Comparative Politics 215 Fall 2016
Ricardo Salas, Instructor M/W 1:20p-2:45p
Office Hr: 10:00a-11:30a, MW, Rm 1320-5 Rm 1427
Ph. 992-7525, e-mail: Sec. 11139
Website: http://staffwww.fullcoll.edu/rsalas
Syllabus
Comparative politics is in the state of flux; that is, the field is dynamic, an ever-changing area of study that has evolved and continues to do so. As such, students are hard pressed to establish a precise understanding of the subject since it encompasses such a broad area. In fact, there are no clear-cut and straight forward approaches to learning the essentials of comparative politics. The field's primary concern is to compare political systems from one another. How this comparison is achieved depends upon the method or approach of each individual author.
Realizing that this is an introductory course, knowing that most students have never been exposed to the study of comparative politics, I have made an effort to select more easily accessible readings. These readings will introduce students with the essentials of comparative theory including and applying them to a broad array of political systems today.
Do not let the readings intimidate you. See them as a challenge that will serve to develop your overall knowledge and intellectual skills. During lecture, the instructor will elaborate and clarify the more complicated areas cited by the authors.
BOOK
One book is required for the course, Kesselman, Krieger, & Joseph's "Introduction to Comparative Politics (7th Edition)," ISBN: 978-1-285-86533-1. Students have a number of options for accessing the book. They can purchase it at the Fullerton College Bookstore, buy an e-book at CourseSmart, http://www.coursesmart.com/ or rent a book OnLine.
A Study Guide will also be required, designed by the instructor, to assist students in preparing for each examination. This study guide can be down-loaded from my website as well as my syllabus.
Course Objectives (Student Learning Outcomes): At the conclusion of this course students will be able to
1. Understand the theories and philosophical principles that are applied in the study of different political systems.
2. Apply those theories and philosophical principles to the evolution of the comparative politics.
3. Become familiar with the workings of the major institutions that comprise government, the role of interest groups, and public policy outcomes.
4. Identify some of the critical periods in the evolution of the field of comparative politics.
As part of Student Learning Outcomes there will be an assessment quiz provided that will require students to use SCANTRON FORM 815-E. The instructor will notify students when the quiz will take place. Students will bring the Scantron Form 815-E to class on the day of the assessment quiz. The results of the quiz will be calculated into a student’s final grade.
SCANTRON FORM 883E
Students must immediately purchase 5 Scantron forms 883-E at the bookstore. Do not write your name on the Scantron forms. Scantron forms will be given to the instructor prior to an exam. These Scantron forms will later be returned to students since they are used to take each of the exams throughout the semester. Students must submit undamaged usable Scantron Forms prior to an examination either in class or during the instructor’s office hours (the instructor does not accept Scantron forms in class on the day of the exam). Be sure to bring a no. 2 pencil with an eraser on the day of a scheduled exam.
EXAMINATIONS
During the examination, students are not to talk with one another. Raise your hand and pose your question directly to the instructor. If a cell phone goes off during the examination, the guilty student will be deducted 5% from their exam grade.
No dictionaries, notes, or electronic devices may be used during an exam. Desks must remain clear except for the exam, Scantron form and a number 2 pencil. Any student who looks at other exams, talks during the exam, or fails to follow the instructor's directives will receive a zero grade and could be reported for further disciplinary action.
Reminder: The Comprehensive Final will replace either a missed exam or the poorest grade on an exam.
Final grades will be tabulated as follows:
Examination 1 20% Sep. 12
" 2 20% Oct. 3
" 3 20% Oct. 24
" 4 20% Nov. 9
“ 5 20% Dec. 7
Comp. Final 20% Dec. 5 (Replaces the exam with the worst score).
COMPREHENSIVE FINAL
A Comprehensive Final is available that will encompass material from the first 4 Exams. It is an optional exam for students trying to improve their final grade by replacing a missed exam or the poorest grade from the first 4 exams. If a student decides to take this final, he/she will have to provide the instructor 1 more Scantron Form 883E.
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION
A student is allowed 6 tardies or 4 absences before being penalized. If a student needs to leave class early, notify the instructor prior to class (unless there is an emergency). Early exits will be cited as an absence and a violation of the participation policy. After the sixth tardy a student will receive a 1% deduction for each additional tardy for violating the participation policy. After the fourth absence, a student will receive a 1.5% deduction for each additional absence for violating the participation policy.
If a student arrives 20 minutes late to class, it will count as an absence for violating the participation policy.
The last day to drop classes is Nov. 13th. If a student plans on dropping the class, it is critical for such a student to follow the procedures stipulated by Admissions & Records. By following the proper procedures, a student will receive a "W" grade. Not following the proper procedures will result in a student receiving an "F" grade.
Disciplinary Policy
Designated seating is at the instructor's discretion. If any student refuses to sit where the instructor has directed, the student will be dismissed from the class. Any disruptive behavior that interferes with the ability to instruct the class will not be tolerated and security will quickly be notified with a report being filed with the disciplinary dean. Seating charts are standard for my classes.
Talking during lecture: If any student/students talk during lecture without permission, the student will be dismissed from the class and moved to a new seating location if deemed necessary.
Lap Top Computers, Cel Phones & other electronic devices
During a regular class lecture, cell phones, computers, & other electronic devices can be used for note-taking. If a cell phone alarm goes off during lecture, the student will be excused for the day. During an examination, if a student views or answers a cell phone, the student will receive a zero per cent for their exam score.
Talking during an examination/looking at another student's examination will result in a zero grade and an immediate report will be made to the disciplinary dean. All questions during a test are to be directed to the instructor by raising your hand.
A student who refuses to adhere to the instructor's directives will be dismissed from the class and a report will be submitted contacted to the disciplinary dean.
Aug. 22 Introduction to the course
24 Kesselman, pgs. 2-11: "Global Challenge...."
29 Kesselman, pgs. 11-16: "Themes for Comparative Analysis."
31 Kesselman, pgs. 16-18: “The Democratic Idea
Sep. 5 Holiday-Labor Day
7 Kesselman, pgs. 18-23: The Politics of Collective Identities
Preparation for Examination 1
12 Examination 1 (Bring a No. 2 pencil)
14 Kesselman, pgs. 37-43: "The Making of the Modern British State."
19 Kesselman, pgs. 43-45: "New Labour’s Third Way."
Kesselman, pgs. 45-48: “The Four Themes & Britain.”
21 Kesselman,pgs. 55-59, "Governance Policy-Making.”
Kesselman, pgs. 63-68, “Representation & Participation."
26 Kesselman, pgs. 68-72: "Elections."
Kesselman, pgs. 73-78: "British Politics in Transition."
28 Preparation for Exam 2
Oct. 3 Examination 2 (Bring a no. 2 pencil)
5 Kesselman, pgs. 126-132: "The Making of the Modern German State."
10 Kesselman, pgs. 133-139: "A Divided Germany."
12 Kesselman, pgs. 139-148: "Political Economy & Development."
17 Kesselman, pgs. 149-153: "Governance & Policy-Making."
Kesselman, pgs. 155-156: “The Judiciary.”
19 Kesselman, pgs. 157-164: "Representation & Participation."
Preparation for Exam 3
24 Examination 3 (Bring a Number 2 pencil)
26 Kesselman, pgs. 220-230: "The Making of the Modern Japanese State."
31 Kesselman, pgs. 231-238: "Political Economy & Development--Japan."
Nov. 2 Kesselman, pgs. 239-244: "Governance & Policy-Making--Japan."
Kesselman, pgs. 248-252: "Representation & Participation."
Nov. 7 Kesselman, pgs. 258-263: "Japanese Politics in Transition.
Preparation for Exam 4
9 Examination 4 (Bring A No. 2 Pencil)
14 Kesselman, pgs. 642-647: Making Modern Chinese State
Nov. 13 is the Last Day to Drop to Receive a “W” Grade.
16 Kesselman, pgs. 647-653: Mao in Power
21 Kesselman, pgs. 653-660: Political Economy & Development
. 23 Kesselman, pgs. 661-666: Governance Policymaking Participation.
Thanksgiving Holidays-Nov 24-27
28 Kesselman, pgs. 668-671: “The Policy-Making Process
Kesselman, pgs. 672: “Elections”
30 Kesselman, pgs. 678-681: “Chinese Politics in Transition.”
Preparation for Exam 5
Dec. 5 Comprehensive Final
7 Examination 5
Scale for Determining Final Grade
A 90% to 100%
B 80% to 89%
C 65% to 79%
D 52% to 64%
F 0% to 51%
A:SCP21516
5