Time Schedule:
Theresa J. Squatrito
POL S 204
Seattle Campus
Political systems in a comparative framework. Traditional and contemporary approaches to the study of governments and societies in different countries. Offered: WSp.
Class description
How can we understand the fundamental challenges of stable regimes--not to mention democratic polities--around the world? How can we account for the immense disparity in life chances among citizens of different countries around the world? How do politics in other advanced, post-industrial democracies differ from politics in the United States? Comparative politics helps us understand how different polities address major public policy while also showing us how we might learn from other countries as we face challenges in the United States today. This course provides an introduction to comparative politics. You will learn about a diverse set of states. We will evaluate competing explanations of the success or failure of democracy and economic growth around the world. You will also learn how institutions of presidential vs. parliamentary systems, various electoral systems, and non-democratic polities work. In addition, we will explore how liberal vs. statist economic systems function. The class will examine these issues using a variety of teaching materials and methods.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lectures, discussion, debate, media, and more.
Recommended preparation
None
Class assignments and grading
Exams, written assignments, quizzes, and participation.
