POLS229Spring2023Syllabus

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School

University of Texas *

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410

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Political Science

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by qinicki

POLS 229-501 Introduction to Comparative Politics Spring 2023 T, TH 11:10-12:25 BLOCKER 102 Instructor: Alexander Pacek Office: 3059 Allen Building Office Phone: 979-845-3229 Email: a-pacek@tamu.edu Office Hrs.: W 1:30-3:00 and by appointment ( in person or via Zoom by request ) I. PURPOSE OF COURSE Comparative Politics is considered one of the more confusing subfields of political science, in part because it seems to overlap with other subfields such as International Relations, American Politics, and Public Policy. While this is the case, Comparative Politics is indeed its own field of inquiry with a rich history and unique set of approaches to the study of politics. This is not a course about the politics of specific countries. Rather, you should consider it a more general course about differences and similarities across and within countries, and (a) why those differences and similarities exist, and (b) what they mean, e.g. their consequences. The purpose of this introductory course is to familiarize you with a broad view of the subfield, the major issue-areas and questions raised, and hopefully spur your interest to further explore what it means to investigate important political issues across regions of the world, countries, and regions within countries. II. REQUIRED TEXT (a). Orvis, Stephen, and Carol Ann Drogus. 2021. Introducing Comparative Politics: Concepts and Cases in Context, 5 th edition. Washington, D.C.: CQ Press You may purchase the book at any location you choose, and purchase an Ebook version if you prefer.

III. CANVAS There is a “shell” for this course on TAMU Canvas, and most of the information for this course will be available there. In particular pay attention to “ANNOUNCEMENTS” where I will post the following: 1. Discussion slides for the material prior to each class. 2. Posted video versions of classes that I may not have been able to be there in person for (illness, jury duty, conference travel, etc.) Here is the link: https://canvas.tamu.edu/courses/190199 IV. PACKBACK Packback Questions Participation is a requirement for this course, and the Packback Questions platform will be used for online discussion about class topics. Packback Questions is an online community where you can be fearlessly curious and ask open-ended questions to build on top of what we are covering in class and relate topics to real-world applications. Packback Requirements: Your participation on Packback will count toward 10% of your overall course grade . There will be a Weekly Monday at 11:59PM CST deadline for submissions. In order to receive full credit , you should submit the following per each deadline period: l 1 open-ended Question every week with a minimum Curiosity Score of 60, worth 33.33% of each assignment grade l 2 Responses every week with a minimum Curiosity Score of 60, worth 66.67% of each assignment grade How to Register on Packback: Note: Only access Packback through Canvas in order to ensure your grades sync properly 1. Click “Packback” within Canvas to access the community. 2. Follow the instructions on your screen to finish your registration. 3. In order for your grade to be visible in Canvas , make sure to only access Packback via Canvas .

Packback may require a paid subscription. Refer to www.packback.co/product/pricing for more information. How to Get Help from the Packback Team: If you have any questions or concerns about Packback throughout the semester, please read their FAQ at help.packback.co . If you need more help, contact their customer support team directly at help@packback.co. For a brief introduction to Packback Questions and why we are using it in class, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV7QmikrD68 Packback due dates: Questions/responses are due on Monday, before Midnight. February 6, 13, 20, 27 March 6, 20, 27 April 3, 10, 17, 24 V. EXPECTATIONS Attendance : Attending class is an individual student responsibility. While you do not receive a grade simply for showing up, you will do better if you attend regularly. Students are accountable for the material covered in class whether they are present or not. Questions . I encourage students to ask questions. All of you have thoughts and opinions that count. While I encourage open discussion, I do not want a situation where only a handful of students dominate class discussions, and others do not feel comfortable asking or answering questions. For those of you eager to engage in discussion over issues discussed, please know I am more than happy to continue the conversation outside the classroom!

Notetaking : Taking notes is an individual student responsibility. Relying on friends or helpful strangers for notes is not the same as being present and engaged to take notes yourself. Note that I will post Power Point slides prior to each discussion on Canvas in order to make it easier and less confusing for students to follow the flow of discussion; these are largely outlines and not substitutes for notes. Laptops are fine to use for notetaking. Please try to avoid in-class distractions: Because this is a large class some common courtesies will improve everyone’s learning experience. Please turn off your cell phone, put away the newspaper, and refrain from talking with your neighbors. These activities distract you, me, and your classmates. If you have an incoming call that is important, you are welcome to temporarily leave class to take the call. Regularly check university email: From time to time I will communicate with the class as a whole via email. It is your responsibility to check your university email (@tamu.edu) regularly. I will be communicating with the class through EITHER Canvas or Howdy where I will post any announcements. A note about email: One of the best ways to reach me is via email: a- pacek@tamu.edu. Please include the class number (POLS 229) in the subject line of your email. Give me 24-48 hours to respond. Keep in mind that an email to your professor is professional correspondence. VI. GRADING POLICY There will be three exams consisting of multiple choice questions based on the reading and lectures/class discussions. Questions will be balanced between class discussion and reading materials. NOTE: A review session for each exam will be distributed to the class via email several days before the exam. EXAMS WILL BE IN PERSON: Students are required to bring their own gray (large) scantron sheet and a #2 pencil to each exam. Each exam will cover material from roughly a third of the course. The exams will NOT be cumulative. I will work with those who might be exempt from in-person exams.

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