Comparative Politics

2 Credits.

Provides a graduate-level introduction to comparative politics. Covers the basic theories and methodologies used to understand comparative political analysis, including theoretical and historical understanding of nation-states; forms of, and transitions between political regimes; contentious politics and conflict; civil society and political participation; institutions of government, including presidentialism, parliamentarism, federalism and legal systems; and characteristics of governance. The course also compares politics across regions and levels of development. Case and specific country experiences provide foundations for essential concepts.