Book:
Danziger, James N. Understanding the Political World: A Comparative Introduction to Political Science. Current edition.
Grade Breakdown:
Course Content:
Test 1 15% Test 2 15% Test 3 (final exam) 30% Response Papers (5 out of 8) 15% Article Analysis (group project) 20% Participation 5% TOTAL 100%
UNDERSTANDING POLITICS
What is Politics?
-Some basic definitions, and the "merit" of politics
-Science versus art in the
study of politics
POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
The Individual in Politics
-Beliefs, belief systems, and ideologies
-The continuing evolution of political culture
-Media power
The Group in Politics
-How interest groups form and what they "contribute" to society
-How parties strengthen/weaken electoral systems
POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS
Political Systems: The Fundamentals
-Nation versus state--there is a difference
-Building and maintaining a political system
Political Systems: Governmental Design
-Unique and overlapping policy-making powers
-Why we need bureaucracy and the courts
-Is there an ideal design for government?
-Centralized versus decentralized control
Political Systems: Process and Outcomes
-Public policy making goals
-How policy influences
political structure
-Which structure is best for
the world?
POLITICAL CHANGE
Political Economy and Economic Development
-Economic paradigms and their appeal
-The race for modernization: who wins?
-The political consequences of economic change
Political Violence
-Keeping order with violence
-Changing/destroying the system with violence: terrorism, etc.
-Does violence beget violence?
WORLD POLITICS
International Relations
-Foreign policy goals and
process
-Cooperation and conflict
among states
Survey of the World: The Haves and the Have-Nots
-The developed world: paragons
of peace and progress?
-Are we creating a world
culture?
-Post-communist states:
going forward, turning back
-Developing countries: is
there hope?