Course Description: Why do some countries become rich while others remain poor? When and why do we see the outbreak of political violence or even revolution? Where do nation-states come from and why do some states become democracies? Speaking of democracies, are they threatened by rising levels of nationalism and populism globally? This class introduces major analytical approaches in the field of comparative politics in order to better understand how and why political systems, and their problems, vary across the globe.

Course Objectives: At the completion of this course, students will:

1. Understand the interplay of political culture and institutions,
2. Be familiar with leading debates and topics of inquiry in comparative politics,
3. Be familiar with the political systems of several important global states,
4. Be able to consider the potential political consequences of different events,
5. Have experience applying abstract theoretical concepts to empirical cases,
6. Be able to form arguments on political issues backed by logical reasoning and appropriate evidence.
7. Be able to research, analyze, and synthesize political issues.

Syllabus: Intro to Comparative, Spring 2026

Last Taught Spring 2026