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Academic Year 2000/2001

Democracy in Comparative Perspective
GOVT 289 FA

This course uses cross-national comparisons to analyze the emergence, functioning and breakdown of democratic political institutions. Alternative conceptions of democracy will be considered, but this is not a course in democratic theory. The primary focus will be instead on how representative liberal democracy functions in different political systems; on whether there may be social-structural, cultural or institutional requisites for this type of democracy; on the conditions under which such democracies tend to give way to authoritarian forms of rule; and on forces that promote the reemergence and consolidation of representative democracy after authoritarian interludes.

MAJOR READINGS

To be announced.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two short (5-7 pp) papers, final examination.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed DROP/ADD form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-26-2001

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