Comparative Politics
| Module title | Comparative Politics |
|---|---|
| Module code | POC2098 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Lamprini Rori (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 50 |
|---|
Module description
In Comparative Politics, our focus is the origins and effects of national democratic 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 democracies with other regimes, and will also look at variation within democratic states. 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 democratic 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
- Autocracies and Hybrid Regimes
- Legislatures
- Executives
- Parties
- Party Systems
- Electoral Systems
- Interest Groups
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 26.5 | 123.5 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity | 26.5 | 11 x 1.5 hr lectures, 10 x 1 hour seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 123.5 | Private study students are expected to read suggested texts and make notes prior to seminar sessions. They are also expected to read widely to complete their coursework assignments. More specifically, students are expected to devote at least: 60 hours to directed reading; 6 hours for preparing the formative research project outline; 20 hours on completing the essay; Around 42 hours on completing the research project preparation and take home exam. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative research designproject outline | 300 words | 1-3,5-6,9 | Verbal or written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Take-home Exam | 50 | 1.5 hours (written) | 1-7, 9 | Written |
| Essay | 50 | 2500 words | 1-6, 8-10 | Written |
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparative research project | 1.5 hours Take-home Exam (written) | 1-7, 9 | August/September re-assessment period |
| Essay | Essay (2500 words) | 1-6, 8-10 | August/September re-assessment period |
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.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 24/07/2017 |
| Last revision date | 20/08/20 |
