Comparative politics is the study of big questions about politics that are
relevant not only to the United States but also to other countries of the
world.  For example:  What does it take for democracy to succeed as a form
of government and is it right for all countries?  How does politics impact
the economy in different parts of the world?  How can we explain the wave of
nationalism and ethnic conflict that has wreaked so much global havoc in the
last decade?  This course introduces the comparative approach by examining
different theoretical "lenses" that help us understand these and other major
global issues.  Students will focus on how these issues play out in some of
the largest and most powerful countries in the world, including the United
States, Russia, China, India and Nigeria.