Dynamic content designed for the way today''s students read, think, and learn brings concepts to life Videos and interactives integrated directly into the author-created narrative keep students engaged as they read through each chapter. Thanks to this media-rich presentation of content, students are more likely to complete their assigned reading and retain what they''ve read. Embedded assessments such as quizzes and concept checks afford students opportunities to check their understanding at regular intervals before moving on. Assessments in Revel(tm) let instructors gauge student comprehension frequently, provide timely feedback, and address learning gaps along the way. The Revel mobile app lets students read, practice, and study -- anywhere, anytime, on any device. Content is available both online and offline, and the app syncs work across all registered devices automatically, giving students great flexibility to toggle between phone, tablet, and laptop as they move through their day. The app also lets students set assignment notifications to stay on top of all due dates. The writing functionality in Revel enables educators to integrate writing -- among the best ways to foster and assess critical thinking -- into the course without significantly impacting their grading burden.
Self-paced Journaling Prompts throughout the narrative encourage students to express their thoughts without breaking stride in their reading. Assignable Shared Writing Activities direct students to share written responses with classmates, fostering peer discussion. Highlighting, note taking, and a glossary let students read and study however they like. Educators can add notes for students, too, including reminders or study tips. A consistent, question-based structure fosters learning Each chapter begins with a central question that focuses on a core aspect of politics, illustrated by a real-world example that helps students grasp the importance of the topic. Framing the chapter''s subject as a question: Provides a narrative thread for students to follow as they read the chapter; Fosters classroom discussion; Illustrates how scholars go about answering similar questions; and Offers a clear reference point for students to articulate their own answers, which will help them on their assignments and exams. After it is introduced, the authors explain the ways scholars have attempted to answer the central question . Throughout the chapter, more real-world examples are employed to ground the question and clarify the discussion.
As each chapter progresses, the central question is supported by subquestions in the margins that encourage students to examine more than one facet of a political puzzle. In short, each chapter shows how political scientists engage a smaller piece of a larger puzzle and then explore, debate, and articulate plausible answers to key questions about politics in the world today. Engaging pedagogical features help students comprehend and apply key concepts Hypothesis Testing boxes allow students to apply what they have learned in every chapter. Opening with a statement that can be tested by exploring real-world country cases, each box walks students through the process of "Gathering Evidence" in order to "Assess the Hypothesis." Each exercise is meant to engage students actively with the process of comparative politics, providing them with opportunities to learn how to recognize and ultimately construct their own arguments. A summary table at the end of every major section enables students to review key concepts in an organized and easy-to-read format. A marginal glossary in each chapter supports students'' understanding of new and important concepts at first encounter. For easy reference, key terms from the marginal glossary are repeated at the end of each chapter, along with review questions and an annotated list of suggested readings.
Numerous color photos and figures integrated throughout the text enliven the narrative. New and updated content facilitates an up-to-date learning experience UPDATED! Revised figures and tables support the narrative through the presentation of pertinent data that concisely illustrate key concepts. UPDATED! A fresh discussion of electoral institutions has been included to account for results of elections in the UK and elsewhere. UPDATED! A revised exploration of regime change enhances relevance and promote discussion of recent "pessimistic" views of global politics, which predict a weakening or even collapse of democracy around the world. UPDATED! The discussion of the aftermath of the Arab Spring and the paths of democracy and dictatorship in the Middle East and North Africa has been updated to maintain relevance. UPDATED! New photos enhance the relevance of chapter topics to today''s students. UPDATED! Expanded coverage of nationalism in Chapter 6 takes into account recent events such as Brexit in the UK, the election of Donald Trump in the United States, and the spread of anti-immigrant sentiment in Western Europe. UPDATED! To reflect the fact that politics involves constant change, numerous new examples have been introduced throughout the text to keep the text relevant to disciplinary questions.
Superior assignability and tracking tools help educators make sure students are completing their reading and understanding core concepts The assignment calendar allows educators to indicate precisely which readings must be completed on which dates. This clear, detailed schedule helps students stay on task by eliminating any ambiguity as to which material will be covered during each class. When they understand exactly what is expected of them, students are better motivated to keep up. The performance dashboard empowers educators to monitor class assignment completion as well as individual student achievement. Actionable information, such as points earned on quizzes and tests and time on task, helps educators intersect with their students in meaningful ways. For example, the trending column reveals whether students'' grades are improving or declining, helping educators to identify students who might need help to stay on track. LMS integration provides institutions, instructors, and students easy access to their Revel courses via Blackboard Learn(tm) and Canvas(tm). With single sign-on, students can be ready to access an interactive blend of authors'' narrative, media, and assessment on their first day.
Flexible, on-demand grade synchronization capabilities allow educators to control exactly which grades should be transferred to the Blackboard or Canvas Gradebook. Print-on-demand functionality after purchase gives students an extra level of support Revel was designed to give students everything they need, all in one integrated digital learning environment. But if students wish to order a print version of their Revel program , they can do so from directly within Revel after purchase for a small fee at any time during the course. We offer this option in order to facilitate successful learning outcomes for students with varied learning styles.