Course Description
Comparative Politics examines how political systems and institutions around the world are organized, how power is exercised, and what these differences mean for people’s everyday lives. The course centers on three foundational questions: (1) Who governs? (2) How do they govern? and (3) What are the consequences for the governed? Through comparative analysis of countries and policy issues across regions, students explore the development of the nation‑state; democratic and non‑democratic regimes; state institutions; electoral systems; identity politics; violence and conflict; development; and social movements. This fully asynchronous course emphasizes the applied, real‑world use of course concepts and analytical thinking. Students engage with contemporary cases, media, and institutional design questions to build practical skills in comparative political analysis. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically evaluate political systems and political debates, both in the United States and beyond.
**The syllabus for this course is still under development. The full syllabus will be made available to students prior to the Summer 2026 term**