POL218H1S L0101
State, Society and Power in Comparative Perspective
Themes
This course is designed to introduce students to some of the broad concepts and themes of comparative politics. It deepens students’ understanding of how states are formed, the political forces that shape how they are organized, and how state power enhances or limits social mobilization. The approach partially draws on recent events and introduces concepts and theoretical tools to explain them. It links them to how comparative politics explains some of the most important political phenomena within countries. The course is not bound by any particular region, but instead uses examples from around the world. The focus remains, however, on politics within states, how the phenomena are similar or different from one place to the next. The core aims of the course include the following:
• Historical contexts of various paths of state formation
• Development of various regimes and their change
• Identity and modes of contention
Texts
All texts will be provided to students directly on Quercus. No textbooks required.
Format and Requirements
Two two-hour lectures and one hour of tutorial per week; Attendance and participation will be worth 25% of the final grade. Written assignments include three five-page course papers answering an essay prompt on each of the course themes worth 25% each. There will be no exams.
Prerequisites
4.0 credits, or 1.0 credit in POL/ JPA/ JPF/ JPI/ JPR/ JPS/ JRA courses