PSCI 440(F) Senior Seminar in Comparative Politics: Major Theories of Political Change and Difference
Influential works in comparative politics from Aristotle and Ibn Khaldun to contemporary writings. The list also includes writings by Smith, Marx and Engels, Weber, Mancur Olson, Theda Skocpol, Robert Putnam, Bruce Porter, and James Scott. Although the fundamental preoccupation of most of this literature is "the rise of the West," along the way we also consider theories about "national character," imperialism, why revolutions happen, the social and institutional bases of markets and democracy, and the problematic global march of political "modernity." Requirements: weekly 2-page papers and a 10- to 12-page final essay. Political Science honors students may elect to write a final paper that ties course readings to their thesis topic. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. Enrollment limited to 15. Intended mainly for advanced Political Science majors with a concentration in comparative politics. Other advanced Division II majors are welcome, space permitting.