INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS*

概要

This course introduces students to important concepts, themes, and approaches in the comparative study of politics. The course is organized around empirical questions that reflect both interesting phenomena and puzzles that call for explanation. Throughout the course, we explore the key analytical frameworks in comparative politics which constitute political systems and shape outcomes in our everyday lives—the state, social structure, interests, identities, and institutions. Topics include modern states, political regimes, origins of democracy and dictatorship, political parties, interest groups, representation, participation, resistance, revolutions, nationalism, ethnic/religious conflicts as well as the issues of institutional designs (parliamentarism vs. presidentialism, consensual vs. majoritarian democracy, federalism and decentralization). By the end of the course, the student will have acquired a broad perspective of the field of comparative politics and some basic analytical frameworks to examine a wide range of political and social phenomena.

目標

A main goal of this class is to spark a sense of intellectual curiosity and nurture critical thinking. Although the class will be structured around lectures, I try to create as many opportunities as possible for students to actively participate in discussions. Please print out the readings and come to class prepared, having completed the readings and reading to discuss them. Ask each other hard questions, listen to your peers’ responses and respect the opinions of instructors and classmates. My hope is that the course will stimulate your intellectual curiosity and help you find your academic interests that you’d like to pursue in depth. Remember, there are no wrong answers; but you must be able to support your argument with sound reasoning!

授業外の学習

190 minutes per class 150 (min) for assigned readings; 40 (min) to prepare summaries and organize notes. I expect you to come to class prepared to engage. I believe that active and intelligent class participation is essential part of effective learning. Being able to address your thoughts in class is an important skill that you will need to develop in/beyond this semester. Getting the readings done does not mean that you have something to say about them. This class requires at least five-six hours of preparation each week, depending on your familiarity with key concepts in political science. I strongly suggest that after finishing the reading assignment for each class session, you spend 15-30 minutes writing a summary (250 words) of the reading. This short exercise helps organize your thoughts that you might want to address in class. In addition, it is important to know that what I expect from you is not accuracy but your effort to engage in the readings.

所要時間: 190 minutes per class