EUP405 Comparative Politics of Western Europe

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2011
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 14 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Tomáš Foltýn, Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. PhDr. Vít Hloušek, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. et Mgr. Jiří Navrátil, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Jakub Šedo, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Timetable
Mon 16:00–17:40 U42
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The course is focused on comparative analysis of political systems of West European countries. At the end of the course the students shall become familiar with comparative methods in the analysis of political systems, political institutions and processes that are typical for the developed European democracies. First, students get basic introduction to the issue of system-comparison of democratic states, including basic classification and typology of democratic systems (parliamentary, presidential, direct democracies). The course focuses on French, British, German and Swiss political systems, because these systems are excellent examples of the aforementioned theoretical models. The students are also introduced the political systems of the Scandinavian countries, the Low Countries and Spain. Finally, the essays written in this course shall improve the abilities of students in the comparative-oriented research and writing. At the end of the course, student will be able to apply concepts of comparative politics on Western European political and party systems. Student will be able to compare political institutions, political parties, and party systems.
Syllabus
  • Class Schedule
  • 1. Basic concepts of comparative analysis of political systems
  • 2. Parties and party systems – framework for analysis
  • 3. Electoral systems and their political consequences
  • 4. United Kingdom
  • 5. Italy
  • 6. Germany
  • 7. French semi-presidential democracy
  • 8. Swiss direct democracy
  • 9. Political systems of BENELUX
  • 10. Political systems of Scandinavian countries
  • 11. Political system of Spain and Portugal
Literature
  • Comparative European politics. Edited by Josep M. Colomer. 3rd ed. New York: Routledge, 2008, ix, 310. ISBN 9780415437561. info
  • HAGUE, Rod and Martin HARROP. Comparative government and politics : an introduction. 5th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave, 2001, xv, 316 s. ISBN 0-333-92971-3. info
  • ALMOND, Gabriel A. Comparative politics :a theoretical framework. 3rd ed. New York: Longman, 2001, x, 213 s. ISBN 0-321-08453-5. info
  • KEATING, Michael. The politics of modern Europe : the state and political authority in the major democracies. 2nd ed. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 1999, xvii, 518. ISBN 1-85898-962-0. info
Teaching methods
The course is based on combination of lectures and semminars. Lectures will introduce basic notions, conpcepts and techniques of comparative politics research. Semminars will be based at class discussion concerning particular coutry case studies in comparative perspective.
Assessment methods
Requirements of the Course
1. Final written examination
Questions: 6 questions per max. 13 points; together max. 78 points
2. Essays
Students are expected to write ten brief position papers (300-600 words each) on all topics. Choice of the issues must be reasonably explained and well argued. A good position paper includes:
a. A summary of the essential argument(s) and possible criticisms of assigned readings.
b. Personal opinion(s) of the author embedded in the general context of the problem and based on his/her readings.
c. Well-argued issues for the discussion. Each position paper could be evaluated by 0-2 points (max. 22 points together for all papers).
Final Grading:
A. 92 – 100
B. 84 – 91
C. 76 – 83
D. 68 – 75
E. 60 – 67
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
Listed among pre-requisites of other courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2005, Spring 2006, Spring 2007, Spring 2008, Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2011, recent)
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