POL228 Introduction to Comparative Politics

1 1 NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES COURSE CODE: POL 228 COURSE TITLE: Introduction TO Comparative Politics 2 POL 228 Introduction TO Comparative Politics Course Developer: Abdul-Rahoof Adebayo Bello School of Arts & Social Sciences National Open University of Nigeria Lagos Course Writer: Prof.

2 Olarotimi Ajayi Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State. Course Coordinator: Abdul-Rahoof Adebayo Bello School of Arts & Social Sciences National Open University of Nigeria Headquarters, Lagos Course Editor: Prof.

3 Bayo Okuade Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan. NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA COURSE GUIDE 3 POL228 Course Guide National Open University of Nigeria Headquarters 14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island Lagos Abuja Annex 245 Samuel Adesujo Ademulegun Street Central Business District Opposite Arewa Suites Abuja E-mail: URL.

4 National Open University of Nigeria 2009 First Printed 2009 ISBN: 978-058-949-X All Rights Reserved Printed by .. 4 For National Open University of Nigeria TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction .. 1 Course Aims .. 1 Course Objectives .. 1 Working Through This Course .. 2 Course Materials .. 2 Study Units .. 2-3 Assessment .. 4 Tutor Marked Assignments (TMA) .. 4 Final Examination and Grading.

5 4 Course Marking Scheme .. 4 Course Overview/Presentation Schedule .. 6 How to get the most from this course .. 6 Tutors and Tutorials .. 6 Summary .. 7 5 Introduction This course, POS 228- Introduction to Comparative Politics , is a three credit unit course for undergraduate students in Political Science and other Social Science disciplines. The materials have been developed with special reference to Nigeria.

6 This course guide gives you an overview of the course. It also provides you with information on the organization and requirements for the course. Course Aims The over arching aim of this course is to help you have the basic knowledge of Comparative Politics , and appreciate its usefulness in Political Science.: Course objectives To achieve the overarching aims set out above, POL 228 has the following as overall objectives: i) Educating you about the basic concepts and principles of Comparative Politics .

7 Ii) Highlighting the value of comparison in political studies. iii) Acquainting you with the methods of Comparative Politics . iv) Educating you about how to analyze contemporary political issues using Comparative method. In addition to the general objective of the course, each unit also has specific objectives. The unit objectives are stated at the beginning of each unit. It is advisable that you read them before you start working through the unit. Reference may be made to them in the course of study of the units as self assessments 6strategy.

8 By meeting the objectives, you should be regarded as having met the aims of the course. Expected Outcomes On successful completion of the course, you should be able to: a) Discuss the definitions, scope and origin of Comparative Politics b) Explain the approaches to the study of Comparative Politics c) Understand the importance and limitations of Comparative Politics . d) Comprehend the logic of Comparative social inquiry e) Identify the focus and thrust of Comparative Politics f) Understand the role of concepts, models and theories in Comparative Politics g) Explain the problem of conceptualization in Comparative Politics h) Gain an insight into the nature and function of paradigm in Comparative Politics i) Explain political systems across different societies j) Understand ideologies from the different political platforms in the world k)

9 Discuss democracy on Comparative basis along different political spectrum. l) Explain the impact of Globalisation on Comparative Politics . Working through the course To complete the course, you are required to read the study units and other related materials. It is also necessary to undertake practical exercises for which you require a pen/pencil, a note-book, graph paper and other materials that will be listed in this guide. The exercises are to aid your understanding of the units being presented.

10 At the end of each unit, you will be required to submit written assignments for assessment. At the end of the course, a final examination will be written. Course Materials 7 The major materials needed for this course are: (i) Course guide (ii) Study guide (iii) Assignment file (iv) Relevant textbooks including the ones listed under each unit (v) You may also need to listen to educative programmes and special reports on electronic and print media. (vi) In addition, you also need to read newspapers, news magazine, and academic journals.