Topic: Comparative Politics and Literature
| Time | Days | Location | Instructor | GER | Credit | OPUS Class Number | Syllabus (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2:30pm-3:45pm | TuTh | Candler Library 114 | Thomas Lancaster. | FSEM. | 4 | 13110 | TBA. |
This Freshman Seminar uses narrative literature as the vehicle to consider fundamental issues of comparative and international politics. It focuses on important concepts and issues such as ideological diversity and conflict, relations of the individual to the collectivity, the organization of collective action, political participation, ideological underpinnings for different structures of the state, political mobilization, transitions to democracy, and civil war and revolution. While such topics are typical for a class in comparative politics, this seminar is different in that literature from the humanities helps students analyze such issues.
Other: As a Freshman Seminar, emphasis will be on discussion and active participation. Several films will also be viewed in "popcorn" sessions in a more social setting.
Required Textbooks, Articles, and Resources
- 2004. The Ox-Bow Incident. ISBN: 9780812972580.Modern Library
- 1990. Nostromo. ISBN: 9780140183719.Penguin
- 1989. A Tale of Two Cities. ISBN: 9780553211764.Bantam Classics
- 2005. An Enemy of the People. ISBN: 978159406446.1st World Library
- Homage to Catalonia. ISBN: 9780156421171.Houghton Mifflin
- 2005. A Passage to India. ISBN: 9780141441160.Penguin
- 1991. My Son's Story. ISBN: 9780140159752.Penguin
Grading
| Assignment/Exam | Details | % of Total Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Two comparative essays on the readings. | NA | 30% |
| Participation | NA | 15% |
| Class Presentation | (One or two class presentations will be required) | 10% |
| Oral Final Exam | NA | 25% |
| Final Essay | Take-Home Final Essay | 20% |
The schedule of courses on O.P.U.S. is the official listing of courses, including days and times they meet and the General Education Requirements they satisfy. Students should use course descriptions as general guidelines. Course requirements, grading details, book lists, and syllabi are subject to change.