This class will study the key political institutional structures of democracy in comparative perspective. Political institutions covered will include the electoral system, the system of government (presidential vs. parliamentary), vertical relations (centralization vs. decentralization), and the legislature. The focus will be on advanced industrial democracies,with some coverage of developing democracies.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1
PasstimeUpper division only
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeWe had weekly peer reviews which weren't too helpful considering everyone was lost. Entire grade is pretty much comprised of midterm and final, the midterm basically being a draft of your final. Be besties with your TA and reach out for help. Don't wait until the last week to write 25 pages like I did!
This class sucked a lot but I though that Prof Stoll made it as understandable and clear as possible. The organization of the class made everything really accessible and I am really glad I took this hard class with her. Highly recommend!
Professor Stoll is a good professor, but this course is not easy. She made us weekly peer review which was not helpful because everyone was confused. Every assignment consisted of material for the final research paper but the material was taught with examples instead of actual definitions. Doing the "labor you choose" is what really helped.
She is very organized. The class it self is very difficult and a lot is expected of you. Half of your grade in this class is based off on one final paper that is very difficult. As a transfer student, this class was harder and more stressful because your advancement into full major is based solely off of this class.