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Academic Year 2001/2002


Comparative Federalism
GOVT 279 SP

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.

MAJOR READINGS

W. Riker, FEDERALISM: ORIGIN, OPERATION, SIGNIFICANCE
THE FEDERALIST PAPERS
D. Elazar, EXPLORING FEDERALISM
R. Watts, COMPARING FEDERAL SYSTEMS
G. Smith, FEDERALISM: THE MULTI-ETHNIC CHALLENGE

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two 7-10 page papers, class presentations

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

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Pascal,Elizabeth   
Times: ..T.R.. 02:40PM-04:00PM;     Location: PAC136
Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 20)
SR. major: 7   Jr. major: 8
SR. non-major: 1   Jr. non-major: 2   SO: 2   FR:

Special Attributes:
Curricular Renewal:    Speaking, Writing
Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2002


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