Question: Instructions: You are expected to write a 3-5 page, single-spaced paper (font size 12) on a case comparison, all of which are given. The paper is to be submitted via the course's Blackboard site, by the beginning of class on the March 20th. Late papers will be penalized.
Assignment: 1. Select a case from the ones given. Read it carefully, and take notes.
2. Select another case, and take notes.
3. As this is a Comparative Politics class, the basis of our analysis is comparison and analysis. Thus, compare and contrast the 2 selected cases, based on the following criteria:
- Strength of the state
- Transition to independence
- Regime type
- Institutions
- Nationality/identity
- Civil society
- Electoral processes, political parties, etc.
- Revolutionary events, if any
- Political economy
The purpose of this paper is not to merely summarize the points made by the author of the cases. You need to assess and apply the concepts studied in this course, critically analyzing the politics of the countries chosen. This analysis will involve touching upon the concepts listed above, as well as others. Naturally, the concepts you'll focus more heavily will be driven by the specific contents of the cases. Your main task is to dissect the characteristics of the cases, and make solid commentary, supported by evidence. Use the textbook closely as your guide for definitions of concepts. Your thoughts should be coherent and well-articulated.
This is not a research paper, but all the normal rules of a well-written paper apply:
- proper grammar, spelling and punctuation
- proper citation, if citing someone else's work
- a bibliography, detailing all references consulted
Cases: 1. The People Have Spoken - The People's charter
2. Our nuclear missiles are not afraid of sanctions.