A general comparative overview of the world’s political systems. This overview consists of two parts. First, students will assess how countries differ in terms of their political systems, governmental structures, patterns of political behavior, political culture, and patterns of political change. Second, the class will examine attempts to conceptualize and explain such differences. Rather than proceeding country-by-country, this course is organized around topics that are central to the field of comparative politics. However, students will gain some country-specific knowledge.