Political Science 211.01Fall 2010 Professor Mehran Tamadonfar T.A. : Autoosa Kojoori-Saatchi PART I. THE SUB-FILED AND ITS TOOLSSept. 30 FIRST MID-TERM EXAMINATIONOct. 28 SECOND MID-TERM EXAMINATIONUNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS Department of Political Science Political Science 211.01 Introduction to Comparative Politics Fall 2010 Professor Mehran Tamadonfar TR 8:30-9:45 a.m. Office: WRI 212 WRI C-301 Office Hours: TR 11:30-12:30 pm, T 4:5 pm and by appointment Office Phone: 895-3318 E-mail: [email protected] T.A. : Autoosa Kojoori-Saatchi E-mail: [email protected] Office WRI A211 Office Hours: T 11:30-12:30 & R 11:30-1:30 Office Phone: 895-5240 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 will be mainly dedicated to the study of such issues of 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, 2008, The Good Society, An Introduction to Comparative Politics, London: Pearson Longman. 2. Ted Lewellen, 1995. Dependency and Development, An Introduction to the Third World, Westport; Bergin & Garvey. 3. Howard Wiarda and Esther Skelley, 2006, 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 computers have such capabilities, you are not allowed to use them in class. Also, please turn off your phone 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 Sept. 30………………………………….. 30% of the total grade. 3. Second written exam on Oct. 28…….…………………………. 30% of the total grade. 4. Non-cumulative final exam on Dec. 9( 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 24 Introduction and course Overview PART I. THE SUB-FILED AND ITS TOOLS August 26-Sept 16 - 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 Sept. 21, 23 &28 - Theoretical Issues in development and underdevelopment - Modernization and economic development - Political development and democratization - Social development and westernization Required Reading: -Wiarda, Chapters 3,6,7,8 and 9Sept. 30 FIRST MID-TERM EXAMINATION Oct.5-26 PART II: COMPARATIVE DEVELOPED SYSTEMS: -Comparative political ideologies and regimes - Institutions (parties, groups, and governments) and processes (campaigns, elections, and policy-making ) - Neo-liberalism and its imperatives - American exceptionalism -Post-communist politics Required Reading: -Wiarda, Chapters 5 &8 -Draper, Chapters 5, 8,1,2,3,4,6 and 10 ( in this order) Oct. 28 SECOND MID-TERM EXAMINATION Nov. 2-23 PART III: DEVELOPING SYSTEMS: -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: -Lewellen, Chapters 1, 2,3,4,5,7,9 and 6 ( in this order) -Draper, chapters 7,8 and 9 PART IV: THE FUTURE OF COMPARATIVE POLITICS: Nov. 30-Dec. 2 - Globalism and the comparative study of politics -Emerging realities and perspectives Required Reading: -Wiarda, Chapters 11 and 10 ( in this order) -Lewellen, Chapter 10 -Draper, Conclusions Dec. 9 Final Examination ( 8- 10 am)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