Clary, Spring 2012
INTL 3300: Introduction to Comparative Politics
Spring 2012
The University of Georgia
Time: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11:15am-12:05pm
Place: MLC 250
Instructor: Matt Clary
Email: mclary@uga.edu
Office: Candler B02
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday—2:30pm-3:30pm (or by appointment)
“Without comparisons to make, the mind does not know how to proceed.”
Alexis de Tocqueville, 1830
“A man who has tasted only his mother’s soup has no basis to claim that hers is the best.”
African proverb
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to introduce students to the study of
Comparative Politics, which is the study and practice of comparing different political
units and systems, either in whole or in part. In this sense, it is the comparison of
various factors or qualities of a political system that is the root of what we’ll be studying.
To accomplish this, we’ll be opening up the ‘black box’ of domestic politics to investigate
and discuss the various qualities that make different nations’ political systems and
societies similar and/or unique and what the implications these qualities may or may
not have on our knowledge of politics and on policy-making. The study of Comparative
Politics is used to address such puzzles as varying degrees of political liberalization
(ranging from totalitarianism to democracy), varying degrees of political and social
conflict, varying levels of wealth, prosperity, and along similar lines, either economic or
political inequality, and to inform debates about the creation and design of new political
orders in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt, among many others in recent
years.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: You are expected to attend every class meeting and to read
the assigned materials thoughtfully and thoroughly prior to the class in which they are
scheduled to be discussed. Moreover, you are expected to check the eLC website of this
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course for updates for the duration of the term. In addition, it is a good idea that you
make a habit of reading a good daily newspaper and/or listening to NPR for news and
analyses of events related to developments in international politics. The New York
Times or Washington Post are good options in this regard.
REQUIRED READING MATERIALS:
(1)
There are two required books for this course, which can be purchased at the UGA
bookstore.
a) O'Neil, Patrick H. Essentials of Comparative Politics, 3rd Edition.
(New York: W.W. Norton and Company.), 2010 [Denoted as
Essentials on reading list]
b) O'Neil, Patrick H. and Ronald Rogowski. Essential Readings in
Comparative Politics, 3rd Edition (New York: W.W. Norton and
Company), 2010. [Denoted as Essential Readings on reading list]
These books may also be available for purchase on online booksellers such as Amazon
(www.amazon.com), Powell’s Books (www.powells.com), or Barnes and Noble
(www.barnesandnoble.com), but please be sure to purchase the third editions.
(2)
(3)
Assigned E-Journal articles are accessible through the UGA libraries’ website
(www.libs.uga.edu/ejournals). These texts are marked (E-journal)
Assigned additional readings are available on the course eLC website
(www.elc.uga.edu). These texts are marked (eLC)
GRADE COMPONENTS:
Participation 20% (200 points) I define participation as the fairly frequent, active
contribution and self-inclusion in class discussions and activities, to show up to class on
time and prepared to discuss the readings or assignment for that day, and to be
respectful of the instructor and other classmates. In addition, there will be periodic pop
quizzes throughout the semester, which are designed to evaluate your grasp of key
concepts and themes covered in the readings and/or class discussion. These quizzes will
be short (no more than 15 min. in length). Questions will include (but are not limited to)
multiple choice, sentence completion questions, true/false, or fill in the blank questions.
You are allowed to EITHER miss one quiz unexcused OR the lowest grade you scored on
one of the quizzes will be dropped. Any additional unexcused missed quizzes will lower
your overall participation grade. There will be no make-up quizzes.
Attendance Policy My attendance policy is fairly straight-forward--As this course,
like any other, is an investment in your education, you should want to be in class each
and every day. I perceive frequent absences as a sign that a student has a lack of interest
in the class and their own education—I promise you that I will show up to each and
every class fully prepared and energetic about teaching and discussing international
affairs, and I expect that same level of dedication out of each one of my students. As this
is the case:
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Clary, Spring 2012
You are permitted to have 3 absences (of either an excused or unexcused) for the
entire semester. For every absence beyond this, 10% (2o points) of this grade
component for each absence will not be able to be earned by you any longer.
 Note: if you have cause for a prolonged, university approved absence from class,
please see me immediately to discuss the matter.
In addition, you are expected to be in class for the entirety of each period (typically 50
minutes), however:
 If you will be leaving class early, you must notify me before class. If you do
not, your absence will considered unexcused for that entire day.
 If you cannot make it to class on time on a particular day, you must notify me
before class (if possible). If you are simply running late, you are responsible for
contacting me at the end of that class period to discuss the matter.
Country Analysis and Group Presentations 15% (150 points) Each student will be
responsible for researching and presenting an analysis of a specific nation during the
course. This component consists of two parts:
Firstly, each student will be expected to INDEPENDENTLY research and compose a
detailed analysis answering a range of questions about their assigned country. These
analyses should be written in essay form and should be between 4-6 pages (doublespaced) in length (note: if you require more than 6 pages, you must contact me for
permission to do so first). A printed copy of each report will be due at the beginning of
class on the day of each student’s group presentation. NO LATE REPORTS will be
accepted.
Secondly, each student will be part of a larger group of 5 students that will collectively
be responsible for presenting the most important features of their respective nations to
the entire class. Each presentation is expected to only present the most relevant and
important information about their country and SHOULD NOT EXCEED15 minutes in
length. Along these lines, the best presentations will be those that provide an some form
of interactive activity, that keep the entire class engaged with the material, that covers
the material clearly and concisely, and that does so as a group. It will be critically
important that each member contribute EQUALLY to the making of and delivery of the
presentation.
State-Building Simulation/Mock Constitutional Convention 15% (150 points) During
class on April 9th, 11th, and 13th, we will be conducting a simulation of a ‘constitutional
convention’ of sorts for ‘fictional’ nation that has just recently experienced a major
revolution in which its existing authoritarian regime that has ruled for more than 30
years has fallen and must be replaced by all of you, who have been selected to your
nations’ first constitutional convention. It will be your job to determine how the new
government will be structured, what institutions will be included and left out, how
elections will be conducted, the wording of your nations’ new Constitution, any major
laws that must exist, etc. More details about the simulation will be provided as April
approaches—this will be an opportunity to display any knowledge that you have
acquired during the course up to this point.
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Clary, Spring 2012
Midterm Exam 20% (200 points): The midterm exam will consist of identification
terms, multiple choice, fill in the blank, T/F, and short answer or essay questions. The
exam will cover material from the first half of the course and will take place on
Wednesday, March 7th (in-class) . This time is set in stone and cannot be altered unless
under extreme circumstances. If these exist, please see me to arrange a makeup time
ASAP!!
Final Exam 30%: (300 points) The final exam will consist of identification terms,
multiple choice, fill in the blank, T/F, and short answer or essay questions. While the
Final will emphasize material from the second half of the course, you will be expected to
draw on material and concepts from the first half as well (thus the exam is cumulative).
Specific details will be announced closer to the exam date. The exam will take place on
Friday, May 4th from 12PM to 3PM in MLC 250. The time and place is set in stone and
cannot be changed unless under extreme circumstances. If these exist, please see me to
arrange a makeup time ASAP!!
GRADING SCALE:
93 to 100 = A
90 to 93 = A87 to 90 = B+
83 to 87 = B
80 to 83 = B77 to 80 = C+
73 to 77 = C
70 to 73 = C67 to 70 = D+
63 to 67 = D
60 to 63 = DBelow 60 = F
If you have questions about my grading scale/policies, please refer to the grading policy
file on eLC first, and then if you still have questions, you may come to my office hours.
If you withdraw from the course before the midterm withdrawal deadline (March 22nd),
you will receive a WP. If you withdraw after this date, then you will receive a WF.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: All academic work must meet the standards contained in a
“Culture of Honesty”(http://www.uga.edu/honest/ahpd/culture_honesty.htm). You are
responsible t0 inform yourself about those standards. My policy regarding academic
dishonesty is simple: Don’t Cheat: if you are found cheating, you will receive a failing
grade. Disciplinary proceedings to dismiss you from the University may be initiated
against you. I will not tolerate academic dishonesty, and neither should you. I assure
you that should you violate this policy, you will be subjected to the harshest penalty
offered by the university if you attempt it.
GRADING APPEALS: If you believe an exam or assignment has been graded wrongly,
you can appeal your grade in writing within 48 hours of the assignment or exam being
returned. Comparisons to other students’ graded work will not be accepted as evidence
for the complaint. The written statement must provide the specific reasons for
reconsideration as well as the student’s assessment of the particular grade the
assignment deserves. The original copy of the graded assignment must be submitted
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Clary, Spring 2012
with the letter. When the appeal has been submitted according to these guidelines, the
assignment will be regraded. The new grade may be the same, higher, or lower than the
original grade. It will be final.
CLASS POLICIES: Make sure your cell phones are turned off before class. While class is
in session, please refrain from any rude or distracting activities. Such behavior includes
sleeping, reading or studying for other classes, text messaging, surfing the internet,
completing the crossword puzzle in the Red & Black, etc. If you are observed doing any
of these things, it will greatly impact your course participation grade.
Also, since this class revolves around the discussion of politics, culture, and current
events, we will sometimes delve into controversial topics. Please remember to respect
others’ opinions, even if you do not agree. Repeated offenses in this regard will result in
a significant reduction of your participation grade.
MAKE-UP EXAMINATIONS: Make-up examinations are only offered for universityexcused absences. It will be your responsibility to contact me immediately if you have a
conflict that will prevent you from taking the midterm or final exam on the scheduled
dates. In addition, if you are ill on an exam day or on the date a major assignment is
due, it is your responsibility to contact me within 24 hours (if reasonable) noting the
absence and then show proper documentation (i.e. a note from a doctor or medical
center) when you return to class.
DISABILITY ARRANGEMENTS: It is a University policy that students with documented
disabilities received reasonable accommodations through access to classroom
information. If you require special accommodations because of a university-documented
condition, please contact me immediately.
DISCLAIMER: I view this syllabus as a contract of what I expect from you and what you
should expect from me. However, this syllabus should be viewed as a general plan for
the course; deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.
Should deviations become necessary, I will communicate through announcements on
the course website, through class announcements, or through email.
COURSE OVERVIEW: (This schedule is for planning only and is subject to change)
DATE
Jan. 9th (M)
TOPIC
Introduction
Jan. 11th (W)
Jan. 13th (F)
What is Comparative Politics?
Historical Development of the
Field
NO CLASS—MLK Jr. Day
Area-Studies vs. the ‘Science’
of CP: How Do/Can We Study
Comparative Politics?
Jan. 16th (M)
Jan. 18th (W)
ASSIGNMENT
-be sure to read the syllabus and other course
documents carefully before our next meeting.
Essentials, Chapter 1, pp. 1-18
Munck (2006), pp. 1-23 (eLC)
-Essential Readings, pp. 1-7
-Essential Readings, pp. 7-19
-Gause III (2011) “Why Middle East Studies
Missed the Arab Spring,” Foreign Affairs,
July/August 2011. (eLC)
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Jan. 20th (F)
Jan. 23rd (M)
Jan. 25th (W)
Jan. 27th (F)
Jan. 30th (M)
Feb. 1st (W)
Feb. 3rd (F)
Feb. 6th (M)
Feb. 8th (W)
Feb. 10th (F)
Feb. 13th (M)
Feb. 15th (W)
-Country Report #1: The
United Kingdom
-Class Discussion
Defining the Nation-State,
Regime-Type, and Legitimacy
The Changing Nature of the
State: Weak, Failing, and
Failed States
-See eLC for discussion questions and/or
required readings.
-Country Report #2: Mexico
-Class Discussion
Nations and Society: Identity,
Attitudes, and Ideologies
Political Culture and Structure
in Society
-See eLC for discussion questions and/or
required readings.
Essentials, Chap. 3, pp. 47-71
Essentials, Chap. 2, pp. 21-45
Essential Readings, Chap. 2, pp. 43-57
The Failed States Index (2011), Foreign Policy
(see eLC for link and details)
-Essentials, Chap. 3, pp. 71-73
-Inglehart and Wetzel, pp. 141-164 (eLC)
-Essential Readings, Marx and Engels,
Chap. 8, pp. 323-336
-See eLC for discussion questions and/or
required readings.
Essentials, Chap. 4, pp. 77-106
-Essential Readings, North, Chap.4, pp. 116127
-Essential Readings, Acemoglu, Chap. 4, pp.
128-132.
-See eLC for discussion questions and/or
required readings.
-Essentials, pp. 109-140
-Country Report #3: Russia
-Class Discussion
Political Economy
Institutionalism: Institutions in
the Political, Economic, and
Social Realms
-Country Report #4: Turkey
-Class Discussion
Democratic Regimes: Defining
Democracy and its Requisites
and Democratic Institutions
What is Democracy?: The
Importance of Social Capital
and Trust
-Essential Readings, Schmitter and Karl, pp.
151-160
-Essential Readings, Putnam, pp. 170-191
Feb. 17th (F)
-Country Report #5: France
-Class Discussion
-See eLC for discussion questions and/or
required readings.
Feb. 20th (M)
Transitions to Democracy
For new schedule—please read these as you
get the opportunity to supplement the
lecture from today.
-Essential Readings, Lijphart, pp. 161-170
-Essential Readings, Bunce, pp. 336-345
-OPTIONAL—please skim Clary in Wiarda,
“Transitions to Democracy: Grand Theory or
Grand Approach?” (eLC)
Essentials, Chap. 7, pp. 167-195
Feb. 22nd (W) Advanced Democracies
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Feb. 24th (F)
Feb. 27th (M)
Feb. 29th (W)
Film: Please Vote For Me
Mar. 2nd (F)
-Class Discussion and CatchUp Day
-Midterm Exam Review
-Midterm Exam (In-Class)
Mar. 5th (M)
Mar. 7th (W)
Mar. 9th (F)
Mar. 12th-16th
-See eLC for discussion questions and/or
required readings.
-Essential Readings, Iversen and Soskice, pp.
287-294.
-Essential Readings, The Economist, pp. 296303.
-Essential Readings, Estevez-abe, Iversen, and
Soskice, pp. 303-317.
Note: We may go over by a few minutes this
day due to the length of the film.
-Essential Readings, Lijphart, pp. 161-170
-Essential Readings, Bunce, pp. 336-345
-OPTIONAL—please skim Clary in Wiarda,
“Transitions to Democracy: Grand Theory or
Grand Approach?” (eLC)
-See eLC for discussion questions and/or
required readings.
-Country Report #6: China
-Class Discussion
The Welfare State in
Advanced Democracies
-The Midterm Exam will cover all material
covered up to this point; Chapters 1-5, 7.
DO NOT PLAN TO LEAVE EARLY FOR
SPRING BREAK!!!
-Class Discussion: How
Strongly Should the United
States Promote Democracy and
Free Market Capitalism
-Wiarda and Clary, “Premature Democracy:
Abroad?
Waking up to the Reality of Incomplete
Democratic Transitions in Latin America,”
Brown Journal of World Affairs. (eLC)
Spring Break—NO CLASS
Mar. 19th (M) Non-Democratic Regimes
Essentials, Chap. 6, pp. 141-166
-State Building Simulation Prep
Assignments Assigned
st
Mar. 21 (W) Modern Non-Democratic
-Essential Readings, Linz and Stepan, pp. 206Regimes, Illiberal Democracy, 219
and Constitutional Liberalism
-Essential Readings, Zakaria, pp. 219-234
Mar. 22nd (T) WITHDRAWAL DEADLINE—to get a WP, must withdraw by today.
Mar. 23rd (F)
-See eLC for discussion questions and/or
required readings.
-see readings from 3/19 and 3/21
-Country Report #7: Nigeria
-Class Discussion
th
Mar. 26 (M) Non-Democratic Regimes,
Illiberal Democracy, and
Constitutional Liberalism
th
Mar. 28 (W) Less Developed and
Developing Nations
-Essentials, Chapter 9, pp. 230-259
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Mar. 30th (F)
-Country Report #8: India
-Class Discussion
Apr. 2nd (M)
NO CLASS—ISA
Conference
Economic Growth in the
Developing World
Apr. 4th (W)
Apr. 6th (F)
Apr. 9th (M)
Apr. 11th (W)
Apr. 13th (F)
Apr. 16th (M)
Apr. 18th (W)
Apr. 20th (F)
Apr. 23rd (M)
Apr. 25th (W)
Apr. 27th (F)
Apr. 30th (M)
May 1st (Tu)
May 4th (Fr)
-See eLC for discussion questions and/or
required readings.
-State Building Simulation Prep
Assignments DUE
-Use this time to meet as groups for the statebuilding simulation that will start next week!!
-Essential Readings, Collier and Gunning, pp.
411-426
-Essential Readings, Przeworski et al., pp. 431438.
-see eLC for more information
Discussion of The Secret
Ballot
State Building Simulation Prep
State Building Simulation
State Building Simulation
State Building Simulation
Reflection/Wrap-Up
Political Violence
-see eLC for more information
-Essentials, Chapter 10, pp. 261-289
-State Building Simulation Reflection
Assignments DUE
Revolutions and Terrorism
-Essential Readings, Skocpol, pp. 442-457
-Essential Readings, Crenshaw, pp. 460-473
-Country Report #9: Brazil
-See eLC for discussion questions and/or
-Class Discussion
required readings.
Globalization and the Future of -Essentials, Chap. 11, pp. 291-316
Comparative Politics
A Clash of Civilizations or of
-Essential Readings, Huntington, pp. 84-95
Globalizations?
-Essential Readings, Hoffman, pp. 509-516
-Class Discussion and/or
-See eLC for readings and/or discussion
Catch-Up Day
questions
Final Exam Review
-see eLC for more information
-study for Final Exam
READING DAY
FINAL EXAM from 12-3PM
(in MLC 250)
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