Comparative politics
Comparative politics is perhaps the smallest subfield in the Political Science Department--its size is perhaps due to lack of "practical value," as deemed by aspiring lawyers and politicians. However, the typical student in a comparative politics class is usually super competent and genuinely interested in the material...since there is no other reason to actually specify in this field. Thus, the classes are more dynamic than other political science classes. This dynamism is perhaps enhanced by a strong core of professors.
Faculty
The professors in this department share many of the same characteristics; they are usually decent lecturers, having some good days and some bad days. They usually have an extremely quirky sense of humor--one that is usually only appreciated by the TAs at first. For the willing student, however, they become an added nuance by which to enjoy the class. Most importantly, however, they are all super knowledgeable; this added to their keen ability to decipher convoluted questions makes most of their responses helpful, informative and precise.
Given the personalities of the professors, advising is usually free for all, where all professors will help you when and where they can. There will not, as is the case with all parts of the Political Science Department, hold your hand through your two years as a declared major, but they will provide poignant, honest and straightforward responses to all inquiries.
Courses
- Communist and Post Communist Regimes (Bernstein)
- Political Change in the Third World (Marx)
- Changing Forms of Political Participation (Kesselman)
