Carlisle - 337800AH - 5(B) - S2

Course Overview

This is a comparative politics class using the thematic approach with the required core countries providing the basis for comparison. During this AP Comparative Government and Politics course, students will describe common types of governments and cultures in the world, and compare and analyse their political institutions and systems in regard to the ways they provide for the welfare, needs, and desires of its constituents. Students will have the opportunity to examine and compare the cultures and political behaviors of people in six different countries: the United Kingdom (and the European Union), Iran, China, Russia, Nigeria, and Mexico. With analytical tools such as concepts, data interpretation, inquiry and critical thinking skills to conduct their comparisons, students will also be able to describe interdependencies in a global environment. To be successful with this course and exam, students will read extensively, analyse current events, practice writing in AP format, and participate in discussions, debates, and role-playing situations. A solid background in US Government would be useful for comparative purposes.

 

Course Planner

Country Briefings/ Research

United Kingdom (and European Union)                                                                                         

Russia    

China

Mexico

Nigeria

Iran                                                                                                                        

 

Topics

Introduction to Comparative Politics 5%                                                                                    Sovereignty, Authority and Power 20%
Political Institutions         35%
Citizens, Society, and the State 15%
Political and Economic Change 15%
Public Policy 10%

Textbooks

Countries and Concepts

AP Comparative Government and Politics: An Essential Coursebook (6^th, 7^th Ed)

Learning Activities

      Comparison Chart

Students will create a comparison chart to compare major concepts/topics across required countries.

      Concepts

Students will receive a list of vocabulary, concepts, and practice activities. Definitions will be learned independently, and in class meetings will develop conceptual understanding and analysis with practice and examples.

     Current Events

Students will keep a portfolio of information, news and data pertaining to each of the six countries. This may be an online portfolio (e.g. Google Docs, websites with Prezis etc.), or it may be a scrapbook/ binder. Country Briefing Fact Sheets and CIA Factbook information should in the front, followed by news and information found throughout the year.

For ONE event each semester, students will complete an analysis from one of the countries.

      Current Events Analysis Essay

1. Summarize the event. (Who, what, when, where, how it happened)
2. Explain why it is politically significant.
3. Describe the possible consequences of the event and the policy options available to the country’s government.

Which option is best from the government’s perspective? Which option addresses the policy problem most efficiently? What are the likely costs and benefits for the political support of the government?

4. Place the event in comparative context. To what extent does the event tell us something unique about the country’s political system? To what extent does the event illustrate something that one finds in other/all political systems?
5. Attach a copy of the newspaper article that you analyzed to your essay.

     Readings, Reflections, Synthesis

Students will read assigned books and articles to supplement textbook reading. They will integrate multiple sources in

roundtable discussions and in their responses to practice AP exam questions in all three formats.

     Simulation/ Role Playing

Students are encouraged to participate in Model United Nations. Weekly practices (Thursday evenings) will increase knowledge of individual countries, governmental and supranational organizations, and develop skill in debating, UN rules of procedure, negotiation, and policy development.

Student Evaluation

All grades will be recorded in PowerSchool and Canvas will be used for instructional purposes.

The South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale (A-F) will be used in Economics.

Major grade – cumulative / summative tests, quizzes, projects                    60%

Minor grade – daily in-class activities, formative quizzes                                 40%

As written in the AP Student Expectations Agreement you signed in the spring:

The student agrees to organize his/ her time and effort to successfully complete the AP course in which he/she Is enrolled. The student will notify teachers immediately if he/she falls behind in class readings and/or assignments. The student will be expected to complete assignments, readings, and projects outside of class time. The student will take the AP Exam on its scheduled date and time as outlined by the College Board and commit to perform to the best of his/ her ability on the exam.

For each country of study, students will prepare a “Country Briefing” and analyse current events and policies. For each major unit, students will take a multiple choice test and Free Response questions in the format of the AP exam. In April, there will be repeated opportunities for taking practice AP exams, scoring and analyzing the results.

Classroom Expectations

Be prepared to read outside of class and to share in class.

Use academic integrity at all times. The Academic Integrity Policy (agenda) guides you to do your own work.

Collaborate whenever possible to learn from classmates.

Keep up with assignments and grades and make up missing work as soon as possible.