School of International Service
American University

Comparative and Regional Studies
Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination

Spring 2006

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. King, Keohane and Verba assert that there is a single logic of inference that underlies all good quantitative and qualitative research, namely, the scientific rules of inference (scientific method). Do you agree? First justify your position. Second, give a brief (but fair) synopsis of an opposing view. Third, explain why you think the opposing view is ultimately not convincing.

2. Assess the research in the subfield of political culture. What are some of the major arguments? To what extent do you find them convincing? How strong is the evidence supporting the claims?

3. Is it likely that we will see greater, lesser or roughly the same frequency of revolution in the future as we have experienced in the past. Be sure to discuss at least two theories of revolution when making your argument.

4. Are state formation and democratization inimical? Be sure to ground your answer in the literature of both subfields.

5. From various theoretical perspectives in the subfield of nationalism, what are the prospects of humanity ever achieving a "global nationalism"?

6. Can one say that either presidentialism or parliamentarianism is a superior governing form?

7. Some scholars argue that geography is the single most important factor explaining poverty. Others stress institutional failure. Still others point to bad policy choices. Briefly discuss these schools and provide your assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of each. Which do you find the most convincing? Why?