Sample Syllabus: Comparative Politics: Asia
Dr. Ripley
Political Science 241
Dr. Brian Ripley
Fall 2003
Preston 123
MWF 11:00 a.m.-12:20
Ph: 824-3054
COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF ASIA
Description and Objectives
This course is an introduction to the comparative study of politics
and government in Asia. Comparative politics involves, among other
topics, an examination of domestic political institutions and political
organizations, political leadership, state involvement in the economy,
political culture, and the role of public participation and dissent.
In essence, our collective task is to look “inside” the political
system of another country in order to understand how different “rules
of the game” may alter the nature and outcome of the political process.
The major political systems of Asia provide a marvelous laboratory
for political scientists, given the tremendous variety contained
in the region. Asia includes an advanced industrial democracy (Japan);
one of the last remaining Communist “party states” (China) undergoing
substantial economic change while trying to retain “socialism with
Chinese characteristics”; a multiparty parliamentary democracy (India)
attempting to reconcile vast ethnic and religious differences; a
former authoritarian regime based heavily on military influence
and patron-client relations (Indonesia) recently experiencing a
democratic transition, and a fledgling presidential-style democracy
(South Korea) still reeling from reverses in the “Asian economic
miracle.” An intensive study of these systems will allow us to
consider a wide range of theories and concepts in comparative politics
as well as learning more about the specific, unique features of
these countries.
The course is organized with the following learning objectives
in mind:
1. Theoretical Context . How do political scientists
study comparative political systems? We will engage in cross-national
comparisons of concepts such as political socialization, legitimacy,
democratization, and political economy . This involves
learning the basic terminology of the discipline and acquiring some
capacity to engage in abstract comparisons. A theoretical text (W.
Phillips Shively) will help provide the conceptual core for this
seminar.
2. Structure and Process. How does the political
system operate in each of our featured countries? What special terms,
ideas, or institutions define each system? What are the strengths
and weaknesses of these respective governmental structures and political
processes? Much of what we do with the seminar lectures will be
devoted to these questions. Once again, this involves acquiring
familiarity with the jargon and terminology, recent history, and
contemporary “players” unique to each political system.
3. Cross-National Perspectives . What is it like
to be part of a non-U.S. political system? In addition to our main
text, our course readings include oral histories from survivors
of China’s Cultural Revolution and a book by a journalist with extensive
knowledge of Japan’s postwar political system. Occasional films
will also provide a cross-cultural perspective. Finally, we will
have an opportunity to learn “first hand” about parliamentary systems
(one of the major forms of government around the world) by participating
in an in-class simulation.
Expectations
Diligent reading, clear writing, regular attendance, and active
participation are in the best tradition of liberal arts education
and, therefore, vital elements of this seminar. This is an “active
learning” course. In other words, no spectators allowed.
Requirements
Midterm Examination
= 50 points
Final Examination
=
50 points
Parliamentary Politics Simulation/Worksheets
= 25 points
Critical Reading Exercises /Quizzes (best 5 of 6)
= 50 points
Total
= 175 points
Grades
Grades will be determined by averaging the major requirements listed
above. The grade scale (in percentages) for this course is as follows:
A = 90-100
C+ = 78-79 D = 60-67
B+ = 88-89
C = 70-77 F = 59 and below
B = 80-87
D+ = 68-69
Office Hours
My regular office hours will be 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays
and by appointment. My office phone number is 824-3054 and you can
always leave a message for me on voice mail. My email is bripley
@ mercyhurst.edu. I consider office hour time an important and rewarding
part of my job, so please feel free to contact me or drop by the
office with any questions or concerns about the course.
Required Reading
W.Phillips Shively. 2002. Comparative Governance.
New York: McGraw Hill.
Jacob Schlesinger. 1999. Shadow Shoguns: The
Rise and Fall of Japan’s Postwar Political Machine.
Stanford: Stanford University Press.
Critical Readin Exercises and Quizes
Several short writing assignments are required for this course
and worth a total of 50 points toward your final course grade. The
first assignment, a quiz on the book Shadow Shoguns
, is required for all students and worth 20 points.
Of the remaining assignments in this category, ONE can be dropped
without penalty (i.e. best 30 out of 40 points). You can do all
four assignments and drop the lowest score OR you can simply decide
to opt out of one of the assignments. Refer to the “course schedule”
section of the syllabus for precise details and due dates. To summarize:
Shoguns quiz = 20 points
(mandatory for all students)
CRE #1 = 10 points
CRE #2 = 10 points
Best 3 out of 4
CRE #3 = 10 points
Whirlwind quiz = 10 points
TOTAL = 50 points
The critical reading exercises (CREs) are based on articles available
on electronic reserve that address current events or enduring issues
in Asian politics. Your task will be to read carefully and interpret
critically in preparation for a class discussion. The specific details
of this assignment will be described in a separate handout.
“Parliamentary Politics” Simulation
At the end of this term we will participate in a decision-making
simulation designed to provide “hands on” experience in parliamentary-style
politics. Much more specific information about this simulation will
be provided later in the term. Be aware, however, that portions
of your grade for this project are based on attendance, so plan
your schedule accordingly. There is no “make up” credit possible
for a project of this kind. (In the case of a College-approved
“athletic absence” --- i.e., one that has been properly communicated
to the professor in advance --- an alternative assignment will be
made available.)
Course Schedule
WEEK ONE (September 8-12): Introduction and Japanese Politics
Reading
Ellis Krause, “Japan” (In Shively)
Assignment
None this week.
WEEK TWO (September 15-19): Japan
Reading
Schlesinger. Shadow Shoguns (entire)
Assignment
Shoguns reading quiz (end of class on
Wednesday, 9/17).
WEEK THREE (September 22-26): Japan/Indonesia
Reading
Michael Thies. “Changing How the Japanese Vote,” Available
on electronic reserve in Hammermill Library.
William Liddle, “Indonesia,” (in Shively)
Assignment
Critical Reading Exercise #1 on Thies chapter. (Due in
class on Monday, 9/22)
WEEK FOUR (September 29-October 3): Review Session & Midterm
Exam
Reading
Michael Malley (2003) “Indonesia: The Erosion of State Capacity”
in Rotberg (ed.) State Failure and State Weakness in a Time of
Terror (Washington, DC: Brookings Institution.) Available
on electronic reserve in Hammermill Library.
Assignment
Critical Reading Exercise #2 on Malley chapter. (Due in
class on Monday, 9/29)
Midterm Exam: October 3 rd
WEEK FIVE (October 6-10): China
Reading
“Avenger,” “A Tough Guy,” and “Two Witnesses to an Execution” (Selections
from Voices from the Whirlwind .) Available on electronic
reserve in Hammermill Library.
Assignment
Film (“To Live” ) and bonus points assignment
Whirlwind quiz (in class on Friday,
10/10)
WEEK SIX (October 13-15): China
Reading
Marc Blecher, “China: State Socialist Iconoclast” (in Shively)
Jason Kindopp, “China’s War on Cults,” Current History
(September 2002). Available on electronic reserve in Hammermill
Library .
Assignment
Critical Reading Exercise #3 on Kindopp article (Due in
class on Wednesday,
10/15)
WEEK SEVEN (October 20-24): South Korea
Reading
Vicki Hesli, “South Korea” (In Shively)
Assignment
No “announced” assignments this week.
WEEK EIGHT (October 27-31): India
Reading
James Manor, “India,” (in Shively)
Assignment
No “announced” assignments this week.
WEEK NINE (November 3-7): “Parliamentary Politics” Simulation
Reading
Simulation Packet and Individualized Reading
Assignment
Simulation Materials Distributed and Discussed
WEEK TEN (November 10-14): “Parliamentary Politics” Simulation
and Final Review
Reading
Independent/Individualized Reading and Research
Assignment
Simulation Assignments (see Packet for details)
Final Exam: Monday, November 17, 10:30 a.m. (Note:
the College, not the professor, determines the final exam schedule.)
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