Objectives: This course explores how political scientists attempt to explain puzzles of political change. For example, why do some forms of government endure, while others collapse? Why does democracy emerge in some places and not in others? We will endeavor to explain how and why different societies confront similar political problems. This course does not focus on one specific political issue or world region.

Requirements: Grading will be based on two take-home midterms (30% each) and one paper (10-12 pages) (40%). Exams grades will be based on a demonstrated command of the material from lectures and readings. Grades will be based on University grade definitions, which establish the qualities of performance expected at different grade levels (see CLA Classroom Grading and Examination Procedures 1996-97, p. 13). Note, for example, that the University defines a "C" grade as "achievement meeting the basic course requirements in every respect."

I expect students to do all the readings listed on the syllabus, before the scheduled class. I will make time during every lecture for questions and discussion, so please come prepared with questions about the readings or previous lectures. I encourage students to visit me during my office hours to either discuss class topics more in depth or to get help with any aspect of the class, including exam and paper preparation.

Policies for make-up exams, late assignments, and incompletes: make-up exams will not be permitted unless the student notifies the professor before the regular exam is administered and later presents written documentation of the circumstances (e.g. note from University Health Service verifying illness). Only the legitimate circumstances mentioned in the Policy on makeup Examinations will be accepted, and only with written documentation (legitimate circumstances include religious holidays, verifiable illness, serious family emergencies, subpoenas, jury duty, military service, and participation in group activities sponsored by the University). Incompletes will be granted only in the case of documented illness, and if the student and professor complete the CLA Agreement for Completion of Incomplete Work. Written assignments are due during the class period on the days they are due. Assignments turned in after the class period will be considered late. Late assignments will be marked down one-tenth of a grade point (on a 4-point scale) per day they are late.

Texts: students should purchase the following texts as well as a course packet at the bookstore. All readings are also on reserve at Wilson Library. All readings in this syllabus are required readings.

Mancur Olson, the Rise and Decline of Nations

Geoffrey Conrad and Arthur Demarest, Religion and Empire

Robert Putnam, Making Democracy Work

Judith Tendler, Good Government in the Tropics

Olson, Rise and Decline of Nations: Economic Growth, Stagflation, and Social Rigidities chapters 1-4

Conrad and Demarest, Religion and Empire: The Dynamics of Aztec and Inca Expansionism, chapters 1-4

Chalmers Johnson, MITI and the Japanese Miracle, chapters 2 & 7 (reader)

J. Mark Ramseyer and Frances Rosenbluth, Japan's Political Marketplace chapters 6-7 (reader)

Philip Roeder, Red Sunset: The Failure of Soviet Politics, chapters 1-2, 6 & 9 (reader)

Susan Shirk, The Political Logic of Economic Reform in China, chapter 14 (reader)

Miguel Centeno, Democracy within Reason: Technocratic Revolution in Mexico ch 1, pp. 34-41, and ch.8 (reader)

Barrington Moore, Social Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy, chapter 1 (reader)

Brian Downing, The Military Revolution and Political Change, chapters 1 & 7 (reader)

Douglas North and Barry Weingast, "Constitutions and Commitment: The Evolution of Institutions Governing Public Choice in Seventeenth-Century England" (reader)

Adam Przeworski, Democracy and the Market, chapter 2 (reader)

Stephan Haggard and Robert Kaufman, "The Political Economy of Authoritarian Withdrawals" (reader)

Paul Drake, "The International Sources of Democratization" (reader)

Putnam, Making Democracy Work

Tendler, Good Government in the Tropics