This self-study course is designed to provide students with a broad survey of the important issues in the study of comparative politics. Students will gain an understanding of world politics and political systems and compare issues and structures on a global level. Students conduct in-depth studies of individual countries focusing on theoretical frameworks to explore broad issues such as why some countries modernize more quickly and why some are more democratic and understand how local issues have a worldwide impact. Students also explore how politics works on individual, group, national, and global levels. Throughout the course, students study political institutions and processes and learn to use critical thinking skills regarding the consequences of public policies. Students observe the international economy and how politics shape a nation's influence on the local and global levels. Additionally, students learn about other countries, regions, and the world while asking fundamental questions about politics and government.