School of International Service
American University
CRS Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination
Spring 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. Samuel Barnes has observed, "Many, perhaps most, social science generalizations decay over time." Do you agree or disagree? Why?

2. Contrary to the expectations of some, nationalism remains a central feature of the contemporary world. Examine the most important theories that have been developed to study nationalism. Use examples to confirm or disconfirm the major concepts and assertions contained in these theories.

3. Is Communism "dead" as a regime type? Please discuss not only "classical" theorists and theories, but also contemporary theorists who have written on this subject and provided comprehensive explanations for world events since 1991.

4. To the extent that there is a theory (or theories) of globalization, how does it (or they) modify precursor theories in the field of comparative and regional studies? In this regard, evaluate the work of two major theorists of your choosing.

5. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the leading contending explanations for the uneven spread of democratization throughout the world.

6. Is the state the same in its essentials throughout the world? Compare and contrast how scholars of the state have answered this question. Be sure to cover two or three regions in the world in your selection of scholars to assess the extent to which the most prominent theories of the state are universal.

7. The first and most prominent examples and analyses of "contentious politics" were almost exclusively centered on North Atlantic democracies. Is the concept of contentious politics a useful analytical lens when it is applied outside of its "home" region? Why/Why not?