Political Systems

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of core concepts relevant to the study of democratic and authoritarian political systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how political systems can be studied in a systematic and rigorous way
• Demonstrate knowledge of key empirical information about political systems in Europe and other world regions
• Show understanding of the key theories in the field of comparative politics

This module provides an introduction to the study of politics and the key concepts and components of political systems.

This module is organised as follows: First, we will identify the different types of political regime, and study the differences between political regimes around the world and the conditions for transitions from one regime to another. Second, we will look at the formation and dismantling of states from a variety of perspectives. Third, we will analyse a range of substantive issues for the field such as party systems, political ideologies, elections and referendums. Finally, we will consider citizens in democracies, addressing voter behaviour, declining turnout and political protest.

This module provides an introduction to the study of politics and the key concepts and components of political systems.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching will be 2 hours of lectures per week. All will be recorded and posted on Blackboard. Lectures will be delivered either face to face or online only depending upon University and Public Health England Guidance at the time. Total of 24 hours of lectures (2 hours per week X 12 weeks) per module.

Weekly student participation in online discussion boards. 1 hour per week delivered asynchronously. (1 hour X 12 weeks)

Resources & Reading list

Internet Resources

Library resources.

Textbooks

Caramani, Daniele (2014). Comparative Politics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Rod Hague, Martin Harrop & John McCormick (2016). Comparative Government and Politics. Palgrave.

Michael Gallagher, Michael Laver and Peter Mair (2011). Representative Government in Modern Europe. McGraw.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External