Comparative Politics – PSCI 600
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
This course provides comparative frameworks for alternative models of politics, government, international relations, and statesmanship. Students will compare not only the American system of government and politics to other systems, but also examine the key philosophical and theoretical influences of these various systems, particularly in light of a Biblical perspective on government, politics, and statesmanship.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
This course provides a study and foundation in comparative politics and the study of governing structures and models. As such, it plays an important role in producing well-rounded pubic administration and public policy programs and prepares students with a nuanced understanding of the forces that shape the governing and public policy process.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and lecture presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (3)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be 400–500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. Each thread must also include 1 unique, relevant scholarly reference and 1 scriptural reference. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 250–300 words. All sources must be cited in current APA format.
Research Paper: Comparative Approach Assignment
The student will write 5–7 pages for a research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on the comparative approach employed in comparative politics. The paper must include at least 3 scholarly references in addition to the course textbooks, assigned readings, and the Bible.
Research Paper or Presentation: Comparative Process Assignment
The student will create a paper or presentation examining the comparative process. If the student chooses to submit a paper, it must be 5–7 pages written in current APA format and must include at least 3 scholarly references in addition to the course textbooks, assigned readings, and the Bible. If the student chooses to submit a presentation, he or she will create either a PowerPoint presentation with audio or a creative video. The presentation must include 9–10 minutes of student-spoken audio and incorporate at least 3 scholarly references in addition to the course textbooks, assigned readings, and the Bible.
Research Paper: Political Economy Assignment
The student will write a 5–7-page research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on the topic of political economy. The paper must include at least 3 scholarly references in addition to the course textbooks, assigned readings, and the Bible.
Research Paper or Presentation: Final Assignment
The student will create a presentation or a paper that focuses on the comparative ideas and characteristics of constitutions. If the student chooses to submit a paper, it must be 5–7 pages written in current APA format and must include at least 3 scholarly references in addition to the course textbooks, assigned readings, and the Bible. If the student chooses to submit a presentation, he or she will create either a PowerPoint presentation with audio or a creative video. The presentation must include 10–12 minutes of student-spoken audio and incorporate at least 3 scholarly references in addition to the course textbooks, assigned readings, and the Bible.
Quiz: Authoritarianism
The Quiz: Authoritarianism will cover the assigned readings for the Module: Week in which it is assigned. The Quiz will be open-book/open-notes and contain 5 multiple-choice and 5 corresponding essay questions. Each essay answer question will require a well-reasoned explanation of the analysis the student employed in reaching his or her multiple-choice answer. The Quiz will have a time limit of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
