This course has as its aim an understanding of political change with particular emphasis on the political state. Under what circumstances did the state arise and how has it evolved? Is the state necessary for governance? Of major importance is the relationship between economic and political change, especially for democratic governance. The most profound changes, if not always the most immediately visible, occur in the course of revolutions. A major focus of the course will, therefore, be on the revolutionary process and its implications for governance and the state. Throughout our survey we will discuss and evaluate competing strategies of revolutionary change as well as competing methodologies for analyzing change. The contrast between Marxist and non-Marxist methodologies and their utility will be an underlying theme. While the focus in the second half of the course will shift to what are often called Third World or underdeveloped countries, the overall goal is to understand the interconnectedness of political change between more developed and less developed societies.

1. by taking the mid-quarter and final examination and writing a short paper (see the end of the syllabus for details), OR,
2. by taking the final examination and writing a research paper of about 15-20 pages.

The topic and content of the research paper will be tailored to individual interests and in consultation with the instructor. The decision to write a research paper must be made no later than October 9. For either option, the final exam counts toward 50% of the final grade while the short paper and mid-quarter exam (option 1) each count toward 25%. The research paper (option 2) counts toward 50% of the final grade. Both exams will be based on the readings, lectures and class discussions. Study questions will be provided in advanced of both exams. All papers are due the last class session, Dec. 4.