Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024

POSC 3300 Comparative Politics

This course is an introduction to the subfield of comparative politics, the systematic study and comparison of the world's political systems, encompassing a great variety of interesting phenomena. This includes, but is not exclusive to, democratization, national political economy, political institutions, and political culture.

Registration Name

Comparative Politics

Lecture Hours

3

Lab Hours

0

Credits

3

Offered

Demorest: Fall even years and Summer

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate the following outcome-based learning skills:

  1. Ability to think critically and analytically about the forces and factors that shape the behavior of national governments and other important actors in the international system.
  2. Promote critical thought and reflection about comparative politics in other societies (i.e., countries in the international system other than the US), as well as the role of the US in the world.
  3. Gain a better knowledge of varying points of view and interpretations by other theorists and societies as to the best way in which to function in international society.
  4. An in-depth understanding of the global issues, and political geography, that impacts our international society.
  5. Ability to use the offered theories to analyze and critically assess the global issues that will be covered in class.
  6. Expanded critical analysis skills through the readings in the book and supplemental material, lectures, in-class discussions, and writing assignments.