1PSC 211 Comparative Government and Politics Fall 2005 TR 2:30PM-3:45PM WRI C301 Professor: Michele Kuenzi Office: B211 Wright Hall Office Phone: 895-4693 Office Hours: Mondays 3:30 -5 p.m, Thursdays 12:45 - 2:15 p.m. and by appointment Email: [email protected] 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. Perhaps one of the most salient and pertinent subjects in the field of comparative politics today is that of democratization. In this course, some of the basic concepts and tools employed in comparative politics will be introduced. Areas such as political institutions, political development and democratization will be highlighted. In addition, the political systems of specific countries will be examined. Course Requirements Required Texts and Reading: Gregory S. Mahler. 2003. Comparative Politics: An Institutional and Cross-National Approach. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall. Georg Sorensen. 1998. Democracy and Democratization: Processes and Prospects in a Changing World. Boulder: Westview Press. Reserve Readings (electronic): I will designate reserve readings with an R in the list of readings. The web site is: http://ereserves.library.unlv.edu/eres/default.aspx Handouts2Grades The total number of points that can be achieved in this course is 400. The points are allocated in the following way: Number of Points Percentage Equivalent Quizzes 100 25%Mid term 120 30%Attendance 20 5%Participation 20 5%Final Exam 140 35%Totals 400 100% In other words, quizzes count for 25% of your grade, the mid term for 30%, attendance for 5%, participation for 5%, and the final examination for 35%. The final examination will be cumulative. According to the point system, final grades will be assigned in the following way: A 374 points to 400 points A- 358 points to 373 points B+ 346 points to 357points B 330 points to 345 points B- 318 points to 329 points C+ 306 points to 317 points C 290 points to 305 points C- 278 points to 289 points D+ 266 points to 277 points D 250 points to 265 points D- 238 points to 249 points F 237 points and below Exams The exams will consist of a mix of multiple choice, short answer and essay questions. Make-up exams will not be given except in the case of extreme circumstances. The student must be able provide documentation that the absence is for a reason recognized by the university (e.g., illness, death in the family, observance of a religious holiday) and make arrangements with me prior to the scheduled exam date. If it is absolutely impossible to make prior arrangements with me, students must contact me as soon as possible about the situation. (Please notify me of any planned absences for religious holidays or official extracurricular activity for UNLV by September 26, 2005). Quizzes Four quizzes will be administered during the course. The quizzes will be administered at the beginning of class. Students may drop their lowest quiz score. Since the lowest quiz score can be dropped and students know in advance the dates of the quizzes, no makeup quizzes will be administered. Quizzes and exams will be based on material covered during class in lectures, films or class discussions and from the required readings. I will periodically introduce current event articles or materials as they relate to the topics and concepts being covered in class. Students will, of course, be responsible for this material as well as material covered in films and guest lectures.3 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, the University encourages you to visit its copyright website at: http://www.unlv.edu/committees/copyright. Attendance, Participation and General Expectations Attendance will be taken at each class. Students may miss up to three classes without losing attendance points. Because students are already allowed three absences during the term, three points will be subtracted from the attendance points for every absence beyond three, whatever the reason for the absence. Attending class is a very important part of the learning process. If anyone foresees the possibility of missing class more than three times, she/he should consider taking PSC 211 when she/he will be able to attend all of the classes. Signing the attendance sheet for another student is a form of fraud, and anyone participating in this activity will be penalized. Participation in class discussions is strongly encouraged. Of course, participation should be constructive, and all comments should be relevant to the material being covered in class. Students must do all of the reading! I will call on students in class and expect their answers to reflect familiarity with the ideas and information in the readings. Respect should be shown for all other class members at all times. Inappropriate and disruptive participation/behavior will result in a drop in the student’s grade. If you are habitually late, the attendance portion of your course grade will be marked down substantially. Students are expected to attend class regularly, arrive promptly and have a collegial demeanor. Students are not allowed to sleep, read newspapers, listen to headphones, or talk to others during class. Engaging in these behaviors will result in a drop in the student’s grade. You must turn off all cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices during class. Any exceptions must be cleared with me in advance. If you look at your cell phone during a quiz