Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - POL 231 D100

Comparative Politics (3)

Class Number: 3096

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 18, 2017
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Eline de Rooij
    ead2@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-5858

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 100 or 101W or permission of department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to political processes and structures in comparative perspective. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides a basic introduction to the field of comparative politics, which is the study of national domestic politics and processes around the world. In addition to discussing methods of comparative analysis, a broad range of substantive topics - including state formation, types of regimes, democratization, ethnic conflict, political institutions, political parties, interest groups, and citizens’ participation - will be introduced through an examination of both underdeveloped countries and advanced industrial democracies. There will be a lecture each week, as well as a weekly tutorial consisting of discussions of the readings and in-class assignments.  

There will be a two-hour lecture plus a one-hour tutorial per week. Tutorials start week two.

Grading

  • Tutorial participation 12%
  • Group assignment and presentation 25%
  • Short papers (2) 28%
  • Final exam 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

William Roberts Clark, Matt Golder and Sona Nadenichek Golder. 2012. Principles of Comparative Politics, 2nd edition. Washington, DC: CQ Press.

Additional book chapters and academic journal articles will be either made available through Canvas, or can be downloaded through the E-Journals service of the SFU library.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS