UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS Department of Political Science Political Science 211.02 Introduction to Comparative Politics Fall 2011 Professor Mehran Tamadonfar TR: 8:30-9:45 a.m. Office: WRI 212 WRI C-151 Office Hours: T: 7:30- 8:15 a.m. R: 7:30-8:15 a.m.; 11:15-1:00 p.m. and by appointment Office Phone: 895-3318 E-mail: [email protected] T.A. : Eugene O’Neal E-mail: [email protected] Office Hours: T, W: 12:00-1:30 p.m. and by appointment PURPOSE AND SCOPE: The purpose of this introductory course in Comparative Politics is to familiarize students with a broad range of concepts, approaches, theories, and issues in the comparative study of politics. In the study of issues, we will draw upon both developed and developing systems. In the study of developed systems, we will mainly focus on institutions, processes, and policies. This semester, I will pay greater attention to comparative judicial systems in lectures on developed systems. Given the non-institutionalized nature of developing systems, our lectures and reading assignments on these systems will be mainly dedicated to the study of such issues as underdevelopment, leadership, and political culture. Although I will not rely on a country-by-country approach in my lectures, extensive references will be made to both developed and developing countries. Students are required to be well prepared for lectures and discussions by reading their assignments prior to class lectures. REQUIRED TEXTS: 1. Alan Draper and Ansil Ramsay, 2012, The Good Society, An Introduction to Comparative Politics,2nd ed., Pearson Longman. 2. Noam Chomsky, 2005, Government in the Future, Seven Series Press. 3. Howard Wiarda and Esther Skelley, 2007, Comparative Politics, Approaches and Issues, Rowman & Littlefield. . RESERVED TEXT;* 1. James A. Bill and Robert L. Hardgrave , Jr., Comparative Politics, The Quest for Theory, Lanham, MD.: University Press of America; 1981. * On reserve at the Lied Library.COURSE CONDUCT AND EVALUATION POLICY; Students are required to attend every class meeting and participate in discussions effectively. Non-attendance might result in an administrative drop. No audio or video tape recording of lectures is allowed. If your computer has such capabilities, you are not allowed to use them in class. Also, please turn off your phones when you are in class. Failure to take exams on the scheduled dates will result in failing grades, unless the student has a legitimate and compelling excuse. Those with such excuses will be given oral make-up exams. There won’t be any make-up exams for the final. Those students who need assistance from the Disability Resource Center (DRC) are expected to contact their office at the beginning of the semester for alternative arrangements. I should be notified of the student’s special accommodations at the beginning of the semester. Course grades will be determined as follows: 1. Attendance and participation ……………………..……………. 10% of the total grade. 2. First written exam on Oct. 4…..………………………………….30% of the total grade. 3. Second written exam on Oct. 27…….……………………………30% of the total grade. 4. Non-cumulative final exam on Dec. 15(8 am)…………………..30% of the total grade. COURSE OUTLINE; Note: These topics and times are subject to minor changes, if necessary, to accommodate your needs and interests. August 30 Introduction and course Overview PART I. THE SUB-FILED AND ITS TOOLS September 1-Sept 15 - Scope and nature of the field -Conceptualization, methods, and theories - Micro and Macro politics Required Readings: -Wiarda, Introduction and chapter 2 Suggested Reading: -Bill and Hardgrave, Chapters IV, VII and III (in this order) -Political Culture and Socialization: A synthesis model Required Reading: - Wiarda, Chapter 4 - Draper, chapter 4 Sept. 20-29 - Theoretical Issues in development and underdevelopment - Modernization and economic development - Political development and democratization - Social development and westernizationRequired Reading: -Wiarda, Chapters 3,6,7and 9 October 4 FIRST MID-TERM EXAMINATION Oct.6-25 PART II: COMPARATIVE DEVELOPED SYSTEMS: -Comparative political ideologies and regimes - Institutions (parties, groups, and governments) and processes (campaigns, elections, and policy-making) - Political Economy: Neo-liberalism and its imperatives - American exceptionalism -Post-communist politics Required Reading: -Wiarda, Chapters 5,8 & 9 -Draper, Chapters 1,2,3,7,9,10, 11and 5 (in this order) - Chomsky, pp. 1ff Oct. 27 SECOND MID-TERM EXAMINATION Nov. 1-22 PART III: DEVELOPING SYSTEMS: -The Third world in historical perspective -Developmentalism and dependencia: dependent development and global capitalism at work -Social underdevelopment: Demographic dilemmas, urbanization, and human rights issues. -Political underdevelopment: religion and politics, authoritarianism -Political change: coups and revolutions Required Reading: - Draper, chapters 8 and 10 - Wiarda, Chapter 10 PART IV: THE FUTURE OF COMPARATIVE POLITICS: Nov. 24-Dec. 6 - Globalism and the comparative study of politics -Emerging realities and perspectives Required Reading: -Wiarda, Chapters 11-13 Dec. 8 Concluding RemarksDec. 15 Final Examination (8:00- 10:00 a.m.) NOTE: I do follow the university rules, regulations and guidelines as spelled out in the System Code and UNLV Bylaws, and as stipulated by the Faculty Senate and by the Executive Vice President and Provost. Please note the following information and rules: 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