Title

This course introduces students to the range of political systems around the world and the conceptions of justice on which they are based. Students will learn about the differences between democratic, authoritarian, and hybrid political systems. We will look at the varieties of ways that power is organized in each type of system, some of the reasons for those differences, and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of system from the point of view of accountability to citizens, stability, economic growth, and human well being. We will explore these systems in theory, by looking at the ideas in the systems about what individuals and communities need, what governments should do to meet those needs, and what is necessary to ensure that the government does what it is intended to do. We will also look at the systems in practice by examining specific political systems and consider whether the actual operation of various governments achieve the goals that justify the organization of power. Students will be assessed with short essays focused on comparing political systems, discussing the impact of institutional contexts on how citizens and public officials can and do act, and how concepts of justice are implemented in the organization of power in political systems. Essays are designed to promote academic writing through robust feedback. Students will have the opportunity to make revisions based on the feedback they receive.