And last, you should learn to think rigorously and comparatively about politics. Comparative thinking is an extremely useful analytical tool and we will frequently employ this method in the course to demonstrate its utility. The required readings are drawn from four books which cover the three countries. The reading load averages about 100 pages a week. Course requirements include a midterm exam, a final exam, and a term paper.
Exams typically consist of a combination of several identifications and a longer essay question.
This is an exciting topic to explore because we are dealing not only with the potential of an emerging political entity that would at minimum be an economic super power. These broad themes will be pursued through lectures, discussions, and a number of videos. They also entail different types of discussions. We first will consider the development, institutions and policies of the European Union. These matters are tested best by an examination which will occur in early March.