Comparative Politics and Global Issues

The Rule of Law

Before we can make political comparisons and do so globally, a methodology has to be defined. To that end the student will meet the following learning objectives:

1. Define and discuss The Comparative Method
2. Understand and apply John Stuart Mill's Two Methods of Comparison
3. Learn, apply, and explain the varieties of methods in comparative politics

A Simplistic Example of a Scientific Analysis

Students will be able to define what is meant by the "State" and explain its nature as compared to the more generic form of the term state. As well the Udemy student will be able to explain the Treaty of Westphalia and the origins of the modern state. There will be a comparing and contrasting of Thomas Hobbes and Max Weber with respect to their observations on the Modern State System and Sovereignty. Finally, student will understand and be able to describe the reasons for the changes of the state system as a result of the 30 Years War in particular and war in general.

Students, after this less, should:

1. Understand the value of constitutions. Are there disadvantages to having a constitution and define the limits of the United States Constitution
2. Be able to define the checks and balances between the varying branches of government
3. Define the role of the various branches of government and of whom they consist
4. Understand compare and contrast the Presidential and Parliamentary systems
5. Understand, compare, and contrast a Unicameral vs. Bicameral legislature and the limits of written constitutions

Students completing this lesson will:

Define, compare, and contrast Totalitarian states with Authoritarian states

Research, review, and discuss substantially with your peers the pros and cons of Authoritarian and Totalitarian states. Do they approach one another over time?

Research and summarize the sources and trends of authoritarianism

Although emphasizing Oligarchy in America, this is applicable and discusses, on a global basis, government types and oligarchies. Upon completion opf this lecture, students will be able to:

Define bureaucracy

Understand what it means to depoliticize Bureaucracy

Discuss the pros and cons of outsourcing and privatizing government functions

Upon completion of this lecture, the student will be:

1. able to understand and discuss current global political issues including but not limited to current critical issues, the management of global commerce, and various responses to human induced climate change.
2. define what it means to be Conservative and Liberal in a political sense. Address in the Bulletin Board discussion how this applies to other countries in the world.
3. consider whether Christian democracy rises or falls as a society develops and modernizes. Understand the definition and history of Theocracy through and including its contemporary presence.
4. define, compare, and contrast Social democracy and Environmentalism from the perspective of Contemporary Mainstream Political Ideologies

Students upon completion of this lecture will be able to:

1. Review global public policies and data used to signify interest or assign priorities. Make political comparisons from data provided.
2. Understand the concepts of compromise and consensus and explain the pros and cons of political compromises.
3. Understand how control of the media (or support from the media) has an effect upon the political agenda and how political “sound bites” can sway the public and effect the agenda.

Understand the emerging concept of Multi-level Governments and their relationships

Understand the differences between Confederations vs. Federations

Understand the advantages and disadvantages between consensus and majoritarianism

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this lecture students should understand:

1. Understand the origins and history of voting with inclusion of other regions, nations, and states
2. Understand the reasoning behind development of the human development index (HDI) and comment on voter turnout’s relationship with the HDI
3. Define and demonstrate knowledge of “Gerrymandering
4. ”Define the chief problems associated with designing an electoral system such as the framers of any constitution may have faced. Make analogies or suggest other problems in countries now democratizing or revising their voting systems

Student completing this lecture will be able to:

1. In the context of the civil society and their effects on politics; research and understand social movements and the importance of activism

In the context of a representative democracy, demonstrate knowledge and an ability to discuss civil society and its relationship with government

In the context of a representative democracy, its civil society, and the prolific writings of political scientists, philosophers, and sociologists; demonstrate knowledge and an ability to discuss thoroughly origin, functions, and outcomes that proceed from civil society

Explain how political attitudes became formed

In the context of culture and increased diversity, explain the influence of culture on political institutions

Explain how political participation can be measured

Consider the following argument and then be able to debate your view. Are democracy, and its championing of individual rights in a society that continues to preserve disparities of caste, opportunity and prosperity, itself be the cause of increasing voter alienation and deteriorating voter participation in government and at the polls?

Explain political alliances and cleavages and their effect on the political process