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 strong narrative thread for students to follow as they read, while serving as a clear reference point for articulating their own answers. Next, the author explains the ways scholars have attempted to answer the central question . Additional real-world examples ground the question and clarify the discussion. As each chapter progresses, the central question is supported by sub-questions that encourage students to examine more than one facet of the political puzzle. 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 via 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 ensures that the text remains current UPDATED - The inclusion of contemporary topics and the latest data throughout the Updated 2nd Edition emphasizes the relevance of course concepts to today''s world. Highlights of new and updated content include the following. A revised discussion of how political scientists measure "state strength" using the Fragile States Index includes a more intuitive discussion of the index''s application to real-world events. An updated discussion of electoral institutions reflects the results of recent elections in Israel, Portugal, France, India, and Germany.
A revised exploration of "illiberal democracies" and the future of regime change promotes discussion of pessimistic views of global politics, which predict a weakening or even collapse of democracy around the world. Expanded coverage of nationalism in Chapter 6 reflects 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. An updated discussion of the political consequences of globalization ties the topic to current events in Europe and elsewhere. Updated figures and tables present pertinent data that concisely illustrates key concepts. Numerous new examples keep the text relevant to the key questions of the discipline. Fresh photos enhance the relevance of chapter topics for today''s students. 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.
Videos bring to life chapter contents and key moments in comparative politics. Topics include Brexit, populism, and current heads of state. Data-rich interactive maps, figures, and tables with Social Explorer technology let students interact with real data to explore the concepts they''ve just read about. UPDATED - Current Event Bulletins bring currency into your classroom with author-written articles that connect key concepts with real-life current events. Our authors regularly add new or revised articles to ensure that your students have relevant examples to help them engage with the course. 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 Revel audio playlist lets students listen and learn as they go. NEW - The Revel skill for Amazon Alexa gives students the power to listen on Amazon Alexa-enabled devices using simple voice commands. 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. Essays integrated directly within Revel allow instructors to assign the precise writing tasks they need for the course.
Powered by Pearson''s Intelligent Essay Assessor (IEA), this powerful tool uses scores assigned by human raters to several hundred representative student essays, all written in response to a particular essay prompt or question. 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. Superior assignability, tracking, and pedagogical 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), Canvas(tm), Brightspace by D2L(tm), and Moodle(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 their LMS Gradebook. Revel is built for digital learning, but we''ve got you covered if you need print, too Revel gives students everything they need in an integrated digital learning environment. But if students need a loose-leaf print reference to complement their Revel experience, they can purchase one from within their Revel course at any time.