European Politics

Description

Overview: The class provides a comprehensive overview of European politics, identifying the common characteristics of politics and government across the continent, but also the distinguishing features that make individual countries different. After a general introduction to the cultural and constitutional context, different electoral systems and their effects are analysed. This is followed by a section focusing on the emergence and evolution of parties and party systems. Particular attention is given to the emergence of green politics and the rise of the far right. The class combines thematic topics with studies of politics in particular countries. The political systems of France, Germany, Italy, and Poland are examined in detail but also politics in Scandinavia and Southern Europe are covered Syllabus: The class is taught in twice-weekly lectures and fortnightly tutorials. Lectures will consist of 50 minute presentations by the lecturer. They will have a participatory element in that students will be given the opportunity to raise questions. Lecture notes will be available on Myplace prior to the lecture and hard-copy handouts will not therefore be distributed. Myplace can be found at http://classes.myplace.strath.ac.uk . The tutorials will mainly consist of group discussions about select topics. Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding By the end of the class you should be able to: • Analyse politics in different national settings • Recognise and understand the cross-national similarities and distinctive national characteristics found in European politics and government. • Understand the origins and evolution of the main political parties and party systems • Recognise the principles underlying different electoral systems and their effects on electoral outcomes • Understand the structure and operation of government at national and sub-national levels Skills (Intellectual, Transferable) The lectures will encourage you to: • Listen carefully and critically to orally-presented argument • Develop selective and efficient note-taking methods • Make links between material presented at different times, on different issues The tutorials should help you to: • Read critically and with a clearly defined purpose • Prepare, articulate and defend answers to set questions • Formulate and ask your own questions about class material The written work in the class (essay and exam) will require you to: 1. Access and use relevant material from lectures, the academic literature, news sources, and the web 2. Understand, analyse and assess that material 3. Produce a sustained, structured and informed answer to an essay question 4. Write in a concise and cogent style Assessment: Essay: 1/3 of final grade Exam: 2/3 of final grade