<p>hey, is comparative gov hard for self-studying? is the book Ryan said enough to get a 5?</p>
<p>hey, I'm also self-studying for comparative govt. + politics. I haven't taken any practice tests yet, so I couldn't say how difficult it is though. I'm using Ethel Wood's study guide (2nd. edition) to make notes from, and I've got a couple of other text books to work from for extra information. These aren't necessarily the best, just ones I managed to get buy cheap on eBay :) but look them up if you want:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>'Countries and Concepts: Politics, Geography, Culture' - Michael Roskin</p></li>
<li><p>'Comparative Politics Today: A World View' - Gabriel A. Almond, et al.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>if anybody has taken the exam, advice please! I'm a bit isolated, trying to self-study for all these APs down here in Sydney plus keep up with my school workload. so any help much appreciated :)</p>
<p>The Almond book is definitely a good source. Oneil's essentials of comparative politics is another good book and its pretty short. </p>
<p>As for prep books, I have yet to check out Ethel Woods new one although one of my friends is ordering it. Ken Wedding's is good but to be sure you get a 5 you better pick up the Almond book, it has a lot more detail regarding political socialization and discusses history in more depth.</p>
<p>i think its possible to self-study. i took the course , but could have learned the information on my own easily if i had the time to set aside for doing so. but its not one of those tests where youll have to glance at the text and manage a 4 or 5</p>
<p>ryan, so you mean the almond book is enough for a 4 or 5? just go over it page by page? is that test hard comparing to the U.S government? THanks</p>
<p>I would say so... the almond(updated) along with an updated review book(woods or wedding) should be enough to get a 5. Also, if you have limited or a U.S centric understanding of politics I would strongly recommend oneil just because it does a good job going over general trends and vocabulary of comparative politics. Use Almond for country specific knowledge(remember its nigeria, mexico, england, Russia, Iran, and China this year). And use the review book for the finishing touches and you should nail it.</p>