The main aim of this module is to introduce first year students to the principal concepts used in the study of comparative government with a particular focus on the key institutions and practices of contemporary European parliamentary and democratic states.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding and intellectual skills, as specified:

Knowledge and Understanding:

The basic forms of government and especially of the European parliamentary form; how government structures relate to party politics; the specialised vocabulary of political discourse as expressed by political scientists and practitioners; the application of foundational research and information skills.

Intellectual Skills:

The ability: to develop a persuasive argument i.e. one that is reasoned and evidence-based; to gather, organize and deploy evidence and information from a variety of sources; to synthesize relevant information; to exercise critical judgement in evaluating that information; and to manage her/his learning in a self-critical manner.

The module is delivered through a combination of small group teaching and lectures.  In line with the learning objectives, these experiences will provide a platform of knowledge of the basic institutions and practices found in comparative government, particularly democratic, parliamentary government, as well as the concepts used to study them enabling students to grow confident in their ability to undertake independent learning in a core area of the Politics discipline.

To gather and process and synthesise information from written and aural sources; to structure and communicate ideas effectively via written work; to develop a persuasive argument rooted in logical reasoning and evidence which demonstrates academic integrity; to present plausible arguments verbally through participation in seminars; and develop the interpersonal skills necessary to engage in intelligent, respectful debate.

Assessment will be in the form of one essay and one examination:

Essay, 1,000 words, worth 40%.

Examination worth 60%.

The course is based around a series of lectures and seminars, covering such topics as:

The study of comparative government and politics                      

The state and sovereignty                                                                   

Democratic and non-democratic regimes                      

Constitutions and constitutionalism                                                  

Federalism and multi-level governance                                           

Political culture                                                                                      

Political communication                                                                      

Public policy                                                                                            

Party government

Electoral regulation and electoral behaviour

Political parties and party families

Party systems

Coalitions

Parliament

Government

Public Administration

Essential reading

Gallagher, M., M. Laver, & P. Mair (2011), Representative Government in Modern Europe, 5th ed.

A. Heywood (2013), Politics, 4th edition.

Background reading

Hague, R. & M. Harrop (2010), Comparative Government and Politics: An Introduction, 8^th edition.

D. Caramani  (ed.) (2011), Comparative Politics, 2^nd edition

B. Goodwin (2014), Using Political Ideas, 6^th edition.

K. Newton and J. Van Deth (2010), Foundations of Comparative Politics, 2^nd edition