Comparative politics is a subfield within political science that seeks to understand why political outcomes vary across counties. Why are some countries more democratic than others? Why do some countries have more internal conflict than others? Why are some political systems more stable than others? Why does economic growth vary across countries? Why do public policies vary across countries? In this course, we will discuss how the scientific method is used to answer these questions, paying attention to the strengths and weaknesses of various methodological approaches. Comparative politics is a subfield with in political science that seeks to understand why political outcomes vary across counties. Why are some countries more democratic than others? Why do some countries have more internal conflict than others? Why are some political systems more stable than others? Why does economic growth vary across countries? Why do public policies vary across countries? In this course we will discuss how scientific methods are used to answer these questions, paying attention to the strengths and weaknesses of various methodological approaches.
Class attendance is required along with completing seminar readings.
Autumn 2024-2025
1/ A written take-home final exam (1/3 of the final note). The due date will be scheduled by the Administration between 10/12 and 16/12. We will be informed of the date later in the semester.
2/ A research paper (1/3 of the final note). Due 26/11
3/ Discussion section assignments (1/3 of the final note): Engagement with substantive readings reading assignments; Participation in discussion section; Dossier for draft research paper
Various chapters and articles will be assigned across the seminars