AP Comparative Government – Schwenk – Syllabus 2014 - 15
2014
Advanced Placement Comparative Government
Welcome to the new school year! I hope that all of you had enjoyable vacations and return to
school rested and refreshed. With the completion of your summer assignments you have already begun to
dig into the AP material. That assignment was just the beginning. This class will challenge you in many ways,
but it will also be stimulating, fun and never boring. Still, be forewarned that the academic demands of the
class are great, but so are the rewards. I look forward to a great year. I hope you do as well.
I.
Introduction
The AP Comparative Government course is an academically rigorous course that focuses on
providing a complete overview of the major concepts of political science, a deep basis of
knowledge about 6 nations and their political systems, as well as insight into two major
geopolitical forces today: globalization and democratization. The course is based upon a
collegiate model, thus it is fast paced and challenging. It expects that students are selfmotivated and are responsible in keeping up with their readings, studying and assignments. All
of this is done in preparation for the AP examination in May of 2014. It is my hope that ALL
students in this class will take that exam. While the exam is the end product, it is my hope for
the class to produce students that possess a better understanding of the forces that alter our
world culturally, economically and politically, as well a greater understanding of and empathy
for cultures other than their own.
The six nations that will be studied are Great Britain, Russia, China, Mexico, Iran and Nigeria,
more or less in that order. These nations will be broken down as to their individual systems and
politics, but of even greater importance are the constant comparisons we will draw in class
between the nations. That is the real heart of this class – the comparative process of relating
system to system. The summer assignments were designed to provide each student with an
opportunity to gain expertise in one of the six nations. As we begin the school year, these
students will team up with other students that worked on the same nation to become expert
groups. These expert groups will present information about their nation at different times
through out the semester and will assist in comparing their nation’s policies, culture, economy
and politics with the other five nations. These expert groups will also put together a study
guide for their nation for the rest of the class to be used as a preparation for the AP exam in
May. Within that framework, we will define, debate and analyze the roles of democratization
and globalization within these nations and, as a result, globally as well.
AP Comparative Government Syllabus
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AP Comparative Government – Schwenk – Syllabus 2014 - 15
II.
2014
Helpful Hints
Here are a few helpful hints and reminders for the class. These are worth remembering and
following as they will help you succeed in this class:

BE HERE ALL THE TIME! – I know that many of you have sports, band, musicals, etc…but this
class moves VERY quickly. You need to be here each and every day.

SPEAK, DEBATE, QUESTION! – You have a voice so use it. This is not a class to sit back and
absorb. You MUST participate and ask questions constantly. Question everything –
classmates, readings, me, assumptions, etc…Debate and offer suggestions and ideas. The
more you verbally participate in this class, the better it will be for you and your fellow
classmates. You get out of this class what you put into it.

READ EVERY NIGHT! – THE SINGLE BIGGEST MISTAKE AP STUDENTS MAKE IS NOT
KEEPING UP WITH THE READING!!! Whether it is a newspaper, the text, the
supplemental text or a website, you need to stay on top of the material and current events.
I will provide you with a list of other books, journals, websites, magazines and newspapers
that you should take advantage of. To stay up to date in this class you must do ALL the
reading. I don’t waste your time with pointless work in this class (there is no time for that)
so whatever I assign you to read, you must read it. YOU WILL HAVE READING TO DO
EACH NIGHT,

KEEP A NOTEBOOK – I will not collect this, but I strongly recommend that you have a
notebook and that you use it each and every class. I will use graphs, handouts, outlines
and other materials sometimes, but the majority of the information that goes on in this
class is through debate and discussion. Jot down important ideas, questions and ideas that
come up in class. Take notes on your readings. This notebook will be priceless when April
rolls around and you have to study the material for the AP exam. Use the PowerPoint
presentations as your basis but you need to take notes DAILY and ACTIVELY in class. We
will review and practice the Cornell system of note taking early in the year. Much like the
Force, it will serve you well. (Yes, there will be an endless multitude of pop culture and scifi references throughout the year.)

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX – Some of the material in this class is simply details, data and
rote facts, but much of your work and writing will be based upon your analysis of that
material. Don’t always look for the easy answers. THINK! CREATE! Our debates and
discussions will be far more interesting if each one of you come at them from your own
unique perspective. Expand your thinking and your ideas.

RESPECT EVERYONE AT ALL TIMES – It is VITAL to remember that the opinions and ideas
expressed in this class are not to be mocked or abused. If you can tear apart an argument
academically through the use of reason and facts, and do it respectfully, go for it. Hey,
you’re going to have to back up your arguments here, but there is NO TOLERANCE for
name calling, mockery or sophomoric behavior. If you can’t handle that, then I have a pass
to guidance for you. This is a college level class, so I demand that you act as the mature,
intelligent young men and women you are.

YOUR WORK & YOUR WORDS – PLAGIARISM IS FORBIDDEN. Always use YOUR WORDS
and YOUR WORK. If you use someone else’s YOU MUST cite it and give credit where
credit is due. Do not copy homework from others Plagiarism will result in a zero for the
assignment and will result in disciplinary action. DON’T DO IT! If you have a question
about it or think that you are inadvertently plagiarizing, see me immediately.
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AP Comparative Government – Schwenk – Syllabus 2014 - 15
III.
2014
Grading Policy/Assignments
Grades are assigned by a point value basis. Each assignment is assigned a certain value
and the marking period grade is determined by dividing the total number of points earned
by the total number of points possible.
The policy pertaining to late work is as follows: NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED. It is due
the day that it is due. If it isn’t here on the assigned date, the assignment is a zero. One
caveat: If you are absent the day an assignment is due, or on a school sponsored activity, I
will accept it the day that you return, but not after that date.
Making up tests, quizzes and finding out what you missed on days that you are absent from
class is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. Check the assignment board and see me in order to
schedule make up tests and quizzes.
And, yes, there IS a FINAL EXAM for this class.
Assignment types:
 Essays (Class derived and AP derived) – both in class and take home
 Tests/Quizzes (Class derived and AP derived)
 Debates
 Presentations
 Political Cartoon analysis
 Textbook work (Definitions, Questions)
 Pop quizzes on readings, chapters
 Current event analysis
 Policy analysis
 White Paper creation – define, analyze and provide solutions to some global
issues
 There will be NO bonus material or assignments.
IV.
Closing
While the requirements of this class are extensive, so are the rewards. This class will challenge
you, but it will also provide you with an experience that is more academic, mature and fast
paced than any that you’ve experienced before. After this class is done, you will have a global
perspective that most of your peers lack. You may see the world and current issues differently,
or you may have your current beliefs cemented even more through new knowledge and
information. Either way, in taking this class you will expand your mind, improve your academic
abilities and become more confident in your own learning. In addition, you might just have
some fun along the way.
You might struggle at times, but stick with it. If you have ANY problems at ANY time, please
come and see me as soon as possible. I am here to help. My door is always open. If you are
stuck with a question at home, e-mail me at dschwenk@ojrsd.com.
Again, see me with any problems. I’m looking forward to a great year. I hope you are too.
 Attached you will find a class outline, the official AP course description and a
short list of websites, books, newspapers and magazines that you might find
helpful.
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AP Comparative Government – Schwenk – Syllabus 2014 - 15
The Economist, Time, Newsweek, Current History, Harpers, Atlantic
Monthly, US News & World Report
MAGAZINES
NEWSPAPERS(online
versions available)
BOOKS – Country
specific as well as
general reference
2014
New York Times, Washington Post, London Times, Philadelphia
Inquirer
The Lexus and The Olive Tree, The World Is Flat - Thomas Friedman
(globalization)
The Post-American World (2008), The Future of Freedom (2003) –
Fareed Zakaria (global politics)
MAIN TEXT – Almond, Gabriel, G. Bingham Powell, Kaare Strom &
Russel J. Dalton; Comparative Politics Today: A World View; Longman:
New York, 2007.
WEBSITES
www.foreignpolicy.com, www.bbc.com, www.cnn.com,
www.nytimes.com, www.apcentral.com,
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_profiles/default.stm
*We will add to this list as the semester goes on. This is just to get you started. Feel free to add websites,
books or other resources that you’ve found!
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AP Comparative Government – Schwenk – Syllabus 2014 - 15
2014
Comparative Government Course Progression
Unit Title
Introduction to
Comparative
Theory
Democratization
Process & Impact
of Globalization
Chapters & Readings
Almond – Chapters
1, 2, 6 & 7
“The Man in the
Baghdad Café” - The
Economist (Annual
Editions)
“Jihad vs. McWorld”
– Barber (Annual
Editions)
Almond – Chapters 4
&5
“The Global State of
Democracy” –
Diamond (Annual
Editions)
“Capitalism &
Democracy” –
Almond (Annual
Editions)
“What Democracy Is
– and Is Not” –
Schmitter (Annual
Editions)
“Globalization’s
Double Edge” –
Samuelson (Annual
Editions)
Examples of Essential
Questions
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Assessments
What types of
political systems
exist in the world
today?
What tools are
used to compare
these systems to
each other?
What are the goals
of comparative
study?
Chapter Tests, Political
Theory Essay, Political
Spectrum Project, Weekly
Quizzes
Globally, is the
process of
democratization
accelerating or
slowing?
Is democracy a
universal political
constant or is it
adaptable to each
region and nation
it spreads to?
Chapter Tests, Democracy in
the 21st Century Paper,
Weekly Quizzes
What is
globalization?
Who has
globalization
benefited thus far?
Who has it harmed?
What technologies
and innovations
helped to accelerate
the spread of
globalization?
How has
globalization altered
the political
landscape of the
world?
Chapter Tests, Weekly
Quizzes, Impact of
Globalization Debate,
Winners & Losers Of
Globalization Project
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AP Comparative Government – Schwenk – Syllabus 2014 - 15
The United States
of America –
Nation Study
Almond – Chapter 19
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Great Britain –
Nation Study
Almond – Chapter 8
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
What are the
major challenges
for both the
foreign and
domestic policies
of the United
States?
Define the concept
of federalism.
How has the
presidency
changed over the
course of American
political history?
What roles do
political parties
play in American
politics?
What is judicial
review?
What is the role of
the Bill of Rights?
Is the Electoral
College a
democratic
system?
What benefits and
costs are apparent
in America
becoming more
global?
What were
Margret Thatcher’s
goals as Prime
Minister? What
were the outcomes
of Thatcherism for
Britain?
How did Tony
Blair’s New Labour
Movement change
British politics?
How is the British
political party
system different
from the American
system?
Why has Great
Britain been
reluctant to fully
embrace the
European Union?
What is homerule
and how has it
altered the United
Kingdom?
2014
Nation Test, Weekly
Quizzes, 3 American Essays,
Chapter Vocabulary &
Essential Question Packet,
Current Events Project
Nation Test, Weekly
Quizzes, 3 British Essays,
Chapter Vocabulary &
Essential Question Packet,
Current Events Project
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AP Comparative Government – Schwenk – Syllabus 2014 - 15
Russia – Nation
Study
Almond – Chapter 12
“Ten Myths About
Russia” –
Foglesong(Annual
Editions)
“Deepening Russian
Democracy” –
Allison(Annual
Editions)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
China – Nation
Study
Almond –
Chapter 13
1.
“Intimations of
Mortality” – The
Economist (Annual
Editions)
“In March Towards
Capitalism” –
Chu(Annual Editions)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
2014
How has Putin
diverged from the
path that Yeltsin
and Gorbachev set
for Russia?
How did Shock
Therapy alter the
future for the
newly democratic
Russia?
How is Russia
positioning itself
for the future in
terms of its
economy and
geopolitical
alliances?
Is the 1993
Constitution still
effective?
What are the roots
of the Chechnya
crisis?
What role does the
market for oil and
natural gas play in
Russian politics?
Why has
democracy been so
difficult for Russia
to establish?
Nation Test, Weekly
Quizzes, 3 Russian Essays,
Chapter Vocabulary &
Essential Question Packet,
Current Events Project
What factors have
led to the rapid
development of
China’s economy?
Despite its
explosive growth,
what problems
could yet slow the
growth of China’s
political and
economic
influence?
Are China and the
United States on a
course to
international
cooperation or
confrontation?
How did Deng
Xiaoping alter the
future of China?
What is meant by
the phrase,
Socialism with
Chinese
characteristics?
How does the
Communist party
remain in control
of the Chinese dual
political system?
Nation Test, Weekly
Quizzes, 3 Chinese Essays,
Chapter Vocabulary &
Essential Question Packet,
Current Events Project
AP Comparative Government Syllabus
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AP Comparative Government – Schwenk – Syllabus 2014 - 15
Mexico – Nation
Study
Almond – Chapter 14
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Iran – Nation
Study
Almond – Chapter 12
“The Arab “Street”” –
Eickelman (Annual
Editions)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Nigeria – Nation
Study
Almond – Chapter 16
“Africa’s
Contradiction” – Tsai
(Annual Editions)
1.
2.
3.
4.
2014
How did one party
rule affect the
political
development of
Mexico?
How has NAFTA
changed Mexico’s
economy and
political system?
What was the
importance of
Vincente Fox’s
electoral victory?
What are the roots
of the social
tensions within
Mexican society?
What are the
motivating factors
for the emigration
issue in Mexico
today?
How has NAFTA
and the emigration
issue altered
Mexico’s
relationship with
the United States?
Nation Test, Weekly
Quizzes, 3 Mexican Essays,
Chapter Vocabulary &
Essential Question Packet,
Current Events Project
What is a
theocracy?
Does a disconnect
exist between the
ruling elite of Iran
and the general
populace? If so,
what is causing the
rift?
What methods are
employed by the
religious elite in
Iran to keep
control over
politics and
society?
As a people and a
nation, how is Iran
different from
most other Middle
Eastern states?
What is a
kleptocracy?
How has tribalism
affected Nigeria’s
development as a
nation?
How has the
discovery of oil
affected Nigeria?
Nation Test, Weekly
Quizzes, 3 Iranian Essays,
Chapter Vocabulary &
Essential Question Packet,
Current Events Project
Nation Test, Weekly
Quizzes, 3 Nigerian Essays,
Chapter Vocabulary &
Essential Question Packet,
Current Events Project
What could explain
Nigeria’s cyclical
political nature and
failure to establish
lasting democratic
institutions?
AP Comparative Government Syllabus
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