Political Science 17
Politics of the Underdeveloped World
Professor Pion-Berlin
Fall Quarter, 2002
Tues-Thurs. 9:40-11am.
Life Sciences 1500
Office: 2215 Watkins
Tel: 787-4606
e-mail: david.pion@ucr.edu
faculty home page: http://politicalscience.ucr.edu/people/berlin/berlin-bio.html
Course Description
Third world nations confront enormous problems within a complex global order that do not invite easy solutions. Development is a priority for these states, but stiff market competition from abroad, lack of capital and technological know how, and corrupt and administratively feeble states are some of the obstacles that stand their way. Political development is also a priority, but democratization is not easy nor is it a panacea. Specialists debate what choices Third World countries should pursue in their quest for development, and this course will review the plausible alternatives. It will examine different theories of development, with a focus on the role of states and markets.
Then we will turn to the politics of development, and ask, why do some attempts work and others fail? In response, we will look at regime types and whether some kind of regimes can promote economic reforms better than others, followed by a study of coalitions, and how these form either to support or challenge a particular economic strategy. From there we move to a discussion of the latest wave of democratization and consider what democracy is, how we get there, and what it takes for democracies to become consolidated. Finally, we consider the armed forces and the role they play in democratic orders. Case studies of Asian and Latin American countries will be incorporated within the thematic discussions.
Web-based Learning
This course utilizes the web-based instruction and learning tool "Blackboard." By going online using a common browser (like Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator) you can access the website for this course. Go to the URL: http://ilearn.ucr.edu, and login. Each of you should have a username, and if you don't know it, inquire at helpdesk@student.ucr.edu. Your password is your social security number written out with no spaces or dashes.
At this website, you will find important announcements, the syllabus, lecture notes, occasional practice quizzes, and other items that I find useful to post. Pay attention to the announcements, as these will remind you of upcoming exam dates, review sessions, etc. Remember, use of the website is never a substitute for attending class lecture or discussion. You will not realize your full potential in this course unless you attend all sessions.
Requirements
There will be three multiple choice/essay exams, worth 25%, 25% and 30% of the final grade respectively. They will be given in weeks four, eight and finals week. Only the final exam is cumulative. Cheating is a serious offense. Should students be caught looking at other students’ exam answers, they will fail the exam. Repeated offenses will result in the receipt of a failing grade for the course. The remaining 20% of your grade is based on class participation and assignments in your discussion section. The teaching assistant responsible for your section will assess your performance and report to me.
Readings
There are two required texts available at the bookstore, along with a binder of materials that is available at UCR's Printing and Reprographics Center. All of these readings are required. All those reading assignments marked with an asterisk (*) can be found in the binder.
Books to be purchased at the bookstore:
John Rapley, Understanding Development: Theory and Practice in the Third World - Second Edition (Rienner Publishers, 2002).
Larry Diamond, et al. Consolidating the Third Wave: Themes and Perspectives ( Johns Hopkins Press, 1997).
Other Important Information
Classes will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays and attendance is expected. If for some reason you cannot attend because of medical or family reasons, please inform me of that fact upon your return. You are expected to be there for all exams. If for a medical or family reason you miss an exam, contact me immediately to schedule a make-up. You are expected to do all the assigned reading on the syllabus, unless otherwise notified. While the lectures are extremely important, it will be difficult to gain an adequate understanding or to do well on the exams without paying attention to the readings. Office hours are regularly maintained and posted. If for some reason you cannot see me at the designated hours, please come up after class and I will gladly arrange an alternative time at your convenience and mine. As always, you may email me or the teaching assistants with your questions or concerns.
Syllabus
Weeks One, Two, and Three
H. Handelman, "Understanding Development, 1-13"*
World Bank, "New Directions in Development Thinking"*
Rapley, Chapter 1.
World Bank, "The Evolving Role of the State", pp. 19-24.*
Rapley, Chapter 2; J. Reshetar, "The Soviet Polity: Functions and Policies"*
Rapley, Chapter 3.
Weeks Four, Five and Six
FIRST EXAM – BEGINNING OF WEEK FOUR
Rapley, Chapter 4.
G. From State to Market-Led Development: the Case of India
D. Yergin, "After the Permit Raj: India’s Awakening"*
Rapley, Chapters 5 and 6; World Bank, "The Evolving Role of the State," pp. 25-28
J. Coalitions for and Against Statist and Market Solutions – R. Bates, "Governments and Agricultural Markets in Africa;"* S. Haggard and S. Webb, "Voting for Reform: 17-28*
Weeks Seven, Eight, and Nine
SECOND EXAM- BEGINNING OF WEEK EIGHT
A. Democracy - What is it?
P. Schmitter and T.L. Karl, "What Democracy is… and is Not," (Journal of Democracy 2 (Summer 1991)*
D. Rustow, "Transitions To Democracy: Toward a Dynamic Model"*
L. Diamond, Chpt. 15
Diamond, introduction, Chpts. 1-4
E. Democracy in Danger?
L. Diamond, "Is the Third Wave Over?"*
Week Ten
F. The Armed Forces and Democracy
S. Huntington, "Reforming Civil-Military Relations"*
L. Diamond, Chpts. 10,11
Finals Week
FINAL EXAM – December 10, 8-11am.