POLS 373 Foundations of Comparative Politics
FINAL EXAMINATION: Mini-Essay Questions
General Instructions: The basic instructions for your final exam mini-essay questions are the same as
for the first two mini-essay assignments. For Part I, you have a choice of two questions (see below).
For Part II, there is only one question. Make sure you clearly indicate the question about which you are
writing (e.g., Part I, #2; Part II, #3)
Part I. Answer one of the following two questions.
1. After watching Bowling for Columbine you happen to run into Michael Moore at your local
Starbucks. Not surprisingly, your main topic of discussion is his film. He asks you, “What do you
think of the argument I made about the relationship between America’s culture of fear and gun
violence in this country?” Instead of giving a standard reply, you answer as a comparativist, and,
more specifically, you focus on the underlying methodology of his argument. What are you going
to tell Moore? Be specific and concrete. Tell him what the strengths of his methodology were, but
also be sure to point out the weaknesses. Also, tell him what he could have done to make his
argument better—again, do this from a comparative methodological perspective. Upon returning
home, you decide to put your thoughts in writing, so that you can provide Moore with a more
coherent, systematic response. For this essay, frame your response as a letter you intend to send
directly to Moore.
2. Your friend asks you to explain why you’re studying comparative politics, and comparative
analysis in particular. She doesn’t understand why anyone would waste his time studying
something as arcane as “methodology.” Of course, you know better. So, in your own words,
explain why the study of comparative methodology is not only worthwhile, but also extremely
useful and relevant to almost anyone interested in better understanding what’s happening in the
world. Your explanation must include a concrete example—that is, a comparison using real-world
cases and a real-world problem or issue. Upon returning home, you decide to follow up your
conversation with an e-mail to your friend so that you can provide her a more coherent and
systematic response. Frame your response as an e-mail you intend to send directly to your friend.
Part II. Answer the following question.
3. You have been asked by a group of prominent American Christian leaders to explain why Islam is
not a religion of violence and terrorism. At the same time, you must also explain why there seems
to be such a strong and intimate connection with Islam and terrorism today. In other words, you
need to resolve, in the minds of these Christian leaders, a seeming paradox: How can Islam be both
a religion of peace and of violence at the same time? You must, of course, answer this question as
a comparativist, and, specifically, as a comparativist who understands contemporary cultural
approaches. NOTE: While you obviously are required to draw from the chapter to answer this
question, I do not want your response to be merely a recapitulation of the points I make. Provide a
well considered, reasoned, and insightful response, one that clearly reflects your own thoughts.
Remember the page limit is 2 pages. Do not write more than this. Do not use a font smaller than 12
points. Single-space your essays, and make sure you carefully proofread before turning in your paper.
YOUR ESSAYS ARE DUE ON THURSDAY, DEC. 8th AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FINAL
EXAM PERIOD.