Syllabus 3 Department of Political Science Jean-Germain Gros, Ph.D. University of Missouri-St. Louis Spring 1997 Political Science 12 Introduction to Comparative Politics FOREWORD: The term "global village" is more than just a clich=E9; it is an apt description of the world we live in. Thanks to the ongoing revolution in communication and transportation technologies, there is literally no place on this planet that is not, physically and (or) virtually, within reach. As a result, problems which in yesteryear(s) might have been dismissed as "not ours" have in fact become "ours." To wit, few Americans can probably identify Bosnia on a world map without difficulties, yet American troops are there! In this wed of global interdependency -pessimists might prefer to say global mutual vulnerability - one ignores what takes place outside of one's country at one's peril. The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the exciting world of comparative systems of governance. Some of the thematic issues to be explored will include: the state; comparing the three paradigms that have dominated Western political thought, namely, modern-day liberalism, conservatism and what remains of radicalism; comparing capitalism, socialism and communism; comparing the role of political institutions such as interest groups, legislatures and political parties in different countries; understanding and comparing social policies in two or more countries; and interstate relations, etc. Thus, in addition to having a thematic approach, the course will also have a case-study one. It will focus on the political systems of advanced industrial countries, such as those of the U.S., Western Europe, the former Soviet Union and its satellites, East Asia and the amorphous Third World, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Requirements: Course grades will be determined by a mid-term (30%), a final (40%) and a "virtual" 10-page paper (30%). All paper topics are to be cleared in advance by the instructor of record. Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 12:30 - 2:30, or by appointment. T803. Textbook: Danziger, James, Understanding the Political World, Longman Publishers, 1996 In addition to the textbook, there will be reading materials on reserve at the library. They will be identified by an * throughout this syllabi. AGENDA Week I The Study of Politics Reading: Chapter 1 of Understanding the Political World, Week II Political Theory Reading Chapter 2 of Understanding the Political World Week III Political Culture Reading Anthony King, "Why do Different Governments make Different Decisions and Pursue Different Policies"* Week IV Culture, Society and the Individual Reading Chapter 4 of Understanding the Political World Week V Political Systems Reading Chapter 6 of Understanding the Political World Jean-Germain Gros, "A Taxonomy of Failed States.."* Week VI Political Institutions Reading Chapters 7 and 8 of Understanding the Political World Week VII Political Economy Reading Chapter 9 of Understanding the Political World Week VIII Comparative Public Policy in Industrial States: Why and How Welfare States Emerged in Europe and N. America Reading Peter Flora and Jens Alber, "Modernization, Democratization, and the Development of Welfare States in Western Europe"* Robert Kurdle and Theodore Marmor, "The Development of Welfare States in North America"* Week IX Development and Change in the Third World Reading Chapter 12 of Understanding the Political World James C. Scott, "Patron-Client Politics and Political Change in Southeast Asia," American Political Science Review, 1972* Week X Political Violence, Militarism and Revolution Reading Chapter 13 of Understanding the Political World Samuel Huntington, "The Military Mind..," The Soldier and the State * Week XI Interstate Politics and War Reading Chapter 14 of Understanding the Political World Kenneth Waltz, "International Conflict and Human Behavior," Man, the State and War * Weeks XII & Weeks XIII The New World Order: Challenges and Opportunities Reading Chapters 15, 16, 17 of Understanding the Political World Week XIV The South African Transformation Reading: Vincent Khapoya, "South Africa," The African Experience * Week XV Comparative Politics in the 21st Century Chapter 18 Understanding the Political World