Fall 2017 Political Science Courses

Cerritos  College

FALL  2019

POL 220:   COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT 
 

COURSE SYLLABUS (This is a tentative syllabus; there MAY be changes made to the assignments as the semester progresses. We will be incorporating materials from REVEL online.)

To Register on REVEL (beginning August 19) got to: https://console.pearson.com/enrollment/tjna5d

                                             

INSTRUCTOR: DR. SUNDAY P. OBAZUAYE   
OFFICE: Social Science Building Room 217 (SS-217)
PHONE: (562)860-2451 ext.2754
E-MAIL: sobazuaye@cerritos.edu  
OFFICE HOURS: M/W 12:30pm–1:30pm; and also by appointment

IN EVERY CLASS PERIOD BE PREPARED TO LEARN, RETAIN, AND SHARE (LRS)
 

COURSE DESCRIPTION, OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE
Comparative government is the study of various systems of government, differing political ideologies, and current political issues. It is also a method of analysis, a way to discover patterns of similarity and difference in national responses to common problems. This course will focus on the study of politics and the conflicts that ripple through political systems. The primary objective here is to take a critical look at a country’s quarrels and how they came to be. The course will cover some major issues, problems and trends in comparative politics from a contemporary perspective. We will study these topics in specific settings, so that you will learn about particular countries and their political systems at the same time as you are studying important issues and concepts. There will be frequent references to American politics and society from a comparative perspective throughout the course. Classes will consist of lecture and discussion centered on the assigned readings. Students are encouraged and expected to be active participants in the discussion of the assigned readings.
Transfer credit: CSU; UC

Recommendation: Satisfactory score on the English Placement Process or ENGL 52 with a grade of Credit or “C’ or higher and satisfactory completion of the Reading Placement Process or READ 54 with a grade of Credit or “C’ or higher.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  1. Students will be able to recognize the key terms used in comparative politics, as well as the nature of change as being integral to the study of comparative politics.
  2. Students will be able to differentiate the importance of political culture and recognize that social and economic factors affect the political culture in various political systems.
  3. Students will be able to compare and contrast the constitutions of various governments; distinguish between presidential and parliamentary forms of government; and differentiate the roles of the assembly and the executives in policymaking.
  4. Students will be able to recognize why and how the state has become increasingly important in providing various welfare services in different countries; differentiate between extraction, distribution, regulation and symbolic public policy; as well as distinguish between domestic and international policy by governments around the world.

INSTRUCTIONAL MODES AND STRATEGIES
Class lectures, discussions, occasional films/videos, group assignments, written assignments, class reports (by students), online multimedia activities on REVEL will be utilized.
 

COURSE MATERIALS
The following book is requiredfor this course, and is available in the Cerritos College Bookstore.

Powell, G. Bingham, et al Comparative Politics Today: A World View, 12th edition 2018, with REVEL Student Access Code Card. By Pearson. Package ISBN: 9780134640518


How to get the textbook:

Requiredcourse material is available ONLY in the Cerritos College bookstore as a package with REVEL access code card for $80

Suggested options:

  1. Buy only Access Code with eText directly from Pearson online for $69.99
  2. Buy Loose Leaf Textbook ONLY without Access Code from Pearson for $19.99

Useful Web Sites: United Nations (http://www.un.org/); MDG (http://www.undg.org/; http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/)

Students are encouraged to follow current political developments around the world. One way to do this is to read international news in the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and/or The Washington Post (Some of these are available in the Library and online). Another approach is to combine reading of periodicals such as The Nation, or The Economist, with nightly broadcasts from sources such as CNN, ABC News, National Public Radio, or the PBS News Hour with Jim Lehrer, and BBC World News.

For REVEL Technical Support:

If you encounter any issues, support materials are available at:
www.pearsonhighered.com/revel/students/support/index.html, including a call-in number: 855-875-1801.

If you forget your login information, go to the ​Forgot Username or Password link to retrieve your username or reset your password. Then, enter your email address and click continue. Check your email account for an email with the subject, "Pearson Username/Password Request." The message will contain all of the usernames that are found for that email address. Choose one account to use with REVEL. 

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Class Attendance: Students are encouraged to attend class and be prepared to discuss the readings. Attendance will constitute 50 points of your final grade. You are allowed ONE absence by the professor during the course of the semester. There will be 5 points deducted for each absence after the ONE ALLOWED.

Readings: Assigned readings should be completed before the class period in which they will be discussed. Lectures are meant to give general clarity to information you absorb from the textbook and other reading materials assigned.

Homework: (REVEL Media Assignments and Quizzes) There will be 10 chapter quizzes and each quiz is worth 10 points. You must score at least 70% on each chapter quiz in order to earn credit for the chapter. You are allowed to take a chapter quiz one time only.

Examination: The final exam will be comprehensive essay only and will be worth 100 points.

Group Learning Activities (GLA)
The class will be divided into groups for in-class group learning activities. GLAs are designed to foster cooperative learning among students. A student must be in class to participate and earn points for these activities. Each GLA is worth 5 points.

Report: There will be one group research paper assignment of 6-7 pages (not including bibliography page) required for this course. The research paper is worth 100 points due 11/13/19. The purpose of this assignment is to give students the opportunity to learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which is the commitment made by the world’s heads of State and Government to “End Poverty by 2030” by collectively taking responsibility to uphold the principles of human dignity, equality and equity at the global level. See www.un.org. Details will be announced in class.

 

The project will be graded as follows:

Part 1
Country profile (2-4 typed pages, double space, number pages, stapled). This is worth 25 points, due in class by Wednesday, 9/18/2019. (See Appendix)

Part 2
Thesis statement/outline/bibliography (2-3 typed pages, double space, number pages, stapled). This is worth 25 points, due in class by Wednesday, 10/9/2019.

Part 3
Final report (6-7 pages, typed, double space, number pages, stapled). This is worth 100 points, due in class by Wednesday, 11/13/2019. (See Appendix)

All reports must be typed, double-space, 12 point font, one-inch margins and stapled.

NOTE: If you need assistance to improve your writing skills, you may attend any one of the Writing Workshops (Language Arts Workshops) offered at the Cerritos College Student Success Center. (http://cms.cerritos.edu/sc/workshops.htm) 

 


MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS

Plagiarismis a form of academic dishonesty that is taken very seriously by the Cerritos College Faculty (Cerritos College General Catalog, page 33). Any attempt at plagiarizing will result in an automatic grade of “F” in the assignment involved.

Attendance: It is the student's responsibility to participate fully in class once enrollment is complete. However, should it become necessary to withdraw from class, it is the student's responsibility to present a signed drop card to the Admissions and Records Office before the deadline to drop. THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY OF WITHDRAWAL FALLS TO THE STUDENT. (See Fall 2019 Schedule of Classes Page 21 for withdrawal information).

Student Responsibility to Learn: I expect each student to take responsibility for their learning in this class. That means, you are first accountable to yourself and then to the instructor for your efforts in this class. Ask yourself, “Am I doing my very best to earnthe grade I desire from this class?” I look forward to assisting you in your learning but you must be willing to seek assistance. REMEMBER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR LEARNING AND GRADE IN THIS CLASS!!

The Honesty Code: Be honest with yourself so you can find the courage to succeed…

Disabilities Related Accommodations: It is my priority to provide on a flexible and individualized basis, reasonable accommodations to students who have documented disability conditions. Please let me know immediately or come to office hour if you have a disability for which special accommodations will be required.

International Students: It is my priority to provide on a flexible and individualized basis, reasonable accommodations to international students who are not familiar with the American political system. Please let me know immediately or come to office hour if you are an international student in this situation.

Veterans: It is my priority to provide, on a flexible and individualized basis, reasonable accommodations to students who are veterans. If you are a veteran please see me immediately after the orientation. “Veterans you have served us. Now we are here to serve you.” Please visit the Veteran’s Resource Center at: www.cerritos.edu/va  or go to VRC Building (Veteran’s Resource Center Building located near the Students Center and Bookstore) for available services designed specifically to help you succeed in college. 

Classroom Decorum: Students are encouraged to actively participate in class discussions by asking or answering questions during lectures; however, disturbances will not be tolerated. This includes private conversations and/or eating during class. I will enforce this rule for the benefit of all who are willing, committed, and determined to excel in this course.

There will be no eating, drinking, or chewing of gum allowed in this classroom.

Studentsare advised to turn off cell phones, pagers, and all other electronic devices EXCEPT FOR eText only, and when permitted by the professor for academic research purpose. Absolutely No Picture Taking and Recording is Allowed in the class without the professor’s permission.

Grades: Grades will not reflect a student’s political opinion in this course. However, I care about how you arrive at your conclusions, how you support your conclusions, and how well you understand other opinions.

STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO FORM STUDY GROUPS, AS THIS IS AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING.

Using the Syllabus: I reserve the right to make changes to this syllabus whenever it becomes necessary in order to foster students’ learning in this class.

 

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
  

Grades will be based on the following: (Tentative)

                      10 Chapter Exams (10 points each)    = 100 points
                      Final Exam                                         = 100 points
                      One Group Report                              = 100 points
                      Country Profile (Group)                      =   25 points
                      Thesis/outline/bibliography                 =   25 points
                      Class Attendance                                =   50 points
                      GLA                                                     =  TBD

                      Total                                                   = 400 points possible (Tentative)

Grading Scale:                      90 - 100 %  = A  =  360-400 points
                                              80 -  89 %   = B  =   320-357 points
                                              70 -  79 %   = C  =   280-317 points
                                              60 -  69 %   = D  =  240-277 points
                                              Below  60 %   =  F  = Below 238 points

See page 24 of Cerritos College General Catalog

  

Lecture, Reading, and Examination Schedule (Tentative)

Week one (8/21)
Syllabus; Register in REVEL (https://console.pearson.com/enrollment/tjna5d)
Students Intro; Groups/Research Topics
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Two (8/28)
Lecture #1
What is Comparative Politics?
Readings – Powell, et al Chapter 1
Homework: CHAPTER 1 Quiz
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Three (9/4)
Lecture #2
Comparing Political Systems
Readings – Powell, et al Chapter 2
Homework: CHAPTER 2 Quiz
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Four (9/11)
Lecture #3
Political Culture and Political Socialization
Readings – Powell, et al Chapter 3
Homework: CHAPTER 3 Quiz
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Five (9/18)
Lecture #4
Interest Groups and Political Parties
Readings – Powell, et al Chapters 4
Country Profile Due 
Homework: CHAPTER 4 Quiz
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Six (9/25)
Lecture #5
Government and Policymaking
Readings – Powell, et al chapter 5

Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Seven (10/2)
Lecture #6
Public Policy
Readings – Powell, et al chapter 6
Homework: CHAPTER 6 Quiz
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Eight (10/9)
Lecture #7
Politics in Britain
Readings – Powell, et al chapter 7
Thesis statement/outline/bibliography Due 
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Nine (10/16)
Lecture #8
Politics of Britain
Readings – Powell, et al chapter 7
Homework: CHAPTER 7 Quiz
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Ten (10/23)
Lecture #9
Politics in China
Readings – Powell, et al chapter 12
Homework: CHAPTER 12 Quiz
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Eleven (10/30)
Lecture #10
Politics in China
Readings – Powell, et al chapter 12 
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Twelve (11/6)
Lecture #11
Politics in Mexico
Readings – Powell, et al chapter 13
Homework: CHAPTER 1 Quiz
Second Research Workshop Report Due 
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Thirteen (11/13)
Lecture #12
Politics in Mexico
Readings – Powell, et al chapter 13 
Final Report Due 
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Fourteen (11/20)
Lecture #13
Politics in Iran
Readings – Powell, et al chapter 15
Homework: CHAPTER 15 Quiz
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Fifteen (11/27)
Lecture #14
Politics in Iran
Readings – Powell, et al chapter 15 
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Sixteen (12/4)
Politics in Nigeria
Readings – Powell, et al chapter 17
Homework: CHAPTER 17 Quiz
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Seventeen (12/11)
Review for final exam 
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)

Week Eighteen (12/18)
FINAL EXAM   6pm – 8pm

 

APPENDIX 

Guideline for Writing Country Profile

This 2 - 4 page country profile should be in narrative form, not a listing of facts. It should use section heads and be typed in double space format. The team should work together as a group on this project and it should reflect their knowledge of the country and their ability to communicate that knowledge clearly and concisely.

The profile should demonstrate that the team has a thorough understanding of the country, both within the United Nations and in the global political arena. The profile should provide an overview of the country including: general information regarding type of government and its relations with its citizens, regional neighbors, and the international community; the type of economy and basic indicators of its condition; type of military, its size, strength, and the government’s willingness and capacity to use military force; its recent political history and an analysis of the internal and/or external obstacles facing successful attainment of known political goals and policies; and any notable cultural aspects of the society.

Outline for Country Profile
(Cite all sources as footnotes (Chicago Style Manual) and all works consulted or researched in the List of References as a separate last page). 

Title Page -
* Graphic of Flag and Map of Country
* Team Members and Country Assignment
* Each Team member shall sign their name indicating their review and vetting of the information and strategy.  Signature lines will be included on the title page.
* Fundamentals:
     Gross Domestic Product
     GDP per capita
     Total Population and Median Age

Page 2 and Beyond:

Body of Country Profile -
A. Government|
    1. Type of government, noting if recently changed (type and the leadership), elections and how often they are held.
    2. Relations with citizens, regional neighbors, international community
B. Economy
    1. Type of economy
    2. Current state of the economy
    3. Major industry
    4. Level of imports/exports, and import and export partners
C. Military
    1. Types (army, navy, air force)
    2. Size, strength, and capacity
    3. Willingness and capacity to use military force
D. Culture (include only if notable items)
    1. Dominate religion and recent problems, if any
    2. Immigration or migration, recent problems if any
    3. Ethnic, tribal, race considerations
    4. Values
    5. Major concerns
E. Geography
    1. Absence or presence of important resource
    2. Land--locked or with natural harbors (political impact)
F. United Nations Policy (the most important section)
    1. Country voting bloc
    2. Level of Participation
    3. Relationship of UN policy to domestic and foreign policy goals
    4. Overall strategy in the UN

List of References
Note: This general profile should be the work of the entire team members with each member completing a portion. The most important portion of this profile is paragraph F-4. This section should receive the most attention in your research, as it will become the primary guide regarding your country’s role in achieving the SDG. It should also get a full paragraph in the profile specifically laying out what the country hopes to achieve and how they plan to do so. And you will not find this on a page in your research, it must be sifted out of the whole body of research work. The entire team needs to meet and discuss what each believes the goals and means to achieving those goals are. From this you will be able to assemble the last paragraph in your country profile. Remember - this document must be submitted in a coherent narrative form.