Introduction to Comparative Politics
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| POLI1014 | Politics and International Relations | 1 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- POLI1014
- School
- Politics and International Relations
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module seeks to compare and contrast the structures of modern democratic states. Topics to be covered will include: politics, government and the state; the comparative approach; constitutions and the legal framework; democratic and authoritarian rule; political culture; the political executive; legislatures; political parties and party systems; electoral systems and voting behaviour; the crisis of democracy.
Target Students
Available to Year 1 UG students in the School of Politics and International Relations on single and joint honours plans. Also available to Year 1 UG students on the Liberal Arts plan, and incoming exchange students based in the School of Politics and International Relations.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and lecture engagements.
Assessment
- 37% Coursework 1: 1500-word essay.
- 62% Coursework 2: 2,500-word essay.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The module aims to:Introduce students to the comparative method as a form of political analysis;Expose students to several contemporary examples of democratic and non-democratic politics and encourage comparison across political systems;Analyse key issues in the study of comparative politics, in particular, questions surrounding differences between political regimes, regime change, forms of democratic governance and challenges to modern democracies;Develop valuable analytical skills for the research and interpretation of political science literature, the analysis of empirical material, and the preparation and presentation of the results of comparative political analysis, all of which can be used beyond academic coursework.Learning Outcomes
a) Knowledge and understanding:
- Knowledge of the field of comparative politics;
- Understanding of how comparative methods are used to analyse politics.
b) Intellectual skills:
- Show aptitude in applying comparative and conceptual thinking to concrete examples;
- Demonstrate skills of critical analysis, synthesis and reasoned argument.
c) Professional and practical skills:
- Contribute your insights to informal seminar discussions;
- Study independently to develop familiarity with key concepts and issues;
- Gather evidence from a range of traditional and online resources.
d) Transferable and key skills:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method to draw conclusions from existing data sources;
- Learn to plan, manage time effectively, prioritise tasks and work towards deadlines;
- Demonstrate the ability to read material critically and use it selectively;
- Show strong written communication skills based on clear expression and coherent, well-referenced arguments.