We will begin to learn about these countries by reading one textbook introduction to the politics of each country. The remainder of the course is organized around themes or issues which confront virtually all countries of the world. In this way we should develop a much richer understanding both of the countries we focus on in the class and the issues which face students of developing countries around the world. This course does not pretend to provide a comprehensive introduction to either conceptual approaches to comparative politics or the empirical study of the third world itself. In this course emphasis is placed on analysis and not description.
Scholarly literature aims less to describe than to explain.
Its focuses on using concepts, models, and theories to better understand a selected set of observations. It is important for the student to understand that this course focuses on learning to read, understand, and evaluate scholarly arguments. A course web site has been established, and will continue to be developed over the course of the semester. I will post notices, study guide questions, bibliographic suggestions, and other materials as needed. You should check this site regularly.