PLSC 321 - State and Society in the Nonwestern World

Credit(s): 3
Lecture: 3
Non-Lecture: 0
This course examines state-society relations in comparative politics, focusing on the interplay among ideologies, institutions, interests, and identities in the nonwestern world. Readings include both theoretical works exploring these concepts and critical case studies. We begin with exploration of the adoption and adaptation of various political ideologies, sometimes arising from Western traditions and interactions with Western powers, that resulted in extremely varied political institutions throughout the nonwestern world. For example, parliamentary democracies have emerged in countries with remarkably different histories, including formerly fascist Japan and a number of former colonies. And yet other newly independent countries facing similar initial conditions adopted political systems as dissimilar as communism, democracy, and military authoritarianism. Offered when demand is sufficient.

Prerequisite(s): PLSC 120.