“Generally, learning comparative political theories has been enjoyable and difficult at the same time. I believe this course is essential in pursuing the study of Political Science. It is not only provided the necessary reading materials to enrich our knowledge but also some useful approaches to conducting comparative politics inquiries. There are several advantages to taking this course. Firstly, the teacher (Prof. Dachi Liao) is one of the experts in comparative politics, thus, learning directly from her is such a blessing. Moreover, her teaching style is great so that it is easy for us (the students) to understand. Secondly, the discussion we had have been very engaging and fun; both teacher and students exchanging idea very well over the materials and general political science issues.

However, although we are fully aware that Ph.D. courses are very challenging, the course “selected topic in comparative political theories” is very demanding. The reading requirements that we should evaluate and give a thought about them are too much. As a result, when we present our works (the weekly reading materials evaluation), the time is rather too short, and some of us barely have time to present by the end of the class; five presentations over 5-7 materials (books or journal articles). I would suggest that rather than for each week all students require to do presentations, it would be better to have two presentations every week with more extra time to do the discussion.”

1. Why and How Compare: Comparative Methodology
2. What Compare: Institutionism, Nation and State, Behavioral Pattern, Political Culture, Social Movement
3. What kinds of major theories have been used to do comparison: rational choice, party identification, pluralism vs. corporatism, democracy, authoritarianism and totalitarianism, developmental theories, democratization
4. What kinds of major lessons can be learned from comparative studies: electoral institutions and party systems, constitutional designs, democratic governance and limits