The Human Polity: A Comparative Introduction to Political Science, Brief Version - Softcover

Lawson, Kay

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0618425241 ISBN 13: 9780618425242

Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing, 2005

Synopsis

This abridged edition offers the same personal, engaging introduction to political science as the full-length text in a shorter format--ideal for professors who incorporate outside readings into their courses. Topics include the nature of politics, political institutions, behavior, and ideologies within a comparative framework. Lawson's accessible writing style aids student comprehension and makes difficult concepts and unfamiliar terms understandable through clear explanations and an end-of-text glossary of key terms. A shift from a state-centered emphasis on interdependence to a broader look at globalization runs throughout the text and includes material on global organizations such as the World Bank, the IMF, and the WTO. In addition, most chapters feature new topics, including terrorism worldwide; the roots of terrorism and how nations guard against it; and post-9/11 issues in the U.S. such as civil rights and public health.

About this title

About the Author

KAY LAWSON is Professor of Science at San Francisco State University and the Sorbonne.

Nigella Lawson is the food writer for "Vogue," originated the restaurant column in "The Spectator" and writes regularly for other publications. Her new television series, "Nigella Bites," is launching this fall on Britain’ s Channel 4. Nigella Lawson lives in London with her two children.

Review

Note: Each chapter includes a Summary and Conclusion, and Questions to Consider. I. The Work of Political Science in an Era of Globalization 1. Political Science in an Era of Globalization Political Science and the Human Polity The Subjects of Political Science The Work of Political Science II. Shaping Political Thought 2. Political Ideologies What Is an Ideology? Is an Ism Always an Ideology? Beyond Ideology 3. Politics and Culture The Political Culture of the Nation-State Cultural Bases of Subnationalism Impact of Cultural Divisiveness on the Nation-State Explaining Commitment to a Subnational Group: Identity Theory Cultural Dissemination of Political Values: Political Socialization III. Acting in Politics 4. The Individual in Politics Individual Motives for Participation in Politics Participation by Voting in Elections Access: How Welcome Is Individual Participation? 5. Organizing for Politics: The Group Interest Groups Violent Revolutionary Organizations 6. Political Parties Political Parties as a Unique Form of Political Organization The Functions of Political Parties Party Organization The Members of Parties The Selection of Candidates Preparing the Campaign Executing the Campaign: Parties and the Media Parties in Government The Role of Parties Today 7. Acting in International Politics Actors Shaping International Politics Contemporary Issues of International Politics Resolving International Conflicts IV. Governing Nation-States 8. Making the Laws The Legislature The Relationship Between Legislative and Executive Power Representation: Legislators and Their Constituents Lawmaking by Other Institutions of Government 9. Making Government Work: Executives and Bureaucrats What Chief Executives Do The Bureaucracy Too Much Government? Or Too Little? 10. Public Policy What Is a Public Policy? Determinants of Public Policy: The Role of Circumstance Three Examples of Public Policy 11. Justice Under the Law What Is Justice? Choosing Credible Judges An Independent Judiciary: Theory and Practice Guidelines for Adjudication: The Kinds of Kinds of Law Regional Variations in the Rule of Law: Legal Cultures 12. Levels of Government Within the State The Nature of Subnational Government Unitary and Federal Political Systems Intermediate Levels of Government V. Governing the World 13. International and Regional Governments Treaties Regional Organizations International Organizations 14. Political and Economic Globalization Prospects for Global Democracy Kinds of Transitions International Agents of Economic Globalization The Impact of Economic Globalization

Edition details

• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0618425241
• ISBN 13: 9780618425242
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 448