COMPARATIVE POLITICS - POLI SCI 1300
SYLLABUS FALL 1999
TIME: TTh 10:00 BLDG/RM: AC334 INSTRUCTOR: Iren Omo-Bare Office Hours: MWF 11:00 - 2:00 Phone: (601) 974-1439
Course Objectives:
This course is a general introduction to the field of comparative politics. The bulk of the introductory section of the course will be devoted to the general topic of the political system. The focus here will be on institutional structures and process in a variety of political systems.
The second section of the course is an examination of government and politics in industrialized societies. Particular attention will be paid to political institutions and process in Western Europe. This section of the course aims to deepen the students' understanding of politics and government in Western Europe by means of country studies and comparisons.
The third section of the course will explore transitional political systems. This semester we will examine recent developments in the Russian Federation and one other former Soviet republic.
Finally, in the last weeks we will discuss governments and politics in developing societies. In this section of the course the student will be presented with a broad view of historical and contemporary developments in a selection of countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The course activities in this section will be divided into two major segments: (1) issues of development and underdevelopment; (2) politics and government in selected countries.
Texts
Gabriel A. Almond and G. Bingham Powell, Jr. Comparative Politics Today: A World View. Sixth Edition. (New York: HarperCollins 1996). A&P
Annual Editions: Comparative Politics 99/00. AE
In addition, each student will be required to read photocopied articles which will be assigned during the course of the semester. Each student is also required to subscribe to The New York Times.
Reading Assignments:
I. APPROACHES TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS
(Sept 2-7)
A&P Chs. 1&2
1. Introduction: The Study of Comparative Politics
LECTURE-INTRODUCTION
2. Environment of the Political System
3. Classification of Political Systems
II. THE SOCIAL CONTEXT OF POLITICS
(Sept 9-14)
A&P Chs. 3 - 6; AE# 18-20 & 48-50
1. Political Culture and Participation
2. Interest Groups and Interest Articulation
3. Parties and Elections
III. THE STRUCTURES OF GOVERNMENT
(Sept 16-21)
A&P Ch. 7; AE# 23
1. Legislatures/Assemblies
2. Political Executives
3. The Ruling Servants? Judiciary, Bureaucracy and Military
MID-SEMESTER EXAM (OCTOBER 14)
IV. POLITICAL SYSTEMS IN ACTION
Liberal Democracies: (Sept 23 - Nov 2)
Political Systems in Transition: (Nov 4 - 9)
A&P Ch. 13; AE# 31-33
1. The Russian Federation and the former USSR
Developing Nations: (Nov 11 - Dec 9)
Papers, Examinations and Grades
PAPERS:
Each student will be responsible for completing a short term paper (5-7 pages max). Students are encouraged to consult with the instructor early in the semester regarding topic and resource materials. Your paper should be typewritten and double-spaced. Sources must be properly cited, and a bibliography must be provided. Papers are due on or before November 23. Students will also be responsible for completing four (4) reaction papers. Paper topics will be assigned during the course of the semester.
REACTION PAPERS:
Although the course will be conducted primarily on a lecture format, there will be plenty of occasions for class discussion. In order to promote reasoned thoughtful discussion, students will be required to write a three to four hundred word (one to two double-spaced typed pages) reaction to selected readings. The papers are not to be summaries of the readings. Rather, they should be reactions -- even provocative reactions -- to the readings. Students will find that these papers do wonders for the level of discussion in the class. You'll probably start to actually enjoy writing them after a while.
*Some of you may wish to include the term paper in your writing portfolio. I will assess the paper if you attach a note requesting me to do so at the time you turn it in to be graded.
EXAMS and GRADES: There will be one mid-term examination and a final.
- Oct 14 - First Exam (25%)
- Nov 23 - Term Paper (20%)
- Reaction papers (20%)
- Dec 17 (12 noon) - Final Exam (35%)
A student must have prior permission to miss an exam in order to be eligible for a make-up exam. If you miss an exam without approval, you will not be given a make-up and you will receive an "F" for that exam.
ADDITIONAL NOTE:
Students are responsible for lecture material and the assigned readings. It is virtually impossible to pass the course without regular class attendance.
Only the instructor can "excuse" an absence. Three cuts is about average to meet the needs of doctor appointments or other serious personal and/or family obligations. After that you will get a blue card warning you of the danger if you miss more classes. Continued absence will result in a yellow card dropping you from the course with a grade of F.
Honor Code: Please be advised that all class activities are subject to the provisions of the honor code. Plagiarizing, cheating in examinations, lying about missed assignments, absences, etc., are all violations of the honor code. If you are uncertain about whether an act constitutes a violation of the honor code, consult the instructor. See next page for additional information.
ACADEMIC HONOR CODE of MILLSAPS COLLEGE
Millsaps College is an academic community dedicated to the pursuit of scholarly inquiry and intellectual growth. The foundation of this community is a spirit of personal honesty and mutual trust. Through their Honor Code, the students of Millsaps College affirm their adherence to these basic ethical principles.
An Honor Code is not simply a set of rules and procedures governing students' academic conduct. It is an opportunity to put personal responsibility and integrity into action. When students agree to abide by an Honor Code, they liberate themselves to pursue their academic goals in an atmosphere of mutual confidence and respect.
The success of the Code depends on the support of each member of the community. Students and faculty alike commit themselves in their work to the principles of academic honesty. When they become aware of infractions, both students and faculty are obligated to report them to the Honor Council, which is responsible for enforcement.
The pledge signed by all students upon entering the College is as follows:
As a Millsaps College student, I hereby affirm that I understand the Honor Code and am aware of its implications and of my responsibility to the Code. In the interests of expanding the atmosphere of respect and trust in the College, I promise to uphold the Honor Code and I will not tolerate dishonest behavior in myself or in others.
Each examination, quiz, or other assignment that is to be graded will carry the written pledge: "I hereby certify that I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this assignment. (Signature)" The abbreviation "Pledged" followed by the student's signature has the same meaning and may be acceptable on assignments other than final examinations.
It is the responsibility of students and faculty to report offenses to the Honor Code Council in the form of a written report. This account must be signed, the accusation explained in as much detail as possible, and submitted to the Dean of the College.
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