An introduction to political science, this course will get to the basics of what is arguably the most important means at our disposal to allocate resources in society: politics. Thus, very basic questions will be addressed: What is politics? What is political science? How do democratic and authoritarian regimes operate? What is the role of political parties in society? How is politics conducted among states? These questions will be explored in a comparative way: that is, by looking at politics in one country (usually, the United States) and understanding it through comparison with how it is done in other countries. A special emphasis will be placed on how politics is done in democratic and authoritarian regimes.
The overall objective of this course is
to provide a solid grounding for both a theoretical and practical understanding
of politics. To that end, we will delve into political theory, but will
also try to apply those concepts to practical matters and see how they
work in current events, simulations, games, models and extra-curricular
activities.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Assigned Readings: Readings listed in the syllabus are required and should be read before the class in which they are assigned. Class discussions will be based on and add to these readings.
Attendance: You are required to attend class and I will note absences. You are permitted 3 excused absences--after that, your grade will suffer from non-attendance. (Please note that attendance is 10% of your final grade.)
Exams and Papers: There will be two mid-term exams and a final for this course, made up from material from readings and lectures (which do not always coincide). There may on occasion be a small quiz or two, particularly if participation in class seems to be flagging due to inattention to readings.
There is a certain amount of other written
and oral work required, parts of which are due at different points during
the semester. Please note these dates carefully. This work consists of
the following assignments:
Playing Politics. We will have two class sessions devoted to games that center on the dynamics of politics in its most basic sense. You will be expected to learn the rules of this game and participate fully, although your grade is not directly tied to how well you do in the game itself.
Students with Disabilities.
In accordance with University policy, if you have a disability and require
accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact me
at the beginning of the semester or when given an assignment for which
an accommodation is required. Students with disabilities must verify their
eligibility through the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) in
the Michael Schwartz Student Services Center (672-3391).
Schedule of Events and Assignments
DATE ACTIVITIES & ASSIGNMENTS
M 8/30 Orientation to course.
W 9/1
The World of Politics
Assignment: Jackson, Chapter 1; "Key Political Concepts" (HANDOUT).
F 9/3
The World of Politics: Eight Global Trends
Assignment: "The World of Child 6 Billion" (HANDOUT).
M 9/6
A Game: Primitive Politics
Assignment: no assigned reading.
W 9/8
The Study of Politics
Assignment: J, Chapter 2.
F 9/10
The Study of Politics: The Comparative Method
Assignment: J, pp. 64-72.
REACTION PAPER #1 DUE
M 9/13
The Modern State
Assignment: J, Chapter 3.
W 9/15
The Modern State
Assignment: no additional readings.
F 9/17 Discussion and Review
M 9/20 Examination 1
W 9/22
Contemporary Forms of Government
Assignment: J, Ch. 5.
F 9/24
Contemporary Forms of Government. Illiberal Democracy.
Assignment: no additional readings.
M 9/27
Political Culture
Assignment: J, Ch. 6.
W 9/29
Political Culture: Democratic and Authoritarian Regimes
Assignment: J., Ch. 7.
F 10/1
Modern Ideologies
Assignment: J., Ch. 8.
REACTION PAPER #2 DUE
M 10/4
Modern Ideologies
Assignment: no additional readings.
W 10/6
Modern Ideologies: Democratic and Authoritarian
Assignment: J., Ch. 9.
F 10/8
Constitutional Frameworks
Assignment: J., Ch. 10.
M 10/11 Constitutional
Frameworks: Democratic and Authoritarian
Assignment: J., Ch. 11.
MID-TERM COURSE EVALUATION.
W 10/13 Video: Chinatown.
F 10/15 Video: Chinatown. Discussion.
M 10/18 Political
Institutions
Assignment: J., Ch. 12.
W 10/20 Political
Institutions
Assignment: J., Ch. 13.
* Thurs., Oct. 21 - Sun., Oct. 24 Model UN *
* Ashtabula, Ohio *
M 10/25
Public Administration
Assignment: J., Ch. 14.
W 10/27
Public Administration
Assignment: J., Ch. 15.
REACTION PAPER #3 DUE
F 10/29
Discussion and Review
M 11/1 Examination 2.
W 11/3 Political Game: Candidate.
F 11/5
Political Parties and Interest Groups
Assignment: J., Ch. 16.
M 11/8
Political Parties and Interest Groups
Assignment: J., Ch. 17.
W 11/10 Simulation: The Party Caucus
F 11/12 Simulation: continue and debriefing.
M 11/15 Elections
Assignment: J., Ch. 18.
W 11/17 Elections
and Voting Behavior
Assignment: J., Ch. 19.
F 11/19
Political Change: Development
Assignment: J., Ch. 20.
M 11/22
Political Change: Violence and Revolution
Assignment: no additional readings.
W 11/24
Political Change: Terrorism
Assignment: no additional readings.
REACTION PAPER #4 DUE
F 11/26 NO CLASS. HAPPY THANKSGIVING.
M 11/29
Politics Among States
Assignment: J., Ch. 21.
W 12/1
International Organizations
Assignment: no additional readings.
F 12/3
International Organizations: Dealing with World Social Problems
Assignment: no additional readings.
M 12/6
What Exactly is the New World Order?
Assignment: Mathews, "Power Shift"; Slaughter,
"The Real New World Order" (HANDOUTS).
W 12/8
More on the New World Order
Assignment: no additional readings.
F 12/10 Discussion and review
T 12/14
Final Exam (10:15 am-12:30 pm).