POLS& 204 - Comparative Government

Credits: 5
A comparative analysis of politics and types of governing systems around the globe (e.g., democratic, authoritarian, theocratic, parliamentary, presidential). Examines power relationships (e.g., race, ethnicity, religion, sex) and citizen rights. Explores and analyzes the political issues and problems in their international, historical, economic, and cultural contexts.

Enrollment Requirement: Eligible for ENGL& 101 or instructor consent.

Satisfies Requirement: Social Science and Diversity

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Describe selected political systems in the world.
Demonstrate command of key concepts and theories used in the study of comparative politics.
Employ the basic methodologies for carrying out comparative politics research and analysis.
Understand the power relationships (e.g., race, ethnicity, religion, sex) within the differing political systems.
Demonstrate competence in understanding political cultural differences across the globe.

Program Outcomes
Demonstrate knowledge of politics and government in the United States and/or across the world.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.