SIS-672 Frameworks of Comparative and Regional Studies (3)

This course introduces students to the dominant theories, concepts and debates in comparative politics and related fields. It includes research on state formation, political and economic development, nationalism, democratization, and revolution. The course explores some of the broad theoretical approaches scholars take to understand and explain political outcomes, including cultural, economic, historical, and institutional theories. Students read and critically discuss a range of comparative scholarship, including work that analyzes outcomes across regions and countries, and within states. They are introduced to various methodologies of comparative analysis and how those methodologies are used to describe and analyze important historical and contemporary international affairs issues. The course guides students in the analysis and comparison of complex political processes and the writing of clear, well-argued expository essays. Usually Offered: fall.