PLSC 211 Introduction to Comparative Government [GEGA]

Where do different political systems come from? Why can some countries respond better to particular challenges? What makes democracy so difficult to sustain, or development so hard to achieve? In this course, students investigate key comparative questions and variables through class discussion, thematic readings, and a semester-long case study project.

Credit 3 hrs May not be repeated for additional credit
Grade Mode Normal (A-F) Course Rotation Fall, Winter, and Summer

Prerequisites -
Restriction by Major -
Restriction by Class -

Rationale for Perspectives on a Diverse World - From the Fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of ethnic and religious nationalisms to the new challenges of a global marketplace, the world’s politics are in transition. As people and events around the world become more interconnected, it is increasingly vital to understand the dramatic political changes going into the 21st century in order to gain global awareness and perspectives on the diverse world in which we live. This course offers an introduction to the study of politics and political issues in countries around the world, with a particular focus on cases selected to reflect the diversity of societies and political systems. In comparing specific national responses to common problems, we will be learning not only about how governments work and how people change their form of government, but also about methods of comparative analysis (i.e., how to gain perspective through comparison)’ and about how the global context shapes and interacts with diverse peoples and governments. The course materials are organized thematically’ countries of diverse economic, social and cultural types will be compared regarding a variety of topics (such as democracy, authoritarianism, capitalism, socialism, nationalism, development, and globalization).

Equivalent Course(s) -
Course History -
Update to course description 05/2026, effective Fall 2026

Global Awareness (GEGA) , Political Science

Class listings and details page