College of the Redwoods
CURRICULUM PROPOSAL
1. Course ID and Number: POLSC-20
2. Course Title: Comparative Politics
3. Check one of the following:
New Course (If the course constitutes a new learning experience for CR students, the course is new)
Updated/revised course
If curriculum has been offered under a different discipline and/or name, identify the former course:
Should another course be inactivated? No
Title of course to be inactivated:
Yes
Inactivation date:
4. If this is an update/revision of an existing course, provide explanation of and justification for changes to this
course. Be sure to explain the reasons for any changes to class size, unit value, and prerequisites/corequisites.
This course has not been updated since 1988. Therefore the course outline needs to be revised
to incorporate new forms, student learning outcomes, up-to-date text options and more
accurately reflect current pedagogy in the field. The class cap has also been lowered from 40 to
35. This has been done for three specific reasons: 1) Student’s knowledge of world cultures,
world geography, and foreign governments is typically inferior to their understanding of US
Government. Since students come in with a greater knowledge deficit, greater instructor time
and effort must be devoted to student misunderstandings and confusions. In a larger classroom
an instructor could lose track of those students who are struggling to understand new and
foreign information. 2) In this course students are expected to engage in dialog and debate on
sensitive political and cultural issues. In such a situation an instructor must be able to maintain
an environment where all learners feel supported and safe. If the instructor is unable to
sufficiently monitor heated classroom discussions students may feel less safe and more
inhibited during discussions. 3) Lowering the class cap keeps the course consistent with cap in
POLSC 3: Modern World Problems. POLSC 3 is a course on international relations, which
discusses government between nations and POLSC 20: Comparative Politics is government
within nations. Both classes also require a similar amount of writing, discussion, and debate.
5. List the faculty with which you consulted in the development and/or revision of this course outline:
Faculty Member Name(s) and Discipline(s): Tobias Green POLSC/HIST; Gary Sokolow
AJ/POLSC; Tom Owen HIST/POLSC; Guy Aronoff POLSC/HIST; Jennifer Gardner POLSC/HIST;
Joe Brookshire POLSC; Blase Bonpane POLSC; Eli Naffah POLSC
6. If any of the features listed below have been modified in the new proposal, indicate the “old” (current) information
and proposed changes. If a feature is not changing, leave both the “old” and “new” fields blank.
FEATURES
OLD
NEW
Course Title
Catalog Description
(Please include complete text
of old and new catalog
descriptions.)
Grading Standard
Curriculum Proposal: 01/23/09 (rev.)
Academic Senate Approved: pending
Comparative Politics/Government
Comparative Politics
Systematic analysis and
evaluation of differing political
systems in Europe and Asia, with
an emphasis on governmental
structures and political functions
A course examining the similarities
and differences among political
systems. Students will be
introduced to diverse theoretical
approaches and concepts in
Comparative Politics in order to
understand the political, economic,
and social development of a variety
of states.
Select
Select
Page 1 of 8
Total Units
Lecture Units
Lab Units
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Recommended
Preparation
Maximum Class Size
40
35
Repeatability—
Maximum Enrollments
Other
Curriculum Proposal: 01/23/09 (rev.)
Academic Senate Approved: pending
Page 2 of 8
College of the Redwoods
COURSE OUTLINE
1. DATE: 2.20.11
2. DIVISION: Arts, Languages, and Social Sciences
3. COURSE ID AND NUMBER: POLSC-20
4. COURSE TITLE (appears in catalog and schedule of classes): Comparative Politics
5. SHORT TITLE (appears on student transcripts; limited to 30 characters, including spaces): Comparative Politics
6. LOCAL ID (TOPS): 2207.00 (Taxonomy of Program codes
http://www.cccco.edu/Portals/4/AA/CP%20&%20CA3/TopTax6_rev_07.doc)
7. NATIONAL ID (CIP): 415001 (Classification of Instructional Program codes can be found in Appendix B of the TOPS code book
http://www.cccco.edu/Portals/4/AA/CP%20&%20CA3/TopTax6_rev_07.doc)
8. Discipline(s): Select from CCC System Office Minimum Qualifications for Faculty
http://www.cccco.edu/SystemOffice/Divisions/AcademicAffairs/MinimumQualifications/MQsforFacultyandAdministrators/tabid/753/Default.aspx
Course may fit more than one discipline; identify all that apply: Political Science
9. FIRST TERM NEW OR REVISED COURSE MAY BE OFFERED: Spring 2011
10. TOTAL UNITS: 3
TOTAL HOURS: 54
[Lecture Units: 3 Lab Units: 0]
[Lecture Hours: 54
Lab Hours: 0]
(1 unit lecture=18 hours; 1 unit lab=54 hours)
11. MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE: 35
12. WILL THIS COURSE HAVE AN INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FEE? No
Yes
Fee: $
(If “yes,” attach a completed “Instructional Materials Fee Request Form”—form available in Public Folders>Curriculum>Forms)
GRADING STANDARD
Letter Grade Only
Pass/No Pass Only
Is this course a repeatable lab course: No
Yes
Grade-Pass/No Pass Option
If yes, how many total enrollments?
Is this course to be offered as part of the Honors Program? No
Yes
If yes, explain how honors sections of the course are different from standard sections.
The honors section requires an additional writing assignment that shows in depth analysis and
synthesis of course concepts, an additional reading assignment, and regular meetings with the
instructor to discuss course concepts.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION -- The catalog description should clearly describe for students the scope of the course, its level, and what
kinds of student goals the course is designed to fulfill. The catalog description should begin with a sentence fragment.
A course examining the similarities and differences among political systems. Students will be
introduced to diverse theoretical approaches and concepts in Comparative Politics in order to
understand the political, economic, and social development of a variety of states.
Special notes or advisories (e.g. field trips required, prior admission to special program required, etc.):
PREREQUISITE COURSE(S)
No
Yes
Course(s):
Rationale for Prerequisite:
Describe representative skills without which the student would be highly unlikely to succeed.
Curriculum Proposal: 01/23/09 (rev.)
Academic Senate Approved: pending
Page 3 of 8
COREQUISITE COURSE(S)
No
Yes
Rationale for Corequisite:
Course(s):
RECOMMENDED PREPARATION
No
Yes
Course(s): ENGL 150,
Rationale for Recommended Preparation: The level of reading and writing skills for this course requires the
ability to think critically and provide analysis. Students completing ENGL 150 should have the
needed skills to succeed.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES –This section answers the question “what will students be able to do as a result of
taking this course?” State some of the objectives in terms of specific, measurable student actions (e.g. discuss, identify,
describe, analyze, construct, compare, compose, display, report, select, etc.). For a more complete list of outcome verbs please
see Public Folders>Curriculum>Help Folder>SLO Language Chart. Each outcome should be numbered.
1. Outline historical, cultural, environmental, and economic differences of various states on
different continents.
2. Analyze how historical, cultural, environmental, and economic differences influence national
policies and governmental systems.
3. Diagram the political processes in different states.
4. Describe and apply some basic ideas and theoretical approaches used in comparative political
studies.
5. Detail the variation of political institutions (e.g. electoral, judicial, administrative, and party
systems) and the range of political behavior countries can choose between.
COURSE CONTENT–This section describes what the course is “about”—i.e. what it covers and what knowledge students will acquire
Concepts: What terms and ideas will students need to understand and be conversant with as they demonstrate course
outcomes? Each concept should be numbered.
1. National sovereignty, political legitimacy, the state, and nation-states.
2. Democracy, democratization, and constitutionalism.
3. Authoritarianism and totalitarian regimes.
4. Comparative methodology and comparative analysis.
5. Political parties and electoral systems (such as proportional representation and winner-takeall).
6. Governance.
7. Political Institutions.
8. Globalization, corporatism, industrialization and development.
9. NGOs.
10. Nationalism.
11. Cultural pluralism and ethnic conflict.
12. Colonialism, imperialism, and decolonization.
Issues: What primary tensions or problems inherent in the subject matter of the course will students engage? Each issue
should be numbered.
1. Parliamentary vs. presidential systems.
2. Separation of powers vs. coordination of powers.
2. Unitary vs. federalism.
3. Minority vs. majority rights and ethnic strife.
4. Human liberties vs. security and stability.
5. Economic development vs. environmental protection.
6. Developed vs. developing economies.
7. Militarism vs. economic prosperity.
8. Environmental degradation and carrying capacity.
Themes: What motifs, if any, are threaded throughout the course? Each theme should be numbered.
1. Economic, cultural, and environmental influences on governance.
Curriculum Proposal: 01/23/09 (rev.)
Academic Senate Approved: pending
Page 4 of 8
2. Role of markets and civil society on political stability.
3. Relationship between economic and political development.
4. Race, class, gender, and ethnicity's role in governance.
5. Global Interdependence.
Skills: What abilities must students have in order to demonstrate course outcomes? (E.g. write clearly, use a scientific
calculator, read college-level texts, create a field notebook, safely use power tools, etc). Each skill should be numbered.
1. Write critically, logically, and analytically.
2. Analyze personal values, biases, and characteristics.
3. Read critically college level text.
4. Discuss complex issues.
5. Engage in comparative analysis.
REPRESENTATIVE LEARNING ACTIVITIES –This section provides examples of things students may do to engage the
course content (e.g., listening to lectures, participating in discussions and/or group activities, attending a field trip). These
activities should relate directly to the Course Learning Outcomes. Each activity should be numbered.
1. Listening to lectures.
2. Participating in whole class discussions.
3. Composing in-class and out-of-class essays and papers.
4. Reading critically.
5. Responding verbally and in writing to questions.
6. Participating in role plays and/or debates.
7. Working productively in small groups in and out of class.
8. Leading others in learning activities.
ASSESSMENT TASKS –This section describes assessments instructors may use to allow students opportunities to provide
evidence of achieving the Course Learning Outcomes. Each assessment should be numbered.
Representative assessment tasks (These are examples of assessments instructors could use):
1. In-class or out of class essay assignments.
2. Examination questions.
3. Group and individual research projects.
4. Reading response journal.
5. In-class debates.
Required assessments for all sections (These are assessments that are required of all instructors of all sections at all
campuses/sites. Not all courses will have required assessments. Do not list here assessments that are listed as representative assessments
above.): There will be at least one essay examination plus an additional graded writing assignment.
EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATE TEXTS OR OTHER READINGS –This section lists example texts, not required texts.
Author, Title, and Date Fields are required
Author Almond, Gabriel;
edition Date 2008
Author O'neil,
Patrick
Author Hauss,
Dalton, Russell; Strom, Kaare
Title
Charles
Title
Comparative Politics Today: A World View 9th
Essentials of Comparative Politics 3rd edition
Title
Date
2009
Comparative Politics: Domestic Responses to Global Challenges 5th edition
Date
2006
Author Mahler,
Date 2007
Gregory
Title
Comparative Politics: An Institutional and Cross-National Approach 5th edition
Other Appropriate Readings:
Instructors may also put together their own packets of readings drawn from articles and chapters from
books. Instructors may want to include readings from magazines, periodicals, and newspapers.
COURSE TYPES
1. Is the course part of a Chancellor’s Office approved CR Associate Degree?
No
Yes
If yes, specify all program codes that apply. (Codes can be found in Outlook/Public Folders/All Public Folders/ Curriculum/Degree
Curriculum Proposal: 01/23/09 (rev.)
Academic Senate Approved: pending
Page 5 of 8
and Certificate Programs/choose appropriate catalog year):
Required course for degree(s)
Restricted elective for degree (s) BEVAVLA.D.AAA
Restricted electives are courses specifically listed (i.e. by name and number) as optional courses from which students
may choose to complete a specific number of units required for an approved degree.
2.
Is the course part of a Chancellor’s Office approved CR Certificate of Achievement?
No
Yes
If yes, specify all program codes that apply. ( Codes can be found in Outlook/Public Folders/All Public Folders/ Curriculum/Degree
and Certificate Programs/choose appropriate catalog year):
Required course for certificate(s)
Restricted elective for certificate(s)
Restricted electives are courses specifically listed (i.e. by name and number) as optional courses from which students may
choose to complete a specific number of units required for an approved certificate.
3.
Is the course Stand Alone?
No
Yes
(If “No” is checked for BOTH #1 & #2 above, the course is stand alone)
4.
Basic Skills: NBS Not Basic Skills
5.
Work Experience: NWE Not Coop Work Experience
6.
CTE Funded Course (applies to vocational and tech-prep courses only):
7.
Purpose: A Liberal Arts Sciences
8.
Accounting Method: W Weekly Census
9.
Disability Status: N Not a Special Class
yes
no
CURRENT TRANSFERABILITY STATUS
This course is currently transferable to
Neither CSU nor UC
CSU as general elective credit
CSU as a specific course equivalent (see below)
If the course transfers as a specific course equivalent, give course number(s)/ title(s) of one or more currently-active,
equivalent lower division courses from CSU.
1. Course POLS 156 European and Comparative Government , Campus CSU Northridge
2. Course
, Campus
UC as general elective credit
UC as specific course equivalent
If the course transfers as a specific course equivalent, give course number(s)/ title(s) of one or more currently-active,
equivalent lower division courses from UC.
1. Course POL SCI 2 Intro Comp Politics , Campus UC Davis
Comparative Politics , Campus UC Los Angeles
2. Course POL SCI 50: Introduction
PROPOSED CSU TRANSFERABILITY (If course is currently CSU transferable, go to the next section):
None
General Elective Credit
Specific Course Equivalent (see below)
If specific course equivalent credit is proposed, give course number(s)/ title(s) of one or more currently-active,
equivalent lower division courses from CSU.
1. Course
, Campus
2. Course
, Campus
PROPOSED UC TRANSFERABILITY (If course is currently UC transferable, go to the next section):
Curriculum Proposal: 01/23/09 (rev.)
Academic Senate Approved: pending
Page 6 of 8
None
General Elective Credit OR Specific Course Equivalent (see below)
If “General Elective Credit OR Specific Course Equivalent” box above is checked, give course number(s)/ title(s) of one
or more currently-active, equivalent lower division courses from UC.
1. Course
, Campus
2. Course
, Campus
CURRENTLY APPROVED GENERAL EDUCATION
CR
CSU
IGETC
CR GE Category:
CSU GE Category:
IGETC Category:
PROPOSED CR GENERAL EDUCATION
Rationale for CR General Education approval (including category designation):
Natural Science
Social Science
Humanities
Language and Rationality
Writing
Oral Communications
Analytical Thinking
PROPOSED CSU GENERAL EDUCATION BREADTH (CSU GE)
A. Communications and Critical Thinking
A1 – Oral Communication
A2 – Written Communication
A3 – Critical Thinking
C. Arts, Literature, Philosophy, and Foreign Language
B. Science and Math
B1 – Physical Science
B2 – Life Science
B3 – Laboratory Activity
B4 – Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
D. Social, Political, and Economic Institutions
C1 – Arts (Art, Dance, Music, Theater)
C2 – Humanities (Literature, Philosophy, Foreign
Language)
D0 – Sociology and Criminology
D1 – Anthropology and Archeology
D2 – Economics
D3 – Ethnic Studies
D5 – Geography
D6 – History
E. Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
D7 – Interdisciplinary Social or Behavioral Science
E1 – Lifelong Understanding
D8 – Political Science, Government and Legal Institutions
E2 – Self-Development
D9 – Psychology
Rationale for inclusion in this General Education category: Same as above
An introductory class in comparative politics is well suited for CSU General Education Breadth
under category D8. At several other California Community Colleges Comparative Politics or
Comparative Government is listed under this category (for example City College of San
Francisco, Chaffey College, Santa Ana College, San Diego City College and Napa Valley College
to name just a few). Since category D8 addresses political science, government and legal
institutions and an introductory course in comparative politics is a survey of several countries
systems of governance and serves as an introduction into this field in political science this
seems to logically follow.
Comparative politics lays out the conceptual foundation of essential tools and concepts that can
be applied to international relations, state specific analysis, and political theory. Basic concepts
of why governments form, the role of political institutions, and the effect that history, culture,
environment and economy have on systems of governance are all covered. Comparative politics
allows students to be exposed to many cultures, and allows one to gain a sense of the diversity
of governmental institutions and cultures.
Curriculum Proposal: 01/23/09 (rev.)
Academic Senate Approved: pending
Page 7 of 8
Proposed Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
1A – English Composition
1B – Critical Thinking-English Composition
1C – Oral Communication (CSU requirement only)
2A – Math
3A – Arts
3B – Humanities
4A – Anthropology and Archaeology
4B – Economics
4E – Geography
4F – History
4G – Interdisciplinary, Social & Behavioral Sciences
4H – Political Science, Government & Legal Institutions
4I – Psychology
4J – Sociology & Criminology
5A – Physical Science
5B – Biological Science
6A – Languages Other Than English
Rationale for inclusion in this General Education category:
Same as above
At most California Community Colleges a Comparative Politics or Comparative Government
course (for example: Bakersfield College, Cabrillo College, Berkeley City College, College of
Alameda, Irvine Valley College) is listed as IGETC under category 4H.
Submitted by:
Ryan Emenaker
Tel. Ext.
4306
Date: 2/20/11
Division Chair/Director: Rachel Anderson
Review Date: 2/22/11
CURRICULUM COMMITTEE USE ONLY
Approved by Curriculum Committee: No
Academic Senate Approval Date:
Curriculum Proposal: 01/23/09 (rev.)
Academic Senate Approved: pending
Yes
Date: 3.25.11
Board of Trustees Approval Date:
Page 8 of 8