate concern for every member of the campus community; all share in upholding the fundamental values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility and professionalism. By choosing to join the UNLV community, students accept the expectations of the Academic Misconduct Policy and are encouraged when faced with choices to always take the ethical path. Students enrolling in UNLV assume the obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with UNLV’s function as an educational institution.” An example of academic misconduct is plagiarism: “Using the words or ideas of another, from the Internet or any source, without proper citation of the sources.” See the “Student Academic Misconduct Policy” (approved December 9, 2005) located at: http://studentlife.unlv.edu/judicial/misconductPolicy.html. Copyright – The University requires all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves and to follow copyright and fair use requirements. You are individually and solely responsible for violations of copyright and fair use laws. The university will neither protect nor defend you nor assume any responsibility for employee or student violations of fair use laws. Violations of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability, as well as disciplinary action under University policies. To familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, you are encouraged to visit the following website: http://www.unlv.edu/committees/copyright/. Disability Resource Center (DRC) – It is important to know that over two-thirds of the students in the DRC reported that this syllabus statement, often read aloud by the faculty during class, directed them to the DRC office. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) coordinates all academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. The DRC is the official office to review and house disability documentation for students, and to provide them with an official Academic Accommodation Plan to present to the faculty if an accommodation is warranted. Faculty should not provide students accommodations without being in receipt of this plan. UNLV complies with the provisions set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, offering reasonable accommodations to qualified students with documented disabilities. If you have a documented disability that may require Page 2 of 5accommodations, you will need to contact the DRC for the coordination of services. The DRC is located in the Student Services Complex (SSC), Room 137, and the contact numbers are: Voice (702) 895-0866, TDD (702) 895-0652, fax (702) 895-0651. For additional information, please visit: http://drc.unlv.edu/. Religious Holidays Policy -- Any student missing class quizzes, examinations, or any other class or lab work because of observance of religious holidays shall be given an opportunity during that semester to make up missed work. The make-up will apply to the religious holiday absence only. It shall be the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor no later than the last day at late registration of his or her intention to participate in religious holidays which do not fall on state holidays or periods of class recess. This policy shall not apply in the event that administering the test or examination at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the