Comparative Politics

Global Studies 261

Fall 2009. MTRF 4th Hour, Moench B106

Professor Terrence Casey

OFFICE: Moench A209       PHONE: (812) 877-8281

CAMPUS MAIL: Box 93

E-MAIL: casey1@rose-hulman.edu

Course Description: This course is designed to provide you with a basic understanding of how politics and government works in numerous countries. It will also introduce you to the primary concepts and theories of comparative political analysis. Each week we will explore the politics of a different country. We will also undertake discussions and exercises that explore important political questions and demonstrate how to compare cross-nationally. 

Professor Casey's Homepage (including research links)

All readings listed below are from Mark Kesselman, Joel Kreiger, and William Joseph, eds. Introduction to Comparative Politics, 5th Edition unless otherwise noted. Click here to go to the companion website. Many of our Friday activities will also be based on the Comparing Governments website. Registration is required  with the (free) access code in the textbook.

Comparative Politics Syllabus (PDF)

ASSIGNMENTS: Your grade in the course will be based on the following:

A. Weekly Country Tests (5% each; 50% total): As we will be covering a different country each week, we will start class on each FRIDAY with a test on the lectures and reading for that week. These tests will focus on the history, key actors, and institutions of these respective politics systems -- the 'nuts and bolts', as it were. Tests will consist of assorted objective questions -- multiple choice, short answer, fill-in-the-blank, and true-false.

B. Two Comparative Essay Exams (25% each; 50% total): As the weekly tests will focus more on objective questions, the exams will deal more with conceptual issues and essays which require you to analyze, compare, and contrast the countries covered in the course. 

A funny example of comparative analysis -- Slate article on different national versions of The Office.

NOTE: Links to the PowerPoint slides for the lectures and test terms will be added as the course progresses.