School of International Service
American University

Comparative and Regional Studies
Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination

Spring 2005

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. Briefly present the ontological assumptions of two or three major methodologies currently used in the field of comparative and regional studies. Given these assumptions, to what extend can these different methodological schools be combined and used fruitfully to understand socio-political processes and outcomes?

2. What are the major contributions of classical social theory to contemporary comparative inquiry? What are the shortcomings? Be specific in evaluating the work of leading authors.

3. For decades scholars have predicted the demise of the state as the preeminent political institution for governance. Assess these arguments.

4. Does the internal organization or external alignment of political parties affect the character and depth of democracy?

5. Representative democracy has spread, albeit unevenly, as a system of governance. Assess the leading scholarly explanations for the expansion and for the uneven distribution of representative democracy. Assess the likelihood that representative democracy will ultimately become the universal system of governance.

6. What are the major attempts to develop concepts of comparative regionalism? Critically evaluate the literature on cross-regional studies. Illustrate your points by offering interregional and intraregional comparisons.

7. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of two or more of the major paradigms that scholars use to explain processes and outcomes in the field of international "development."