POSC 120-01
Comparative Political Regimes
Winter 2006 Willis 205
MW 3:10-4:20; F 3:30-4:30 pm
Prof. Norman Vig (nvig@carleton.edu, or ext. 4120)
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to the study of comparative politics and to
the discipline of political science in general. Comparative politics is one of four main
fields within political science (along with American government and politics, political
theory, and international relations). It focuses on the domestic political regimes of
countries other than the U.S. (though the U.S. can also be studied comparatively). In
order to compare the development and current nature of politics in different countries, it
is necessary to use a rigorous set of analytical methods and theoretical approaches. In the
first section of this course (“Boot Camp”) we study these methods and theories and apply
them to some major issues such as why some countries develop economically and others
don’t, and why some countries become democratic while others do not. The question of
what causes democratization is a major theoretical focus of the course.
Following the introductory section we will focus on six national case studies. First
we look at relatively similar established democratic regimes in Great Britain, France and
Germany. In each case we ask three fundamental questions over three classes: How did
democracy develop there? How is the current political system structured and how is it
related to the national political culture? What are some of the major current dilemmas of
mature democracies such as these?
In Part III of the course we look at the process of democratization in three very
different “transitional” democracies: Russia, Nigeria, and Iraq. The questions here are
how and why the democratic breakthroughs occurred in these cases, how far along
toward consolidation are the current regimes, and what basic obstacles do they face in
achieving stable and lasting democracy? The case of Iraq is of course different in that
democracy is being imposed by a foreign power and it is far too early to tell whether it
will survive. However, comparative analysis should be useful for making intelligent
arguments regarding the question of “can democracy work in Iraq?”
Students will write three papers on this question: a baseline essay (ungraded) the
first day of class on whether democracy is possible in Iraq; a revised essay on how the
question might be answered at the end of “boot camp” (due in class January 16); and a
final term paper due the last day of class (March 10). There will also be a mid-term exam
and a final exam in the course (both essay exams). Grades will be based as follows:
Revised essay (10%)
Mid-term exam (30%)
Term paper (20%)
Final exam (30%)
Class participation (10%).
1
This course is not a writing requirement course. However, clear and stylistically correct
writing is expected (more detailed instructions will be given out for each paper.) Critical
and original thinking and open, respectful debate are encouraged throughout the course.
Students are expected to do the reading in advance of each class and be prepared for
discussion.
Assignments:
W Jan 4
Introductory Meeting and Baseline Essay
I. Boot Camp
F Jan 6
What is Comparative Politics?
T. Lim, Doing Comparative Politics,
Chapter 1
M Jan 9
How to Compare? Basic Methods
W Jan 11
Comparative Theory
Lim, chap. 3
F Jan 13
Why are Countries Poor (or Rich)?
Lim, chaps. 4-5
M Jan 16
What leads to Democracy?
Lim, chap. 6; revised essay due
II.
Lim, chap. 2; and Kesselman et al.,
Introduction to Comparative Politics,
Third ed., pages 5-23
Most Similar Cases: Mature European Democracies
A. Great Britain
W Jan 18 Emergence of British Democracy
Kesselman, pp. 26-48
F Jan 20
Kesselman, 49-70
The British Constitution
M Jan 23 Current Dilemmas
Kesselman, 71-80; handouts
B. France
W Jan 25 Development of French Democracy
Kesselman, 80-104
F Jan 27 The Fifth Republic
Kesselman, 105-125
M Jan 30 Current Dilemmas
Kesselman, 126-134; handouts
2
C. Germany
W Feb 1 Development of German Democracy
F Feb 3 The German System
M Feb 6
Mid-term break
W Feb 8
Current Dilemmas
F Feb 10
Mid-term exam
III.
Kesselman, 136-159
Kesselman, 159-184; handouts
Kesselman, 184-192; handouts
Readings for Part II
Most Different Cases: Transitional Democracies
A. Russia
M Feb 13
The Soviet Union
Kesselman, 345-370
W Feb 15
The Current Russian Republic
Kesselman, 371-395
F Feb 17
Democratic Dilemmas
Kesselman, 396-406; handouts
Nigerian Development
Kesselman, 513-539
B. Nigeria
M Feb 20
W Feb 22 First and Second Republics
t.b.a.
F Feb 24
Current Dilemmas
Kesselman, 540-569; handout
Development of Iraq
Anderson & Stansfield, The Future of
Iraq (revised edition), Introduction
and chaps. 1-2
C. Iraq
M Feb 27
W Mar 1 The Baathist Regime and its
Overthrow
Anderson, chaps. 3-4
F Mar 3
The Iraqi Peoples
Anderson, chaps. 5-7
M Mar 6
A Democratic Regime?
Anderson, chap. 8; handouts
IV.
Globalization and Political Change
W Mar 8
Globalization and National Regimes
3
Lim, chapter 9
F Mar 10 Concluding Discussion
Term paper due
Tu Mar 14 (12:00-2:30) or self-scheduled
Final exam
4