School of International Service
American University

Comparative and Regional Studies
Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination

Fall 2003

Directions:

Answer a total of THREE (3) questions.
Each answer must be at least satisfactory in order to pass the exam.

For each answer, students are expected to demonstrate:
(1) a comprehensive knowledge of the relevant scholarly literature, and
(2) a solid understanding of the theoretical issues.

1. Classical social theorists – Marx, Weber, and Durkheim – used the comparative method. Critically discuss their uses of comparative inquiry. In what respects did these authors agree and disagree about comparative analysis?

2. Is "civil society" a useful concept to understand democratization? What is the relationship between civil society and democracy? Describe the analytical properties of "civil society" and contrast liberal and radical variants of the concept.

3. Evaluate the major theories of the state. Refer to specific books and authors.

4. What are the major methodological implications of globalization on comparative political economy? Has globalization made comparative political economic study redundant?

5. McAdam, Tilly and Tarrow claim that a revolution is merely one form of "contentious politics." How do they justify this claim? Do you agree? To what extent is McAdam, Tilly and Tarrow's contention compatible with the work of either Jack Goldstone or Theda Skocpol? (Pick one).

6. How have social scientists defined class? Which approach(es) do you prefer? Why?

7. Is nationalism really something that is wholly constructed? Address this proposition drawing on the argumentation of at least three prominent scholars of nationalism.