This seminar is intended to serve as a broad, graduate-level introduction to the study of comparative politics. The primary aim of this seminar is to help you develop a solid foundation for understanding and evaluating the major methodological and theoretical issues in the field of comparative politics. In this regard, this seminar is designed to make you a "good comparativist" – i.e., someone who is able to use various intellectual or conceptual tools of the sub-field to better understand or explain significant events and processes in various societies throughout the world. These "significant" events and processes include democra-tization, state-building, ethnic and/or domestic conflict (including "terrorism"), and capitalist transformation. This course, however, is not designed to make you a "specialist" on a particular country or region, although you will be expected to conduct an in-depth, empirically based research project as one of your major requirements.

In the first part of our course, we will begin with an examination of several basic, but extremely important questions: Why compare? How should we compare? and What can or should we compare? We also spend some time examining the major strategies of comparative analysis—the case study, two-country comparisons, and multiple-unit comparisons. Next, we will examine three major theoretical traditions in comparative politics, which can be roughly divided into rationalist, cultural and structural approaches.

In the second part of our course, we focus on a substantive examination of selected areas of inquiry in comparative politics—the role of the state and democratic transformation—through a careful reading and discussion of two books: The Myth of the Powerless and Capitalist Development and Democracy. At the same time, we will use these books as a basis for better understanding how scholars and researchers actually use the methods and theories of comparative politics.

NOTE: There is a fair degree of overlap and/or repetition of key concepts, issues, and approaches in this course. This is by design: much of what we discuss will be brand new to you and, therefore, difficult to fully grasp in a single session. The repetition of material, then, is meant to reinforce what I consider to be essential knowledge and information about the sub-field of comparative politics.

Participation. This is a research- and writing-based seminar in comparative politics. A seminar, in case you do not know, is defined as "a small group of advanced students in a college or graduate school engaged in original research and/or intensive study under the guidance of a professor who meets regularly with them to discuss their reports and findings" (American Heritage Dictionary). In a seminar, therefore, the active and informed participation of all students is essential. Participation, I must stress, does not merely mean a willingness to talk in class. Instead, it involves a capacity to contribute meaningfully to class discussions, which, in turn, requires solid preparation, careful reflection about the assigned topics, and a high level of attentiveness or "active listening" to all seminar participants (i.e., your classmates). Although I do not grade participation per se, for students on the "borderline" (say between an A- and A, or a B+ and an A-), I will take the quality of your overall participation into account.

Attendance. Attendance is both expected and required. If you find yourself unable to attend a particular class for any reason, you should, as a courtesy, contact me before class. The best way to contact me is by e-mail or in person. You are allowed one excused/unexcused absence without penalty. After your first absence, however, each additional absence will result in an automatic 5 percent deduction from your overall score (missing half a class session will result in a 2.5 percent deduction). This is in addition to any other penalties, such as missing a presentation.

Written Assignments or Critical Analyses. Several times throughout the quarter, you will be required to complete a relatively short written assignment (3~5 double-spaced pages). These assignments/analyses serve two main functions. First, they are intended to help you focus on key aspects of the readings so that you will be better prepared to discuss them during our class sessions. Second, they are a way for me to ascertain, on a consistent basis, your understanding of the material we cover in class. Each weekly assignment or analyses (which may cover multiple readings) will be worth a maximum of 10 points, and on a cumulative basis, 20 percent of your course grade.

• If, for whatever reason, you fail to complete the assigned reading(s) or assignment, you should still attend class (missing class will only compound the problem). If you miss a class and turn in your assignment late, I will make an automatic deduction of 20 percent on the assignment grade.
  

Presentations and Feedback. At various times during the quarter, you will be required to give presentations related to your research project; you may also be required to provide feedback on your classmates’ presentations and work. Presentations and feedback will be ungraded, but failure to participate (or failure to make a "reasonable effort" to do a good job) will result in an automatic deduction of up to 5 percent from your course grade in each instance.

Research Project. This will be based on a topic of your own choosing (in consultation with me). Minimally, your paper’s topic and argument must (1) show a clear and meaningful connection to the material covered in class; (2) be written specifically for this class (e.g., do not turn in a paper written for another class); and (3) use a comparative framework, both in terms of method and theory (what this means will become clear as the quarter progresses). The research paper itself will be divided into separately evaluated components:

1. Research Statement and Design (Proposal). Your research statement/design must provide a discussion of your topic, your main argument (thesis); proposed methodological and theoretical approach or framework; evidence; and organizational structure. A more detailed explanation of this assignment, along with specific requirements, will be distributed at a later date in class. The research statement and design will be worth 5 percent of your course grade.

2. "Narrative" Bibliography. A bibliography listing key sources (minimum 25) along with a discussion (or narrative) of how you plan to use the different sources (e.g., what sort of empirical or theoretical information they provide, where the sources will fit into your paper, why you consider them useful, etc.). I will also provide a separate handout explaining this aspect of the research project. The Narrative Bibliography will be worth 15 percent of your course grade. NOTE: Get an early start on your research. If you wait too long, you will likely end up having difficulty getting all the material you need. If you’re not sure where to start, check the Research Page on my web site. (The URL is http://instructional1.calstatela.edu /tclim/researchpage.htm)

3. Rough Draft. Your rough draft will be ungraded, but failure to turn the draft in when due will result in an automatic penalty of up to 10 percent from your final paper grade.

4. Final Paper. Your final paper should be between 20 and 30 pages long (not including bibliography or reference list), neatly typed, double-spaced, and reasonably free of errors. (I will accept longer papers, but you should make every effort to write as concisely as possible.) The final paper will be worth 60 percent of your course grade. Fair Warning: Your final paper must be clearly based upon your draft and the resources cited in your narrative. Do not change topics with prior approval! If your final version is completely or substantially different from your draft, you may receive a failing grade no matter how well-written.

I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONSULT WITH ME THROUGHOUT THE RESEARCH AND WRITING PROCESS, EITHER IN PERSON OR VIA E-MAIL. IN PARTICULAR, IF YOU EXPERIENCING ANY DIFFICULTIES, DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT. CONSULT WITH ME EARLY AND, IF NECESSARY, OFTEN.

GRADING. Grading will be strictly determined by a weighted average of the scores you receive on your written assignments and the various components of the research project, minus any automatic deductions. Your overall score must be 89 percent or higher to receive an A- (89~91) or A (91 and over); 78-88 percent to receive a B-, B, or B+; 66-77 percent to receive a C-, C or C+; and 56-65 percent to receive a D-, D or D+. Any score below 58 percent will receive a failing grade (F). Be advised, for graduate students, any grade of B- or below is considered unacceptable.

The following FOUR texts are required:

• Timothy Lim, Thinking Comparatively: An Introduction to Theory and Method in Comparative Politics, available on CD-course pack, which I will distribute in class for a nominal fee (to cover production costs only—e.g. CD, label, ink, jewel case).

• B. Guy Peters, Comparative Politics: Theory and Methods (New York: NYU Press, 1998) [Referred to as Peters below]

• Linda Weiss, The Myth of the Powerless State (Cornell, 1998) [referred to as Weiss below]

• Dietrich Rueschemeyer, Evelyne Huber Stephens, and John D. Stephens, Capitalist Development & Democracy (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1992). [Referred to as CDD below]

• Additional readings (both required and suggested) will be available on the CD-course pack.

WEEK 1 (OCT. 2): INTRODUCTION TO COURSE
In our first meeting, we will first conduct a thorough review of the syllabus and of the requirements for the course. We will also take some time to learn about the academic and/or professional interests and goals of each member of our seminar. (To a certain extent, I will try to tailor the seminar to the interests and needs of the students.)

WEEK 2 (OCTOBER 9): INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF COMPARATIVE POLITICS*
Requirements:
1. LIM, chs. 1 and 2
2. PETERS, 1, 2, 3 and 6
3. Written Assignment (Due Today): Based on the readings for today, your assignment is as follows: first, select several different examples (a minimum of three) of "real-world" research problems, and second, discuss (i.e., explain and justify) which comparative strategies you would use if you were to address these problems in an actual paper. Make sure to discuss the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the theoretical limitations, of the comparative strategies you might use.

WEEK 3 (OCT. 16): RESEARCH TRADITIONS AND THEORY IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS, PART I: RATIONALITY, CULTURE AND STRUCTURE
Requirements:
1. LIM, ch. 3
2. PETERS, ch. 5
3. J. Mahoney, "Rational Choice Theory and the Comparative Method" on CD-course pack.
4. Written Assignment (Due Today): Think of one real-world research problem and provide a brief analysis of that problem using all three of the research traditions covered in the readings.
&M Suggested Readings: M.I. Lichbach and A.S. Zuckerman (eds.) Comparative Politics: Rationality, Culture, and Structure (on reserve in library); G. Gereffi and S. Fonda, "Regional Paths of Development" (on CD-course pack)

WEEK 4 (OCT. 23): RESEARCH TRADITIONS AND THEORY IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS, PART II: EXPLAINING POVERTY AND PROSPERITY
Requirements:
1. Lim, chs. 4 and 5
2. F. Fukuyama, "Social Capital and Development" on CD-course pack (two separate articles by Fukuyama are in course pack; read both, but focus on one for assignment below)
3. N. Birdsall, "Life is Unfair: Inequality in the World" on CD-course pack.
4. Written Assignment (Due Today): Write a critical review of the articles by Fukuyama and Birdsall. In developing your review, make sure you evaluate their arguments as a student of comparative politics. That is, you are to evaluate their arguments using the theoretical and methodological perspectives we have studied in class thus far. To do this, consider (but do not limit yourself to) these questions: Is the theoretical position of Fukuyama and Birdsall clear and consistent? What claims do they make (how broad or limited are they)? Do the authors use an identifiable method of analysis? Is their methodological strategy sufficient and is it consistent with their argument and claims? What type of empirical support do they provide? In your critical review, include suggestions on how they should improve their arguments. Be prepared to discuss your critique in class.

WEEK 5 (OCTOBER 30): GLOBALIZATION AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS
Requirements:
1. LIM, ch. 7 and 8
2. Weiss, ch. 6 and 7 (review)
3. Assignment: Research Proposal are due today o You are also required to e-mail a copy of your research statement (I will then forward a copy of the research statements to every member of the class)
&M Suggested Readings (all available on CD-course pack): D. Crawford, "Chinese Capitalism: Cultures, the Southeast Asian Region and Economic Globalisation"; A. Gurowitz, "Mobilizing International Norms: Domestic Actors, Immigrants, and the Japanese State"; J. Bellamy Foster, "Monopoly Capital and the New Globalization"; and B. Berkeley and J. G. Blight, "Race, Tribe, and Power in the Heart of Africa"

WEEK 6(NOV. 6): THE STATE IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS, PART I
Requirements:
1. Weiss, chs. 1, 2, and 3
2. READING TBA
3. Assignment (Critical Analysis, due today). Requirements TBA
4. Required Presentation. Be ready to discuss the topic, argument, and method of your research proposal in class. I will distribute some general guidelines for your presentation either in class or via e-mail. Be prepared to comment upon your classmates’ proposals. This means you must read each one carefully, and, take notes.

WEEK 7 (NOV. 13): THE STATE IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS, PART II
Requirements:
1. Weiss, chs. 4 and 5
2. Narrative bibliographies are due today.
ó IMPORTANT NOTE There are specific requirements for the narrative bibliography, to which you must adhere. Failure to complete the stated requirements (e.g., if you turn in an annotated bibliography or simply a reference list) will result in an automatic deduction of 20 percent or an "F" on this assignment.

WEEK 8 (NOV. 20): COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND DEMOCRATIZATION, PART I
Requirements:
1. CDD, chs. 1-3
2. Valerie Bunce, "Comparative Democratization" on CD-course pack
3. Assignment (Critical Analysis, due today). Requirements TBA.

WEEK 9 (NOV. 27): COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND DEMOCRATIZATION, PART II
Requirements:
3. CDD, chs. 4-7
4. Rough draft due today (Remember: Although ungraded, a rough draft is required.)

WEEK 10 (DEC. 4): STUDENT PRESENTATIONS OF RESEARCH
This week’s class session will be devoted to individual consultations and student presentations. A sign-up sheet for both consultations and presentations will be made available during week 8.
Requirements:
1. Student Presentations: Requirements TBA
2. Feedback on Presentations: Requirements TBA