Description:

This course compares the different political structures of many of the world's most important countries, including economic development, patterns of government and administration, party structures and policy formation. 3 hrs. wk. or online.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Explain how and why comparative analysis is undertaken and the concepts and methods used in comparing different systems of governments including general approaches such as most similar systems” and most different systems” designs.
2. Discuss the common pitfalls of comparative political analysis including such problems as level of analysis, overgeneralization, the ecological fallacy, and ethnocentrism.
3. Explain the concept of political culture and the major differences in political cultures among important Western and non-Western political cultures and among developed and under-developed states.
4. Discuss constitutions as both a source of and a limitation on the power of the state.
5. Identify the major processes and functions common to all types of governments.
6. Compare and contrast the differing systems of government, their environment, and their policy-making processes.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Comparative Political Analysis
   A. Explain why we study comparative politics and the major methods used
in comparing different systems.
   B. Explain the importance of constitutions as both a source of and a
limitation on the power of the state.
   C. Discuss the interrelationship of political development and political
economy.
   D. Compare and contrast the different legislative structures, the
distribution of power within the legislature, and the relationship of the
legislature to other governmental institutions.
   E. Describe the role of the executive in presidential and parliamentary
systems of government.
   F. Compare and contrast the role of interest groups and political
parties in the formation of public policy and the distribution of
political power.
   G. Compare the different types of electoral systems and their effect on
political parties and democratic representation.
   H. Discuss the sources of political socialization and the development
of political attitudes.

II. Area Studies
   A. Compare and contrast the following for the governments of Great
Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Canada, Russia, Mexico and Nigeria:
      1. The political background and culture.
      2. The governmental structure and the distribution of power among
the major governmental branches.
      3. The role of political parties and electoral systems.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Grades will be based on a minimum of the following:

 1. Three exams stressing short essay written responses reflecting
understanding of the basic terms and concepts indicated in the above
course objectives.
 2. One class discussion leadership project displaying the ability to
verbally interpret and discuss an important issue in state government.
 3. One paper indicating the ability to research and analyze an important
state or local government issue.

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.