Government 20. Foundations of Comparative Politics

Harvard College/GSAS: 6166

Fall 2009-2010

Steven R. Levitsky

Location: Lowell Lecture Hall Lecture Hall

Meeting time: Tu., Th., at 10

Exam group: 12

Provides an introduction to key concepts and theoretical approaches in comparative politics. Major themes include the causes of democratization, economic development, ethnic conflict, and social revolutions; as well as the role of the state, political institutions, and civil society. Examines and critically evaluates different theoretical approaches to politics including modernization, Marxist, cultural, institutionalist, and leadership-centered approaches. Compares cases from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Latin America to provide students with grounding in the basic tools of comparative analysis.

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