AP Government
A.P. COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The AP Comparative Government
and Politics course is a traditional college-level
introduction to the
comparative study of state systems and their political components.
This effective, one-semester
course gives students a critical perspective on the
working of these government
systems. The work involves the study of
political science
theory and methodology as well
as the analysis of specific countries.
The five models
are Great Britain, France,
Russia/the Soviet Union, the People’s Republic of China,
and Mexico. Throughout this course, students become
aware of the interconnections
between the citizenry and
state policies.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
·
To
introduce students to the breadth and wealth of political experience outside
the
the United States.
·
To
gain from our study of foreign politics
insights into the operations of our own
society and an
appreciation for the culture and values of other peoples.
·
To
learn the comparative method of analysis as a means of acquiring and evaluating
knowledge. To improve speaking and writing skills in
conveying one’s own
analysis to others.
·
To
gain insights into the problems of reform and democratization in countries such
as the Soviet
Union/Russia, China, or Mexico.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Almond, Gabriel Abraham and G.
Bingham Powell, eds. Comparative Politics Today.
Harper Collins, 2003.
Annual Editions, Comparative Politics 2002-2003. Sluice Dock, CT: Dushkin
Publishing Group, 2000.
The Economist
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
The reading materials are
focused on separate countries; class lectures and discussions
will try to make comparisons
among the five countries we will be studying.
You will need
to have background information
on the individual countries but you will also be expected to draw meaningful
comparisons among the countries. This
will require more than simply learning sets of facts: it will require you to relate a set of facts in one country with
those in other
countries in an effort to
understand the broader meaning of political phenomena. It is
essential that you remain up to date on the assigned readings from the
text and
supplementary articles. Each student is expected to participate in class
discussions. You are expected to
develop informed opinions and to defend them in our discussions.
Unit tests are given at the
conclusion of each major section, and they are both objective
and essay in format. These exams are the primary mode of student
evaluation. Quizzes
are used to help students
master the factual material.
Grades are based on
presentations, unit exams, homework, class discussions, participation,
and supplementary assignments.
For each unit, the group assigned
to that country will be responsible for a special report.
Journal. ( 1
test grade) You are expected to read The Economist and write a one page typed entry in your journal notebook
weekly. The Economist is available in the PWSH library and the ones in the
classroom may be checked out overnight.
Each entry should discuss one particular political/social issue about
your assigned country. Note the
article’s title, author, date, and page number. Include a photocopy of each article. Briefly review the content of the article (1/2 page) and give a
political analysis of the piece (1/2 page):
you can either compare it to the political systems we are learning about
in class, or discuss the political implications for that particular
country. You will turn in your journal every 4 weeks. This means that you will have 4 entries every time you turn in
your journal. Do not wait until the due
date to read your articles and write up your analysis. You must obtain permission from me to use a
source other than The Economist.
Presentation on Assigned Country. (2 test grades)
In a
50 minute presentation, your group will review the major content areas for your
country
using
the AP Summary Outline as a guideline.
Presentation
Requirements:
·
Annotated bibliography
·
Typed outline for the class
·
Visuals of the structure of government, leaders, party
system, etc.
·
At least one creative review activity
·
Contemporary political and social issues
·
Food link