POLS 260 - Comparative Politics

1 - 3 variable Credit Hours

This course is designed for two purposes. First, to prepare students for the opportunities available through participation in Model United Nations, a nationwide collegiate program, which involves students in a mock session of the United Nations, with them representing delegations from different countries and participating in debates about that country and international affairs generally. Second, to introduce students to comparative politics, by leading them through a consideration of the governments and political cultures of different countries. As such, there are at least two outcomes, which all who take this course should expect: first, to develop a basic familiarity with the United Nations, and with the sort of issues, which nations around the world seek to address through it; and second, a basic familiarity with some of the many national governmental and economic systems around the world, as well something about the social and cultural environments which sustain those systems. In order to accomplish the second aim, this course will also help students develop a knowledge of fundamental theories, which make it easier for people to analyze national and international issues from a comparative perspective.

Students who are taking POLS 260, Comparative Politics, as a requirement or an elective within the History & Politics, International Business, or the History, Government, Social Studies Education majors are required to take the course for the full 3 credit hours. The 1 credit hour option exists for students who wish to participate in the Model UN program and need to earn some credit for doing so, but otherwise are not completing the second half of the course.

Every other spring