This teaching unit will include two topics: we will start the session by discussing the Austrian political system. Topics to be discussed are constitutional framework, Parliament, political leaders (+ the 'Ibiza scandal'), Austrian political parties and the current coalition.

Afterwhich (and in the next session), we will study Austrian political history by focusing on the Habsburg family. Topics to be discussed include the Austrian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, nationalism and social multiculturalism. 

Mandatory reading

llport Alan. Austria. Modern World Nations. Chelsea House Pub (May 1, 2002), Chapter 3.

Further Reading

Thaler, P. (2001). The ambivalence of identity: The Austrian Experience of Nation Building in a Modern Society. Purdue University Press (Chapter 2).