Comparative Government, AP

This is an introductory college-level course in comparative government and politics. The course uses a comparative approach to examine the political structures; policies; and political, economic, and social challenges of six selected countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Students cultivate their understanding of comparative government and politics through analysis of data and text-based sources as they explore topics like power and authority, legitimacy and stability, democratization, internal and external forces, and methods of political analysis.

This course is part of the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board which makes demands on students equivalent to those of an introductory college course. Students who complete this course will take the associated Advanced Placement examination and may earn college credit if a qualifying score is achieved.

The course is an elective and does not fulfill a Virginia & US Government graduation requirement.