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1. Introduce different regime types and their resulting institutions in political systems.
2. Discuss theory regarding the stability of regimes and transitions from one regime type to another.
3. Include actual country examples of each regime type in terms of institutions, processes, political culture, historical/cultural context, and role of the people.
4. Discuss the role of the state and popular participation in political and economic development within countries.
5. Introduce the use of the comparative method by utilizing diverse historical, regional, cultural, political, environmental, and economic case studies.

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Identify the role of the state.
2. Distinguish among regime types and their central features.
3. Compare political systems, both in theory and with actual country examples.
4. Explain the impact of the regional, environmental, economic, historical and cultural factors on political behavior and institutions.
5. Analyze political systems by using the comparative method.

May include as appropriate:

In-class or take-home examinations
Research papers or projects
Written assignments
Analytical papers
Simulations
Oral presentations
Participation in class discussions and debates

Any college-level introduction to comparative politics textbook including, but not limited to

Barrington.  Comparative Politics: Structures and Choices.

Bozonelos et al. Introduction to Comparative Politics.

Drogus and Orvis.  Introducing Comparative Politics.

Hauss.  Comparative Politics: Domestic Responses to Global Challenges.

Kesselman. Krieger, Joseph.  Introduction to Comparative Politics.

Magstadt.  Nations and Government: Comparative Politics in Regional Perspective.

O’Neil.  Essentials of Comparative Politics.

Powell, Dalton and Strom.  Comparative Politics Today: A World View

Powell, Dalton and Strom.  Comparative Politics Today: A Theoretical Framework

Roskin. Countries and Concepts: Politics, Geography and Culture

Sodaro. Comparative Politics: A Global Introduction.

May also include supplementary materials such as, but not limited to, primary sources, readers, etc.