Course Descriptions

POS 205 - Comparative Political Systems

3 Credits

This course provides an overview of the analytical concepts and tools used to comparatively study various political systems, cultures, and economies. This includes the descriptive and analytical examination of political systems generally classified as democratic, non-democratic, undergoing transition, and their respective cultures and economies. Particular attention is paid to formal political institutions and political processes, current leadership, the relationship between state and society, and the major public policies of the systems, cultures, and economies under review.

Learning Attributes: WR

New SUNY General Education: SUNY - Social Sciences, SUNY - World History and Global Awareness

Retiring SUNY General Education: SUNY-OWC - Other World Civilizations (SOW2)

MCC General Education: MCC-GLO - Global Understanding (MGLO), MCC-SSD - Social Science and Diversity (MSSD)

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain and relate the important concepts and terms associated with the study of comparative political systems.
2. Compare and contrast the formal political institutions integral to the study of comparative political systems.
3. Describe the significance of political cultures and societies in the study of comparative political systems.
4. Compare and contrast the foundations of legitimacy on which political systems rest, such as the norms and laws of ordered society, various forms of citizen participation and group behavior; or additional institutionalized activities.
5. Explain the history of socio-economic forces in the evolution of various types of political systems.
6. Appraise democracy and identify mechanisms for strengthening and sustaining democratic politics.
7. Utilize different forms of reasoning to analyze the world of comparative political systems.
8. Utilize writing to communicate an understanding, application, analysis, or evaluation of material covered in the course.

Course Offered Fall, Spring

Use links below to see if this course is offered:
Fall Semester 2024
Spring Semester 2024
Summer Session 2024