111. Introduction to American Politics. (4). (SS).
This is a broad survey of government and politics in the United States
which explores a wide range of topics including elections, interest groups,
the presidency, Congress, and the courts. The kinds of questions considered
might include the following: What impact do interest groups have on governmental
policy? Are there real differences between the two major political parties?
What accounts for swings in voting behavior and election outcome from one
time to another? How do members of Congress decide how to vote? In what
ways do presidents and bureaucrats affect public policies? This is not a
comprehensive list but suggests the kinds of issues that are discussed in
this course. There are two lectures and two discussion section meetings
each week. There is generally a midterm, a final examination, and some other
written work. Cost:2 WL:1 (Kingdon)
140. Introduction to Comparative Politics. (4). (SS).
This course examines how democracy evolves and functions in different
settings. We start with the emergence of democracy in Western Europe, examining
the factors that give rise to it and help it survive. We then examine the
origins of fascism in Germany and Japan; and the rise of communism in Russia
and China, attempting to understand why these alternatives to democracy
flourished in those settings - and why they later collapsed. This leads
to an analysis of the current struggle between reformers and hardliners
over the move to market economies and liberal democracy in Russia, China,
and Eastern Europe. Finally, we examine the probable evolution of democracy
in advanced industrial societies. In addition to two lectures, there are
two meetings a week in relatively small discussion sections, designed to
encourage active discussion of these topics. Cost:3 WL:1 (Inglehart)
160. Introduction to World Politics. (4). (SS).
The primary purpose of this beginning course is to expose the student
to the core questions that should be asked at any beginning of the study
of international politics. Who are the major actors in international affairs?
What kind of order exists in relations among nations? What mechanisms exist
for change? What regularities exist in the behavior of actors toward one
another that give shape and direction to the system? We shall try to get
at some of the questions raised by using three of the major approaches students
in the field utilize to select the behaviors they wish to study. One approach
is to study the process of decision-making in foreign policy. Another approach
is to study the effects that differences in national growth have on the
politics among nations. A third way is to study the way the international
system constrains the actions of individuals and groups. The major elements
of the course are contained in four sets of lectures. (1) The decision-making
approach; (2) effects of national growth on international politics; (3)
problems and consequences of different types of international systems; (4)
global trends in contemporary world politics including such topics as imperialism,
neocolonialism, international economics and interdependence, developed-developing
world relations, international organizations, and the limits to growth.
There will be one, possibly two, exams during the term, plus a final. Other
requirements may include a 12-15 page essay and such additional assignments
as may be made by individual section leaders. Cost:3 WL:1 and 4 (Organski)