Description

AP Comparative Politics and Government is a college-level course that introduces students to the study of politics and government in different countries around the world. The course aims to develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills by examining the similarities and differences among political systems, institutions, and policies across different countries and regions. Students will gain an understanding of the key concepts, theories, and debates in comparative politics and develop the ability to analyze and evaluate political phenomena in a comparative perspective.

The course covers a range of topics, including political systems and regimes, constitutions and the rule of law, elections and political participation, political parties and interest groups, executives and legislatures, bureaucracies and public policy, civil society and political culture, comparative methodology and research methods. Throughout the course, students will engage in class discussions, debates, and simulations to deepen their understanding of comparative politics and develop their communication and collaboration skills.

You are going to examine the political institutions and processes of six different countries—China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom—and compare the ways they address problems. You’ll analyze data and readings to draw conclusions about political systems.

The AP Comparative Politics and Government course is designed to prepare students for the AP Comparative Politics and Government exam, which assesses their knowledge and skills in the subject area. The exam consists of two sections: multiple-choice questions and free-response questions. The multiple-choice section tests students' knowledge of the course content and concepts, while the free-response section assesses their ability to analyze and evaluate political phenomena in a comparative perspective. By successfully completing the AP Comparative Politics and Government course and exam, students can earn college credit and demonstrate their mastery of the subject to colleges and universities.

Work Expectations. We anticipate a weekly time commitment of one "good day equivalent" for this course, dedicated solely to your studies and free from social distractions. This would amount to around eight hours each week for reading, writing, and critical thinking. It is recommended to spread out your reading time for this course over several days. Additionally, you will need several more "good day equivalents" throughout the semester to prepare for the assignments

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Course Structure

UNIT 1: Understanding Political Systems, Regimes, and Governments

In the complex tapestry of our world, nations are not isolated islands; rather, they are interconnected threads woven into the fabric of global politics. To comprehend the intricate dynamics that shape our global landscape, we embark on a journey into the realm of comparative politics. Here, we explore the similarities and disparities between states, unraveling the intricacies of political realities and the winds of political change.

UNIT 2 - Political Institutions

As we journey deeper into the realm of comparative politics, our vessel sails onward to Unit 2, where we delve into the intricate architecture of political institutions. Here, the structure and functioning of governments will be unveiled, illuminating the foundations upon which power is built and maintained across our six course countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom.

Unit 3: Political Culture and Participation

In the realm of comparative politics, our journey now takes us to the heart of political culture and participation. Here, we venture into the intricate dynamics that unfold between a nation\'s government and its people. At the core of this exploration lies the recognition that the character and demands of a society profoundly shape its political landscape. We delve into how citizens, whether acting individually or collectively, actively engage in the political process. Additionally, we dissect the pivotal role played by social divisions, be it along the lines of ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic class, in shaping political realities.

One central theme we will unravel is the concept of civil society—an extensive array of voluntary associations that operate independently from the state\'s influence. Within this diverse realm, we discover the mechanisms that mediate state power and empower citizens. A fundamental aspect of our study here revolves around understanding participation across the spectrum, whether in authoritarian regimes or within democratic systems. This comprehension sets the stage for our subsequent exploration, where we will meticulously analyze the impact of political parties and electoral processes on political engagement.

UNIT 4: Party and Electoral Systems and Citizen Organizations

In this unit, we\'ll delve into the intricate web of political institutions and explore how individuals, political parties, and citizen organizations strive to gain influence and power within a government. We\'ll break down the larger concepts from Unit 2 and examine how these entities shape the political landscape in the six countries we\'re studying. Understanding how political power is exercised, be it through formal electoral systems or informal channels, is crucial for comprehending the broader global context of policy-making.

One key focus of this unit is electoral systems and the rules that govern them. We\'ll explore how these systems can either facilitate or hinder citizen participation and examine the far-reaching implications they have on political behavior and decision-making. Additionally, we\'ll delve into how regimes grant or limit access to various sources of power and how this control ultimately shapes policies on both domestic and international fronts.

UNIT 5: Political and Economic Changes and Development

In this unit, we will dive deep into the dynamic interplay between political and economic changes within and among the countries we\'ve been exploring. You\'ll find that understanding this interaction is crucial for comprehending the complex global landscape and how it influences political decisions and behaviors.

Over the past three decades, each of the countries we\'ve studied has experienced profound shifts in both its political and economic spheres. We will explore political changes through the lens of democratization and examine the degree to which these efforts have succeeded or faced challenges. Simultaneously, we\'ll investigate how economic globalization has impacted local populations, international relationships, and the responses of nations to the challenges that this new economic reality presents.

 

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Course syllabus

Read more about the course:

AP Comparative Government and Politics

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Materials required

No additional materials required.

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Price

course fee: 811,- EUR / 19 300,- Kč