POLS229Spring2023Syllabus

docx

School

University of Texas *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

410

Subject

Political Science

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by qinicki

POLS 229-501 Introduction to Comparative Politics Spring 2023 T, TH 11:10-12:25 BLOCKER 102 Instructor: Alexander Pacek Office: 3059 Allen Building Office Phone: 979-845-3229 Email: a-pacek@tamu.edu Office Hrs.: W 1:30-3:00 and by appointment ( in person or via Zoom by request ) I. PURPOSE OF COURSE Comparative Politics is considered one of the more confusing subfields of political science, in part because it seems to overlap with other subfields such as International Relations, American Politics, and Public Policy. While this is the case, Comparative Politics is indeed its own field of inquiry with a rich history and unique set of approaches to the study of politics. This is not a course about the politics of specific countries. Rather, you should consider it a more general course about differences and similarities across and within countries, and (a) why those differences and similarities exist, and (b) what they mean, e.g. their consequences. The purpose of this introductory course is to familiarize you with a broad view of the subfield, the major issue-areas and questions raised, and hopefully spur your interest to further explore what it means to investigate important political issues across regions of the world, countries, and regions within countries. II. REQUIRED TEXT (a). Orvis, Stephen, and Carol Ann Drogus. 2021. Introducing Comparative Politics: Concepts and Cases in Context, 5 th edition. Washington, D.C.: CQ Press You may purchase the book at any location you choose, and purchase an Ebook version if you prefer.

III. CANVAS There is a “shell” for this course on TAMU Canvas, and most of the information for this course will be available there. In particular pay attention to “ANNOUNCEMENTS” where I will post the following: 1. Discussion slides for the material prior to each class. 2. Posted video versions of classes that I may not have been able to be there in person for (illness, jury duty, conference travel, etc.) Here is the link: https://canvas.tamu.edu/courses/190199 IV. PACKBACK Packback Questions Participation is a requirement for this course, and the Packback Questions platform will be used for online discussion about class topics. Packback Questions is an online community where you can be fearlessly curious and ask open-ended questions to build on top of what we are covering in class and relate topics to real-world applications. Packback Requirements: Your participation on Packback will count toward 10% of your overall course grade . There will be a Weekly Monday at 11:59PM CST deadline for submissions. In order to receive full credit , you should submit the following per each deadline period: l 1 open-ended Question every week with a minimum Curiosity Score of 60, worth 33.33% of each assignment grade l 2 Responses every week with a minimum Curiosity Score of 60, worth 66.67% of each assignment grade How to Register on Packback: Note: Only access Packback through Canvas in order to ensure your grades sync properly 1. Click “Packback” within Canvas to access the community. 2. Follow the instructions on your screen to finish your registration. 3. In order for your grade to be visible in Canvas , make sure to only access Packback via Canvas .

Packback may require a paid subscription. Refer to www.packback.co/product/pricing for more information. How to Get Help from the Packback Team: If you have any questions or concerns about Packback throughout the semester, please read their FAQ at help.packback.co . If you need more help, contact their customer support team directly at help@packback.co. For a brief introduction to Packback Questions and why we are using it in class, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV7QmikrD68 Packback due dates: Questions/responses are due on Monday, before Midnight. February 6, 13, 20, 27 March 6, 20, 27 April 3, 10, 17, 24 V. EXPECTATIONS Attendance : Attending class is an individual student responsibility. While you do not receive a grade simply for showing up, you will do better if you attend regularly. Students are accountable for the material covered in class whether they are present or not. Questions . I encourage students to ask questions. All of you have thoughts and opinions that count. While I encourage open discussion, I do not want a situation where only a handful of students dominate class discussions, and others do not feel comfortable asking or answering questions. For those of you eager to engage in discussion over issues discussed, please know I am more than happy to continue the conversation outside the classroom!

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Notetaking : Taking notes is an individual student responsibility. Relying on friends or helpful strangers for notes is not the same as being present and engaged to take notes yourself. Note that I will post Power Point slides prior to each discussion on Canvas in order to make it easier and less confusing for students to follow the flow of discussion; these are largely outlines and not substitutes for notes. Laptops are fine to use for notetaking. Please try to avoid in-class distractions: Because this is a large class some common courtesies will improve everyone’s learning experience. Please turn off your cell phone, put away the newspaper, and refrain from talking with your neighbors. These activities distract you, me, and your classmates. If you have an incoming call that is important, you are welcome to temporarily leave class to take the call. Regularly check university email: From time to time I will communicate with the class as a whole via email. It is your responsibility to check your university email (@tamu.edu) regularly. I will be communicating with the class through EITHER Canvas or Howdy where I will post any announcements. A note about email: One of the best ways to reach me is via email: a- pacek@tamu.edu. Please include the class number (POLS 229) in the subject line of your email. Give me 24-48 hours to respond. Keep in mind that an email to your professor is professional correspondence. VI. GRADING POLICY There will be three exams consisting of multiple choice questions based on the reading and lectures/class discussions. Questions will be balanced between class discussion and reading materials. NOTE: A review session for each exam will be distributed to the class via email several days before the exam. EXAMS WILL BE IN PERSON: Students are required to bring their own gray (large) scantron sheet and a #2 pencil to each exam. Each exam will cover material from roughly a third of the course. The exams will NOT be cumulative. I will work with those who might be exempt from in-person exams.

IF the university moves us online, exams will be done via Canvas. I will have more on this, IF the situation changes. Makeup exams are handled on a case by case basis, but I am happy to give them. Final grades will be calculated as follows: Exam 1 = 30% Exam 2 = 30% Exam 3 = 30% Packback Participation = 10% Grades for each exam will be posted on Canvas. I will of course be available to discuss exam grades with any student who wishes to, after each exam. A quick note on final grading: 1. I will DROP the lowest exam score for each of you. 2. I grade on improvement. If your final cumulative grade is “borderline” (say, an 89, 79, etc.) if you show improvement across the exams, you will get the “higher” grade. VII. COURSE OUTLINE January 17 Introduction January 19, 24 Background Concepts and Theories Chapter 1, Chapter 2

*NOTE: I have a jury summons January 24, so this session will be recorded and posted on Canvas, unless I am released from service/service not required. January 26, 31 Political Culture and Socialization Chapter 4 February 2, 7, 9, 14 Democracies: Political Parties and Institutions Chapter 5, Chapter 6 (pp. 244-270) February 16 Exam 1 February 21, 23, 28, March 2 Democracies: Mass Participation, Conventional and Unconventional Chapter 6 (pp. 271-305), Chapter 7 March 7, 9 Democracies: Public Policy Chapter 10, Chapter 12 March 13-17 SPRING BREAK March 21 Exam 2 March 23, 28, 30, April 4, 6, 11 Authoritarian Systems: Distinguishing Features Chapter 3 (pp. 95-120), Chapter 8 April 13, 18, 20, 25 Democratization and Democratic Backsliding: Causes, Patterns and Trends Chapter 9

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Class will not meet April 27 May 4 Exam 3 3:00-5:00 PM IV. Required Statements Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policy Statement The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services, in Cain Hall, Room B118, or call 845-1637. For additional information visit http://disability.tamu.edu . Voluntary Diversity Syllabus Statement The Department of Political Science supports the Texas A&M University commitment to diversity, and welcomes individuals from any racial, ethnic, religious, age, gender, sexual orientation, class, disability, and nationality. (See http://diversity.tamu.edu/ ). In the spirit of this vital commitment, in this course each voice in the classroom has something of value to contribute to all discussions. Everyone is expected to respect the different experiences, beliefs and values expressed by fellow students and the instructor, and will engage in reasoned discussion that refrains from derogatory comments about other people, cultures, groups, or viewpoints. Course Materials: The handouts used in this course are copyrighted. By “handouts” I mean all materials generated for this class, which include but are not limited to syllabi, quizzes, exams, lab problems, in class materials, review sheets, etc. Because these are copyrighted, you do not have the right to copy the handouts unless I expressly grant permission. Plagiarism: As commonly defined, plagiarism consists of passing off as one’s own the ideas, words, writings, etc., which belong to another. In accordance with the definition,

you are committing plagiarism if you copy the work of another person and turn it in as your own, even if you should have the permission of the person. Plagiarism is one of the worst academic sins, for the plagiarist destroys the trust among colleagues without which research cannot be safely communicated. If you have any questions regarding plagiarism, please consult the Aggie Honor System Office website ( http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor ) or the latest version of the Texas A&M University Student Rules, under the section “Scholastic Dishonesty.” Students should be made aware that academic dishonesty involves acts other than plagiarism. Title IX and Statement on Limits to Confidentiality Texas A&M University and the College of Liberal Arts are committed to fostering a learning environment that is safe and productive for all. University policies and federal and state laws provide guidance for achieving such an environment. Although class materials are generally considered confidential pursuant to student record policies and laws, University employees — including instructors — cannot maintain confidentiality when it conflicts with their responsibility to report certain issues that jeopardize the health and safety of our community. As the instructor, I must report (per Texas A&M System Regulation 08.01.01) the following information to other University offices if you share it with me, even if you do not want the disclosed information to be shared: Allegations of sexual assault, sexual discrimination, or sexual harassment when they involve TAMU students, faculty, or staff, or third parties visiting campus. These reports may trigger contact from a campus official who will want to talk with you about the incident that you have shared. In many cases, it will be your decision whether or not you wish to speak with that individual. If you would like to talk about these events in a more confidential setting, you are encouraged to make an appointment with the Student Counseling Service ( https://scs.tamu.edu/ ). Students and faculty can report non-emergency behavior that causes them to be concerned at http://tellsomebody.tamu.edu . V. Learning Outcomes To examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods, social structures, and cultures To use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories. To analyze the effects of historical, social, political, economic, cultural, and global forces on the area under study

To understand the relationships among the economic, social, political, environmental, and symbolic systems of societies To analyze differences and commonalities across cultures To compare and contrast human behaviors in different cultural contexts IV. COVID-19 and the Spring 2023 semester 1. As you are of course aware, TAMU is planning on a normal in-person Spring 2023 semester. President Banks has indicated that could change depending on conditions, so I encourage you to keep up with and monitor developments. 2. As you also are aware, the state has prohibited requiring vaccinations and masks. I would encourage you to discuss vaccinations with a health care provider you trust if you are unvaccinated, and have questions about the vaccines. I would encourage you to wear a mask if you feel comfortable doing so. Most of all, I would request that everyone please respect the decision of everyone else. 3. There will be nearly 300 people in our class, and the possibility of folks getting sick is very real. If you get sick, are having symptoms of COVID, or test positive, PLEASE stay home and do not worry about missing class. I realize quarantining for 10-14 days is not fun and is stressful, but I will happily work with each of you to make sure you keep on track or get caught up. Your health comes first, and should you get sick (or need to take care of a family member, friend, etc. who gets sick, that is your number 1 priority). If I get sick, I will follow the CDC and TAMU recommendations to quarantine. I will do my best to keep in communication with you, and that might include temporarily shifting lectures online for me. I am hoping this does not happen. 4. The TAMU Covid Dashboard has a wealth of information about where and how to get tested, where to get vaccinated, what to do if you test positive, and much more. I encourage you to take advantage of this resource, if just for its information. https://www.tamu.edu/coronavirus/dashboard/index.html 5. We are still in a period of great uncertainty regarding new and future Covid variants and what impact they might have here. Plan for flexibility, in case conditions change dramatically. At this point I do NOT expect us to shift online, but should that happen, I will do my best to make the transition as seamless and painless as possible for you.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version