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This course examines federalism as a political ideal, a system of territorial organization, and a strategy for managing intra-state ethnic conflict. At least half of the world's population currently lives in federal states and, despite warnings about the inherent instability of federalism, more states are choosing to adopt federalism or federal-type arrangements. Using a wide range of case studies, we will seek to understand the growing popularity of federalism as a means to organize the state. Afte r defining the nature and institutions of federalism, we will explore questions such as, Why do some federations, such as the U.S. remain stable, whereas others remain volatile or collapse? What is the relationship between federalism and democracy? How do federal systems manage ethnic or religious divisions? At the end of the course, we will look at new federal-type arrangements, such as the European Union.
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/Discussion
Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT Grading Mode: Graded
Prerequisites: NONE
Last Updated on MAR-19-2002
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459