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Comparative Politics

Module description

In Comparative Politics, our focus is the origins and effects of national political institutions. Using the comparative method, our goal is to understand the differences between forms of government and what effects they have within the polity. We will compare different types of regime, including democracies, hybrid regimes and authoritarian regimes, but also look at variation within these regime types. You will learn different theoretical schools or approaches within comparative politics, as well as a consideration of the relative merits of these approaches in answering different questions about political institutions.

No prior knowledge skills or experience are required to take this module and it is suitable for specialist and non-specialist students. The module is suitable for students studying Politics and History.

Module aims - intentions of the module

Our aim is that by the end of the module you should be able to explain, through comparative analysis, what the key determinants of regime stability and regime change are, how political regimes and institutions vary, and how their effects are mediated or constrained by other factors. You should be able to respond to particular questions about these institutions, drawing on the relevant literature. You should also be able to deal in the abstract with the issue of the relative merits of different comparative approaches and methods. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Explain the major theories of comparative politics, their strengths and weaknesses
• 2. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of a variety of regimes and institutions
• 3. Apply the theories of comparative politics to answer questions related to the functioning of regimes and institutions

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Use key concepts in political science effectively
• 5. Synthesize and critically evaluate a variety of theories and arguments in the field
• 6. Discuss the similarities and differences in the politics of a range of countries

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task.
• 8. Engage in spontaneous discussion and defence of arguments
• 9. Eemonstrate competent written analytical and organizational skills
• 10. Write essays effectively, using a range of resources to support your argumentation

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Theoretical and methodological principles
• State formation
• Democratization and democratic backsliding
• Autocracies and Hybrid Regimes
• Legislatures and executives
• Political Parties in democracies and authoritarian states
• State-society relations
• Participation and governance
• Interest Groups

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Clark W.R., Golder M., Golder S.N. (2013), Principles of Comparative Politics, Washington DC: CQ Press.

King G., Keohane R., Verba S. (1994), Designing Social Inquiry: Scientific Inference in Qualitative Research, Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Key words search

Comparative Politics, Comparative Approaches