PSCI 101/INTR 101 — Introduction to Comparative Politics

← Course Materials

Course Description

This course will introduce students to comparative politics — the study of domestic political institutions, processes, and outcomes across and within countries. Important themes and concepts of contemporary comparative politics include the vibrancy of democracy, the centrality of political and electoral institutions, the possibility of revolution, and the power of ethnicity. Cases will be drawn from different countries and historical periods to give students a grounding in the method of comparative analysis.

Learning Objectives

• Understand key concepts and methods in comparative politics.
• Analyze democratic and non-democratic political systems.
• Evaluate the role of political institutions and electoral systems.
• Compare political outcomes across countries and historical periods.