Course 2015-2016 a.y.

Course Objectives

The course provides an in-depth overview of the scientific study of political phenomena, in democratic and authoritarian regimes. In addition, the course presents the fundamental concepts in philosophical political theory, giving special attention to the themes of democracy and of citizenship.

Course Content Summary

• The state: contractarian vs. predatory view of the state.
• Political regimes: democracy and dictatorship.
• Varieties of dictatorship.
• Economic growth under dictatorship and democracy.
• Economic development and democracy.
• Cultural determinants of democracy.
• Transitions to democracy.
• Breakdown of democratic regimes and authoritarian reversals.
• Two visions of democracy: majority control vs. proportionate influence.
• Varieties of democracy: electoral systems.
• Political parties.
• Varieties of democracy: parliamentary vs presidential.
• Prime ministers and policy in parliamentary systems.
• Presidents and policy in presidential systems.
• The fragility of presidential systems.
• Federalism.
• Corruption.
• Clientelism.
• Ethnicity and politics.

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

For attending students:

• a midterm (worth 50% of the grade) covering the first half of the program, and a final (worth 50% of the grade) covering the second half of the program.

For non-attending students:

• a cumulative final exam covering the entire program.

Textbooks

• Clark, Golder ,Goder. Principles of Comparative Politics, 2nd Edition.

Prerequisites