Political Science 260: Introduction to Comparative Politics

Section #3

Northern Illinois University

Spring 2009

 

Instructor: Joseph Scanlon

Email: jscanlon@niu.edu

Phone: 753-1818

 

Class Hours: MWF 12:00-12:50pm

Class location: DuSable 459

Office Hours: T 1:00-2:00pm Th 1:00-2:00pm  F 1:45-2:45pm (and by appointment)

Office Location: DuSable 476

 

Course Objectives:

 

Welcome to POLS 260! The objective of this course is to introduce to students the necessary foundation for studying politics and government through a comparative perspective. This means that students will be introduced to the essential concepts and theories of comparative politics, as well as several different political systems. Politics and government often differ greatly between states, and sometimes even within states. The way people behave and understand the role of government differs everywhere, and even those political systems given the same label tend to function differently from one country to the next. For example, the institutions of democracy in one country may operate differently than that of the institutions of democracy in another country. This could mean different electoral systems, or a different arrangement of any of the “branches of government.” 

 

In this course, students will learn the importance of history, the key institutions, the impact of culture, and the prominent social, political, or economic issues for Britain, Germany, Japan, Russia, China, Mexico, Nigeria, Iran, and India. Students will also be introduced to the European Union and ideas about state integration. Through the study of these nine countries and the European Union, students will learn to speak generally about the roles of politics and government, the strengths and weaknesses of various types of political systems, and will also gain a better understanding of how their own government works.

 

Required Text: 

 

Michael Roskin, Countries and Concepts: Politics, Geography, Culture 10th ed. (New York, NY: Pearson Longman, 2009).

 

Other required readings appear on the syllabus. It is noted on the syllabus where these readings can be accessed.

 

Required Coursework: 

 

Participation: 20 points

Journals: 30 points (3 x 10 points each)

Country comparison paper: 70 points

Mid-term exam: 100 points

Final Exam: 100 points

Total points available for this class: 320

 

Grading scale (number of points achieved out of total points available):

 

90-100% =  A

80-89%   =  B

70-79%   =  C

60-69%   =  D

00-59%   =  F

 

Important Dates:

 

2/2 –   Journal #1 due

2/20 – Journal #2 due

3/2 –   Midterm exam

3/27 – Journal #3 due

4/13 – Country comparison paper due

5/4 –   Final exam

 

Explanation of required coursework:

 

1. Participation is based on actively participating in class discussions. Participation is also based on attendance. Although there is no set attendance policy for this class, attendance will be taken into consideration when points are assigned for participation at the end of the semester.

 

2. Over the course of the semester, students will be expected to complete three journal assignments. These assignments are intended to be very brief, and are designed to show that students are actively following the materials being covered in class. Each journal assignment requires students to search the news, read 1-2 recent news articles relevant to the nature of the class, and prepare a 1-2 page double-spaced analysis of the articles read. Additional information about journal assignments will be distributed in a separate handout.

 

3. The country comparison paper, which is expected to be 4-6 double-spaced pages in length, requires students to compare two countries studied in class. The objective of this paper is to allow students the opportunity to directly apply what they have learned in class in the form of a paper. As we progress through the semester, students will notice that this class follows a template for each of the nine countries studied. This includes history, key institutions, culture, and prominent social, political, or economic issues. Based on this, each student is then required to compare either the key institutions or the political culture of any two countries studied in class.

Additional information about the country comparison paper will be distributed in a separate handout.

 

4. The mid-term exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions worth 2 points each.  The mid-term will cover those materials discussed from the first day of instruction through the scheduled date of exam  

 

5. The final exam will consist of 35 multiple choice questions worth 2 points each.  Additionally, the final exam will also feature an essay component where each student is expected to answer two 15 point essay questions. The multiple choice portion of the final exam will cover only those materials discussed after the mid-term. The essay portion of the final exam will be comprehensive in that students will have the opportunity to draw on any of the countries studied in class. Students will be given four potential essay questions in advance of the final exam, and will then select two of three essay questions appearing on the final exam.   

 

Course Policies:

 

1. Makeup exams will be given only in the event of extraordinary circumstances. If such circumstances arise, please contact the instructor as soon as possible. As a means of maintaining fairness, the instructor reserves the right to request documentation to support an absence from an exam. If a student fails to notify the instructor of their absence, and fails to provide any sort of documentation upon request, a score o zero will be assigned for that exam. Generally speaking, students should be aware that both exams will have to be taken to obtain a passing grade for the course.

 

2. Late assignments will be accepted, but will be assessed a penalty. Journal assignments will be penalized ½ point per day late, and the country comparison paper will be penalized 3.5 points per day late. These penalties will be waived in the case of extraordinary circumstances. The instructor reserves the right to request documentation to support late assignments. 

 

3. Written work should be submitted directly to the instructor. Please request permission if you will be unable to submit your work directly to the instructor.

 

4. Students are expected to exercise proper etiquette in the classroom. Please adhere to the following rules:

 

-          Attempt to arrive to class on time. If you are late, do not disrupt other students while finding a seat. This usually means taking a seat with easy access.

-          If you must leave early, notify the instructor in advance and take a seat very near the exit as to minimize disruption.

-          Do not walk in and out of classroom at will.

-          Electronic devices should be silenced before class. If special circumstances dictate that an electronic device needs to be set to make noise, simply let the instructor know in advance.

-          Do not talk while either the instructor is talking or other students are contributing to class discussion.

-          Class discussion will remain respectful. Be mindful of your both your instructor and fellow students and abide by those expectations set forth by the University.

 

5. Incomplete grades will be granted in the event of extraordinary circumstances preventing a student from completing the assigned coursework within the semester calendar. As a means of maintaining fairness, the instructor reserves the right to ask for documentation needed to support a request for an incomplete. Without documentation, the instructor reserves the right to not assign the incomplete grade.

 

6. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Regarding plagiarism, the NIU Undergraduate Catalog states that “students are guilty of plagiarism, intentional or not, if they copy material from books, magazines, or other sources without identifying and acknowledging them. Students guilty of or assisting others in, either cheating or plagiarism on an assignment, quiz, or examination may receive a grade of F for the course involved and may be suspended or dismissed from the university.” The above statement encompasses a paper written in whole or in part by another; a paper copied word-for-word or with only minor changes from another source; a paper copied in part from one or more sources without proper identification and acknowledgement of the sources; a paper that is merely a paraphrase of one or more sources, using ideas and/or logic without credit even though the actual words may be changed; and a paper that quotes, summarizes or paraphrases, or cuts and pastes words, phrases, or images from an Internet source without identification and the address of the web site.

 

7. In regards to religious observances, the University asks instructors to make students aware of the following policy. “Northern Illinois University as a public institution of higher education in the State of Illinois does not observe religious holidays. It is the university’s policy, however, to reasonably accommodate the religious observances of individual students in regards to admissions, class attendance, scheduling examinations and work requirements.  Such policies shall be made known to faculty and students. Religious observance includes all aspects of religious observance and practice as well as belief. Absence from classes or examinations for religious observance does not relieve students from responsibility for any part of the course work required during the period of absence. To request accommodation, students who expect to miss classes, examinations or other assignments as a consequence of their religious observance shall provide instructors with reasonable notice of the date or dates they will be absent.” The instructor is respectful and fully supportive of students who wish to participate in religious observances. Excused absences will be provided, but students must understand and follow the above policy with respect to reasonable notice and making up work.

 

8. In regards to students with disabilities, under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, NIU is committed to making reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Those students with disabilities that may have some impact on their coursework for which they may require accommodations should notify the University’s Center for Access-Ability Resources (CAAR). CAAR will assist students in making appropriate accommodations with course instructors. It is important that CAAR and instructors be informed of disability-related needs during the first two weeks of the semester. The CAAR office is located on the 4th floor of the University Health Services building and its phone number is (815) 753-1303.

 

9. Through undergraduate writing awards, the Department of Political Science will recognize, on an annual basis, outstanding undergraduate papers written in conjunction with 300-400 level political science courses or directed studies. Authors do not have to be political science majors or have a particular class standing. Winners are expected to attend the Department’s spring graduation ceremony where they will receive a certificate and $50.00. Papers, which can be submitted by students or faculty, must be supplied in triplicate to a department secretary by February 28. All copies should have two cover pages – one with the student’s name and one without the student’s name. Only papers written in the previous calendar can be considered for the award. However, papers completed in the current spring semester are eligible for the following year’s competition even if the student has graduated.

 

10. Please consult the Department of Political Science Web Site on a regular basis. Undergraduates are strongly encouraged to consult the Department of Political Science web site on a regular basis. This up-to-date, central source of information will assist students in contacting faculty and staff, reviewing course requirements and syllabi, exploring graduate study, researching career options, tracking department events, and accessing important details related to undergraduate programs and activities. To reach the site, go to http://polisci.niu.edu

 

11. Please take advantage of the University Writing Center located at Stevenson South, Tower B, Lower Level. The Writing Center is a great resource, and with their help, students can greatly enhance their academic experience at NIU. Good writing is an important part of any successful college career, and the Writing Center is there to help students improve their writing skills. The Writing Center is open from 800am-830pm, Monday through Thursday. Students can call (815) 753-6636 to make an appointment. Please visit http://uwc.niu.edu/ for more information about what the Writing Center does and what you will need to bring for your appointment.    

 

Semester Schedule (please note that I reserve the right to adjust the semester schedule as needed):

 

Week #1

Part I: Introduction to Comparative Politics

1/12 – Introduction to course

1/14 – Roskin, chapter 1 – The Concept of a Country

           Daniele Caramani “Defining Democracy,” Comparative Politics (pp. 113-117) (available at    

           Google Books)

Part II: The Developed Areas (Britain, Germany, Japan, Russia)

1/16 – Roskin, chapter 2 – Britain: The Impact of the Past

 

Week #2

1/19 – University closed (Martin Luther King, Jr Day)

1/21 – Roskin, chapter 3 – Britain: The Key Institutions

1/23 – Roskin, chapter 4 – British Political Culture

 

Week #3

1/26 – Roskin, chapter 5 – Britain: Patterns of Interaction and

1/28 – Roskin, chapter 6 – What Britons Quarrel About

1/30 – Roskin, chapter 12 – Germany: The Impact of the Past

 

Week #4

2/2 – Roskin, chapter 13 – Germany: The Key Institutions

         JOURNAL #1 DUE

2/4 – Roskin, chapters 14 – German Political Culture

2/6 – Roskin, chapter 15 – Germany: Patterns of Interaction

        

Week #5

2/9 –   Roskin, chapter 16 – What Germans Quarrel About

2/11 – Roskin, chapter 18 – Japan (pp. 258-274)

2/13 – Roskin, chapters 18 – Japan (pp. 275-293)

 

Week #6

2/16 – Roskin, chapter 19 – Russia: The Impact of the Past

2/18 – Roskin, chapter 20 – Russia: The Key Institutions

2/20 – Roskin, chapter 21 – Russian Political Culture

           JOURNAL #2 DUE

       

Week #7

2/23 – Roskin, Chapter 22 – Russia: Patterns of Interaction

2/25 – Roskin, chapter 23 – What Russians Quarrel About

2/27 – Midterm review session

 

Week #8

3/2 – MIDTERM EXAM 

3/4 – Post-midterm discussion session

3/6 – Fareed Zakaria, “The Rise of Illiberal Democracy” Foreign Affairs (available on Blackboard)

 

Week #9

University closed (spring break)

 

Week #10

3/16 – Roskin, chapter 24 – China: The Impact of the Past

3/18 – Roskin, chapters 25 – China: The Key Institutions

3/20 – Roskin, chapter 26 – Chinese Political Culture

           

Week #11

3/23 – Roskin, chapter 27 – China: Patterns of Interaction

3/25 – Roskin, chapter 28– What Chinese Quarrel About

3/27 – John L. Thornton “Long Time Coming,” Foreign Affairs (available on Blackboard)

           JOURNAL #3 DUE

 

Week #12

3/30 – Roskin, chapter 30 – Mexico (pp. 476-485)

4/1 –   Roskin, chapter 30 – Mexico (pp. 485-509)

4/3 –   No Class (Midwestern Political Science Association Conference)

 

Week #13

4/6 –   Roskin, chapter 31 – Nigeria (pp. 510-524)

4/8 –   Roskin, chapter 31 – Nigeria (pp. 524-539)

4/10 – Roskin, chapter 32 – Iran (pp. 540-551)

 

Week #14

4/13 – Roskin, chapter 32 – Iran (pp. 551-570)

           COUNTRY COMPARISON PAPER DUE

4/15 –  Thomas L. Friedman, “The First Law of Petropolitics,” Foreign Policy (available on Blackboard)

4/17 –  Ronald Inglehart and Pippa Norris, “The True Clash of Civilizations,” Foreign Policy (available on Blackboard)

 

Week #15

4/20 – Roskin, chapter 29 – India (pp. 444-458)

4/22 – Roskin, chapter 17 – India (pp. 458-475)

Part III: Beyond the State

4/24 – Roskin, chapter 17 – The European Union (238-257)

 

Week #16

4/27 – Gideon Rachman, “The Death of Enlargement,” Washington Quarterly (available on Blackboard)         

4/29 – Final exam review session

5/1 –   University closed (reading day)

 

Week #17 (finals week)

5/4 – FINAL EXAM @ 12PM (1200PM-150PM)