The module aims to take the student beyond the basic conceptual toolbox provided in first year, and further into the challenging world of detailed definitions, contested assumptions and empirical explanation. Students taking this module will encounter a range of theoretical approaches to comparative research, will analyse central concepts, such as political identity, power, and democracy, and will apply these to a range of contemporary political issues.

1. demonstrate a familiarity and engage critically with a range of key concepts, theories and methods central to comparative political analysis, including an awareness of the contested nature of knowledge and understanding (to be assessed through essay, examination and seminar presentation)
2. to apply concepts, theories and methods to the analysis of political ideas, institutions and behaviour (to be assessed as above)
3. to develop a reasoned argument, synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement (to be assessed as above)
4. to communicate ideas effectively and fluently (to be assessed through all three methods, including oral communication skills through the seminar presenation)

to use communication and information technologies for the retrieval, analysis and presentation of information (to be assessed through essay and seminar presentation

Teaching on this module normally comprises one or two lectures per week, and five seminars, over one semester.  Seminars are compulsory, and students will be required to prepare individually a seminar paper to be presented during the semester at one of the seminars associated with the module.  The subjects will be allocated at the beginning of the year at the first seminar.  Students are also expected to attend the lectures associated with the course, to undertake a range of recommended reading and to engage actively in discussion at the seminars.

Whilst studying this module, students will practise and develop a number of skills.  Not all of these will be assessed formally and included as learning outcomes.  These skills will include information retrieval, organisation of teaching material for own use, presentation of seminar papers using appropriate software, and essay writing for academic purposes.

Essay - 40%
Seminar presentation - 10%
Examination - 50%
 

• Rationale for and theories of comparative research methods in politics
• Major approaches to comparative methods including rational choice and institutionalism
• Key concepts in comparative politics including power, democracy and political identity
• At least one case study based on the ‘Arab Spring’

There is no one textbook for this module, but students will find two books especially useful:

Marsh, D. and Stoker, G. (2010), Theory and Methods in Political Science, 3^rd edition

Caramani, D. (ed.) (2010), Comparative Politics 2^nd edition

Other main readings

Burnham, P., Gilland, K., Grant W. and Layton-Henry, Z. (2004), Research Methods in Politics

Goodwin B. (2007), Using Political Ideas 5^th edition

Hay C. (2002), Political analysis