Spring 2021  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics Around the World (50228)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (51 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
Class Notes:
This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL1054+Spring2021
Class Description:
Why are some countries democratic while others are authoritarian? Why do seemingly parochial identities such as race, ethnicity and religion continue to play a powerful role in modern politics? What accounts for the variation in the prevalence of civil wars and other forms of political violence across countries? Why are some countries still plagued by poverty and underdevelopment? This introductory course in comparative politics will provide you with the skills and knowledge to answer these and other intriguing questions in world politics. You will be able to recognize, understand and explain the variation in political systems, which includes political institutions, processes, behavior, culture and outcomes, across countries. Students will be introduced to terminology, concepts, issues and approaches that would provide the foundation for upper division courses in political science. They will read some of the classic and path-breaking works and will be familiarized with cutting-edge research in the discipline.
Grading:
Three In-class assignments: 12%
Four homework assignments: 28%
Two individual/group research assignments: 40%
Class Participation: 20%
Class Format:
60% Lecture
20% Film/Video
20% Discussion
Workload:

https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50228/1213

Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
6 November 2016

ClassInfo Links - Spring 2021 Political Science Classes

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