In a world where not knowing what is going on around you can mean tragedy, we must make sure that we are equipped with information and knowledge. The events that are taking place around the globe, have a direct impact on our lives, we now must learn how to interpret these confusing and chaotic international events. AP Comparative Government and Politics focuses on government and politics in our country and those abroad and provides a theoretical framework to compare political systems around the world. My goal is to help you grasp the complexities of the global environment, gain understanding of commonalities and differences among political systems. At the end of the course, it is my hope that you will be able to describe current political systems and cultures in the world. Alongside this, you will be able to analyze and compare the governments and societies of the UK, China, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and Iran.
The reading schedule for the class is rigorous and your outmost dedication is required. In addition to the reading assignments (from the textbooks) you will be required to respond to FRQ (Free Response Question) type questions similar to the AP Exam format in class. Each week, you must submit a current events article which must be related to one of the themes or countries from AP Comparative Government and Politics. You will have seven multiple choice questions exams (one for every unit). You should expect at least one cumulative exam done in class in the AP Exam format prior to the AP Exam to help you prepare.
Reading Textbooks
· Kesselman, Mark, et al. Introduction to Comparative Politics. 3rd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2004.
· Sodaro, Michael. Comparative Politics: A Global Introduction. 3rd ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 208.
Supplement Readings
· Almond, Gabriel et al. Comparative Politics Today: A World View. 9th ed. New York: Person Longman, 2008.
· The Economist
· Foreign Policy
· Foreign Affairs
· The New York Times
· BBC News
· The Washington Post
Course Grading
Unit Exams………………………………………………………………………………………………………30%
Homework (note posting, current event articles)……………………………………….………………………20%
Essays (country, policy research)……………………………………………………………………………….30%
Free Response Questions……………………………………………………………………………………….20%
Course Schedule
1. Introduction to Comparative Politics (4 weeks)
a. What Is It? Why Do We Study It?
b. Major Topics of Comparative Government
c. Analytical Techniques of Political Science
d. Power
e. State and Its Institutions
f. Nationalism
g. Democracy
h. People and Politics
i. Political Culture
j. Ideology
k. Political Economy
Reading
· Chapter 1-15 from Comparative Politics: A Global Introduction
· Global Connection: How is Development Measured?
Established Democracies
2. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (3 weeks)
a. Historical Background: The Evolution of British Democracy
b. British Politics since WWII
c. Elections and State Institutions
d. Current Challenges: The Gender-Generation Gap
e. Post 9/11: Britain’s Special Relationship with the United States
Reading
· Chapter 2 from Introduction to Comparative Politics
· Policy Challenges Facing Britain
Developing Democracies
3. Mexico (2 weeks)
a. The Evolution of Mexican Politics
b. Mexico Under the PRI
c. Economic Development
d. Manifestations of Political Change
e. The Media and Civil Change
f. Hypotheses on Democratic Consolidation
Reading
· Chapter 7 from Introduction to Comparative Politics
4. Nigeria (2 weeks)
a. The Mosaic of a Diverse Society
b. Political Economy and Development
c. Governance and Policy Making
d. Representation and Participation
e. Nigerian Politics in Transition
Reading
· Chapter 8 from Introduction to Comparative Politics
· Federalism in Nigeria
5. Russia (2 weeks)
a. Critical Junctions
b. State and Economy: the Soviet Economic System
c. Russian Oligarchs: A New Rising Class?
d. Political Parties and the System
e. Joining the West or Aid Recipient?
Reading
· Chapter 6 from Introduction to Comparative Politics
Non-Democracies
6. China (2 weeks)
a. The Making of the Modern Chinese State
b. Political Economy and Development
c. Governance and Policy Making
d. Current Challenges: Tibet and China
e. China as a Third World Power
Reading
· Chapter 10 from Introduction to Comparative Politics
· China’s One Child Policy
7. Iran (2 weeks)
a. Islam and Shi’ism
b. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
c. State and Economy: Oil Economy
d. The Policy-Making Process
e. Political Challenges and Changing Agendas
f. Political Parties and the Party System
Reading
· Chapter 9 from Introduction to Comparative Politics
· Iran’s Crumpling Revolution
Country Essay (Great Britain, Mexico or Nigeria)
February 29: Submit a 3 page essay (12 font, Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins) about one issue that the government currently faces. The paper should address why the situation is an “issue” and why it is problematic, what the reaction of the government to the issue and what actions are being taken to resolve the issue.
Public Policy Research Paper
April 10: Submit a 3-4 page report (12 font, Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins) on a public policy that is seen in at three (at least) of the countries that we studies. For example, “equality in the workplace” can be researched in application to Mexico, the UK and Russia. In order to receive full credit, you must describe the policy in each country; provide sufficient background and context to how it is applied and enforced, make hypothesis to changes in this policy for the future, and debate your point of view. You may use an annotated bibliography for this paper.
