Introduction to Comparative Politics
POS V 3501y
Spring 1997
Xiaobo Lü

This is a survey course aimed at introducing to students with limited knowledge of political science some basic concepts and issues in comparative politics. The course will expose students to the uses of the comparative method in analyzing political systems, their development, breakdown and change. It is suitable for students from first year to seniors. After introducing basic concepts of political analysis, the course will focus on the trend toward democracy in the contemporary, post- cold war world. Conceptually, the course focuses on transitions from authoritarian regime. The perils and opportunities of transitions toward democracy are central topics of comparative political analysis today. What favors and hinders that trend? Why do some authoritarian regimes democratize and others not? How may democratic ideals work out in far from perfect practice? What are the strengths and weaknesses of democracy in specific cases, and how are they measured?

In search of answers to such questions, the course develops basic concepts of analysis and applies them to comparisons among regimes--forms of government--and among the historical, social and economic settings of these regimes. The lectures, readings, and discussions will be divided into three parts:

• Part I deals with some basic conceptual and methodological issues in political science;
• Part II highlights major theoretical issues in today's political world;
• Part III is devoted to more focused discussion of several nation-states, representing different political systems. Specifically, we shall be comparing:
  • Various types of democratic regimes, with emphasis on the UK and Japan;
  • Countries living through the transition from communism, with emphasis on the former Soviet Union and China;
  • Democratizing and authoritarian regimes in what is often called the "third world" with emphasis on Mexico and Nigeria.

Class Format and Requirements:

1. Interactive learning:
   Lectures are accompanied by opportunities for interactive learning during question time accompanying lectures. There will be, time and place permitting, occasional videos and possible guest lectures. Students are encouraged to talk to or communicate via e-mail with instructor or teachings assistants. In addition to the regular office hours of the instructor, two teaching assistants will also hold office hours when necessary.

2. Ungraded discussion meetings:
   Beginning the third week, in an informal group setting led by the teaching assistants, at times and in rooms to be announced. You are encouraged to attend regularly, and required to attend at least any two discussion sessions up to midterm break, and any three after the break. Alternative arrangements will be made for those with proven scheduling conflicts which prevent their attending discussion meetings.

3. Reading requirements:
   Readings listed in outline and on-time class attendance. Exam questions are based on lectures and readings and you are responsible for both sources to answers.

4. Grades:
   Midterm: (1/3 of grade; if optional paper accepted, 1/4 of grade) take home, possibly in the form of short answers and essays, from choice of questions handed out on February 27, due on March 6, in class.

   Final examination: (2/3 grade; if optional paper accepted, 1/2 of grade) possibly in two parts--l. take-home essay(s) up to total length of 10 pages maximum; 2. in-class exam of short identification questions. Essay questions will be distributed on April 29. It is due in class, at beginning of the in- class part of the final.

   Optional term paper: up to 15 double-spaced pages in length, counting 1/4 of grade with final exam counting 1/2 and midterm 1/4. It should cover one or more countries studied in this course, using course materials, and posing clear question related to the comparative analysis covered in this course. A topic statement (with topic question or hypothesis) and short list of readings from syllabus which prompted topic should be submitted to the instructor or teaching assistants for approval no later than March 25. It is due on April 29.

   Lateness penalties: 1/4 grade off same day lateness, 1/4 additional grade off for each day paper later than that. Please have your computer/printer ready before exams. No computer crash will be accepted as legitimate reason for extension.

Required Readings:
The following books are available for purchase at Columbia University Bookstore and will be on reserve at Barnard and Columbia College libraries:

1. Frank Wilson, Concepts and Issues in Comparative Politics: An Introduction to Comparative Analysis (2nd ed., Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1995).
   
2. Rolf Theen and Frank Wilson, Comparative Politics: An Introduction to Seven Countries (3rd ed., Prentice-Hall, 1996).
   
3. Bernard Brown and Roy Macridis, eds., Comparative Politics: Notes and Readings (8th ed., Wadsworth, 1996)
   
4. Christopher Clapham, Third World Politics: an Introduction (Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1985).
   
5. Soe, Christian, ed., Comparative Politics Annual 96/97 (Guilford, CT: The Dushkin Publishing Group, 1996)

Also on reserve is a packet of Supplementary Readings, referred to as the "Packet" in the syllabus. These are articles or chapters of books which can help you further understand an issue, topic, or a country. They are highly recommended. Please check with the reserve desk of Barnard or Columbia College (Butler) library. They may be put in separate folders. Some additional required or recommended readings are also on reserve:

Huntington, Samuel, Political Order in Changing Societies (New Haven: Yale U. Press, 1968)
James Danzinger, Understand the Political World (New York: Longman, 1996).
Gordon White, Riding the Tiger (Stanford: Stanford University, 1993).
Mary Buckley, Redefining Russian Society and Polity (1993).

 

© 1996-97 Department of Political Science at Barnard College
Last update 9 January 1997 by
Nell Dillon-Ermers
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