Political Science 1301: Comparative Politics

Instructor: D. Christopher Brooks earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University. Previous to his work at UMM, Professor Brooks taught at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) and St. Olaf College. He has taught a broad range of courses in Comparative Politics including East-Central European Politics, West European Politics, Balkan Politics, Transitions to Democracy, Social Movements, Ethnic Conflict, and a study abroad course, Post-Communist Democracy in the Czech Republic. He has published original research in East European Quarterly, the Journal of Political Science Education, and Social Science Quarterly. His current research examines the impact of democratic transitions and economic development on women's rights.

Course Description: Examines the nature of political authority, experience of social revolution, and achievement of economic transformation in the context of politics and government in selected countries around the world.  Compares the political histories, cultures, institutions, elections, and party systems of Great Britain, Japan, Russia, China, Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria, and Iran.

Fulfills UMM General Education Requirement: category IP (International Perspective)