POL 103 - Comparative Perspectives on Politics and Power (W) (1)

What is power? Who has power? What is the relationship between politics and power? These are some of the fundamental questions in political science. In this class, we will explore these questions and the complex relationship between politics and power through a comparative lens. We will examine the nature of political institutions and various actors primarily since the cold war. Among the topics covered are the changing role of the state, political institutions, growth of economic inequality, future of democracy, and the rise of authoritarianism in the world. Our writing assignments will include informal journals, tests, and in-class assignments, a staged research project involving the use of primary and secondary literature, and peer review workshops. Not open to students who have previously completed a First-Year Writing Course.
(First Year Writing Seminar (FYW)) (Social Science)