Politics, Comparative Courses (POL COMP)

POL COMP 1040. Comparative Politics — 3 hrs.

Examination of theory, methods, and problems of comparative politics with emphasis on cross-regional analysis. Use of case studies to look at such issues as political culture, parties, participation, dictatorship and democracy, economic policies and class, and racial, ethnic or religious conflict. (Fall and Spring)

POL COMP 1042. Becoming Global Citizens — 3 hrs.

A responsibility of citizens in democracies is to be politically active. How can we be politically active as citizens of the world? Without global elections, we have to find other ways of influencing the key social issues of our time. This class helps students think about how to be politically active on the most important global issues. (Variable)

POL COMP 3121. Unconventional Warfare — 3 hrs.

Focus on terrorism, insurgency, and guerrilla warfare. Examination of theoretical, practical, and policy issues related to the law, ethics, motivations, conduct, and resolution of conflict between unequal and unlike groups. (Variable)

POL COMP 3123. Nationalism — 3 hrs.

Analysis of causes, forms, and consequences of nationalist movements. Consideration of experiences of nation-states and multi-national states. Evaluation of major theoretical approaches to study of nationalist movements and application to several specific cases. (Variable)

POL COMP 3125. Politics of Nonviolence — 3 hrs.

Analyzes theories and concrete examples of nonviolence in politics. Examines nonviolent power as a part of daily politics in most political systems and as a component of many successful movements for political change. (Variable)

POL COMP 3135. Politics in Europe — 3 hrs.

Examination of the development of European political institutions, issues, and policies. Social democracy, the European Union, and challenges to democracy are addressed. (Variable)

POL COMP 3162. Politics of East Asia — 3 hrs.

Comparative analysis of major East Asian countries; examination of state and nation-building processes, political institutions, and processes and policies, with emphasis on China and Japan. (Variable)

POL COMP 3164. Russian Politics — 3 hrs.

Analysis of regimes and regime changes in Russia and Eurasia generally. Examination of institutions, contemporary issues, and policies in comparative context. (Variable)

POL COMP 3165. African Politics — 3 hrs.

Examination of African politics from a political economy perspective. (Variable)

POL COMP 3167. Latin American Politics — 3 hrs.

Analysis of democracy, authoritarianism, economic development, and social movements in the region. Emphasis on Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba. Examination of influence of U.S. hegemony and the prospects for economic integration. (Variable)