Introduction to the central questions in, comparative politics. Fundamental differences in, the organization of states, democratic political, institutions (presidentialism versus, parliamentarianism, for example), and domestic, social forces (for example, social capital, ethnic, versus nonethnic identities). The impact of, political organization on economic performance and, social peace.
- Teacher: Benjamin Gaskins
The role of public opinion in the American, political process; the problem of identifying the, public and the extent to which this public, exercises political authority; techniques of, researching public opinion. Political, socialization, formation of attitudes, group, differences, mass opinion, elite opinion, direct, action. Research design, data collection, scaling,, analysis, and interpretation of data in the, context of research on polling.
- Teacher: Benjamin Gaskins
Measuring religiosity and how or if religious, participation affects political participation. The, role of the church as a political institution., Religious leaders as political leaders. Emphasis, on religion in American politics.
- Teacher: Benjamin Gaskins
Advanced seminar focusing on problems and concepts, in comparative politics. Specific content varies;, examples of topics include state failure and civil, war, electoral competition and legislative, behavior, migration and integration, institutional, design, and ethnicity and nationalism. Assignments, are organized around a substantial seminar paper, (25 pages or longer).
- Teacher: Leah Gilbert