COMPARATIVE POLITICS
POLS 3323
CRN 87446
Semester: FALL, 2008 Dr. Augustine E. Ayuk
Office: G110P Office Hours:MWF:
9:00-9:50, 11:00-11:50,
2:00-2:50, Tuesday 9:00-12:10
Class Times: MWF: E-mail:
Augustineayuk@clayton.edu
12:00-12:50 Web: http://a-s.clayton.edu/politicalscience/ayuk.htm
Class Location: G121 Office Phone: 678-466-4848
COURSE OUTLINE
Introduction
This course introduces students to key themes, concepts and issues in comparative politics, including different methodological approaches to the subfield.
This course will familiarize students to key actors and institutions in both democratic and non democratic systems, as well as enable students compare across systems. Students should be able to learn something about politics of other countries
Learning Outcome/Objectives
1. Students will be able to recognize and differentiate the major constitutional forms, be able to distinguish presidential democracies from parliamentary types.
2. Students will be able to examine and discuss the various strategies used by nation-states to deal with problems associated with globalization.
3. Students should
be able to draw some parallels between the
4. Develop an
understanding of “
Design
Lecture and In-Class Activities
This course has a lecture-discussion format. Introductory lectures will outline the central issue(s) to be addressed in the various sections. Lectures will be followed by informed discussions by the students. Students are expected to read all required /assigned materials and be in a position to engage intellectually in the discussions.
Course Requirements
Students are expected to participate fully in all discussions and to complete readings and assignments prior to each class session. Course grade will be determined also by class participation.
Political Science Majors:
Outcomes and Assessments
Outcomes
Graduating political
science majors should demonstrate:
Ø Understanding of the nature of politics, public values, and the institutions and processes of politics in their various forms with an international perspective
Ø Understanding of and be able to inter-relate factual knowledge and theories in the various subfields of American Government, political theory and methods, international relations and comparative politics.
Ø Critical thinking, analytical, research, writing, interpersonal, and communication skills
Ø Ability to evaluate information in the ideas of others to appreciate and accommodate diverse political ideas
Ø Ability to conduct independent research, analyze and formulate effective argumentation in written and oral forms.
Ø Knowledge of computer concepts and terminology, enabling them to use at least two software tools, such as word processors, Power Point, Excel Spread Sheets, database management systems and statistical packages.
Ø Sense of citizen responsibility necessary for effective civic engagement in political life
Assessments:
- POLS 4490/POLS4491 – Internship/Practicum
- SOSC 4501 – Social Methods Research
- POLS 4500 – Senior Seminar
- POLS 4500 – Senior Seminar Focus Group
- POLS 4500 – Senior Exit Survey
- Educational Testing Service Political Science Field Test, taken the semester immediately prior to graduation
Disabilities Services
Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678 466 5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu
In-class use of Student Notebook Computers:
Student notebook computers will not be used in the classroom. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with the instructor.
Academic Dishonesty
Any type of activity that
is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic
misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and
plagiarism. All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero
for the work involved. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to
the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described
at:
http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/
Attendance: Attendance will be taken each class session
CSU Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon student’s ability to remain enrolled in their course. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades
Disruption of the Learning Environment
Behavior which disrupts the teaching-learning process during class activities will not be tolerated. While a variety of behavior can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include: belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior. A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class. A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal. If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF
A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveclassroomBehavior.htm
Required
The
Adjustment in course
schedule
Every effort will be made to follow the course schedule outline. However, the instructor reserves the right to make some adjustments as circumstances dictate. Students will be notified of change in schedule if unforeseen or uncontrollable events occur (illness, weather, etc). .
Accommodation
Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255 ( 678-466-5445), or disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu
CLASS ETIQUETTE
1. All cell phones, Pagers, IPODS should be turned off and placed out of sight during class
· Exception: In emergency situations (like family member in hospital or sick child, some exceptions will be made. In such event, please inform me before class begins and put your cell phone in its most discrete ringing or vibrating setting. If it is absolutely necessary for you to take a call during class, under these circumstances, please let me know.
2. In class discussion: Please be respectful to fellow students and the professor. Lively discussions, heated debates, disagreements on the subject under discussion will not be allowed to devolve into unwarranted arguments and personal criticisms. Remember, “ We should criticize arguments , not the people who make them.”
3. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Talking among students which disturbs the instructor or other students is unacceptable. Use of offensive language or derogatory remarks will not be welcome in class
4 . Cheating or assisting friends or classmates during a test, quiz or final examination will not be tolerated. Students who violate this policy will be dealt with, in accordance with CSU Student Handbook.
EVALUATION
Students’ performance will be evaluated through two (2) tests, quizzes
(3 maximum), attendance and class participation, short research paper and oral presentation, and a final examination. Each test will comprise a series of short answers, identification and matching of concepts, multiple choice/true false, analytic essays. The instructor reserves the right to utilize any or all of the above methods for the test and final examination.
Students are required to keep abreast of current political events throughout the world. The New York Times will be a very useful source (copies are available in the A&S building, first floor.
Test # 1 and 2= 20% each = 40%
Quizzes /attendance/class participation = 15%
Research Paper/Oral Presentation = 20%
Final Examination = 25%
100%
GRADING
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
BELOW 60 = F
SCHEDULED CLASS DATES TOPIC/ASSIGNMENT
Aug. 18 Introduction to the course
Aug. 20-25 Politics
and Knowledge (1)
Aug. 29 Political Theory and Political Beliefs (2)
Sep. 1 LABOR
DAY BREAK: NO CLASSES
Sep. 3-5 (2 continues )
Sep. 8-12 (3) Political Actions and review for test # 1
Sep. 15 TEST
# 1
Sep. 17-19 Overview
of The Conditions of Freedom ( Leo Strauss1, What is Politics, 2)
Sep. 22-26 Influences on Beliefs and actions (4)
Sep. 29 (4) and States and Nations (5)
Oct. 1-6 States and Nations
OCTOBER 12 LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW AND RECEIVE A “W” GRADE
Oct. 8-13 Political Institutions; Structures(6) review test # 2
Oct. 15 TEST
# 2
Oct. 17-24 Political Institutions II: Institutional Arrangements (7)
Oct. 27-31 Political Economy (8)
Nov. 3-7 Change and Political Development (10)
Nov. 10-14 Politics Across Borders, (11) review test # 3
Nov. 17 TEST # 3
Nov. 19-21 The Developed Countries (13)
Nov. 24 The Developing Countries (14)
NOVEMBER
26-30 THANKINGSGIVING BREAK (NO CLASSES)
Dec. 3-5 The Developing Countries
LAST DAY OF CLASS
Final Exam: to be posted later
Research Paper and Oral Presentation:
Student will submit a research paper on a topic of his/her choosing, with approval from the instructor. Paper should not be less than 8 pages and no more than 15 pages long (excluding cover page, reference page or bibliography).
Papers must be typed, double-spaced, with normal font (12). Papers must conform to APSA or (The Chicago Manual of Style) guidelines. Student must give credit to sources of information. No more than five (5) internet sources will be accepted. You can selection option# 1 or option # 2 for your paper
Option # 1
a. Select two (2) countries, (either two Less Developed Countries (LDCs), two Developed Countries, or one Developed Country and one Less Developed Country
1. give a brief history of the two countries
2. identify and describe the form of governments in each country
3. compare the political institutions of both countries, particularly (the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches). Do these institutions have equal powers, if not, which is more powerful?
4. examine the size and core tasks of the legislature
5. discuss the economies of both countries (outline reasons for economic success in one over the other, or success in both countries, or failure in both countries.
6. are both countries politically stable? If one or both are not stable, what factor(s) have contributed to instability?
Option # 2
Impact of globalization on domestic politics
a. You must select a country
b. Examine the impact of globalization on the country's economy, politics and public policy
- What has been the overall response by the citizens to the impact of globalization?
d. What role have groups (interest groups, NGOs) played in supporting or opposing citizens' call for government actions in dealing with the challenges posed by globalization?
e. how has the government responded to citizens' reactions to globalization?
f. discuss the steps taken by government to deal with the problem(s)
Please, do not
structure your paper based on the above outline.