Occurrence | Teaching period |
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A | Semester 1 2023-24 |
The aim of this module is to enable students to develop an advanced understanding of central questions in the comparative analysis of political institutions around the world. Students will examine most important institutional configurations across political systems, namely electoral rules, party systems, parliamentary vs. presidential government, models of public administration, federal institutions and models of welfare provision. As students engage with the operation and function of key political institutions, they will also be introduced to some of the most interesting questions and current debates within comparative politics. These include the analysis of the consequences of institutional configurations for government performance and political stability, the definition of democratic vs. authoritarian systems and the challenges for democratic governance under regional integration. To do so, it will develop comparisons across a broad range of countries that will include long-established western democracies as well as newer democracies.
Subject content:
Academic and graduate skills:
Task | % of module mark |
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Essay/coursework | 100 |
None
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 100 |
Ongoing oral feedback through seminars and feedback and guidance hours. Written feedback within five weeks of submission.
Gandhi, J. and R. Ruiz-Rufino (eds.) (2015) Handbook of Comparative Political Institutions. Routlegde.
Gallagher, M., Laver, M., & Mair, P. (2011). Representative government in modern Europe. McGraw-Hill.
Boix, C., & Stokes, S. C. (Eds.). (2007). The Oxford handbook of comparative politics. Oxford Handbooks Online.
Esping-Andersen, G. (2013). The three worlds of welfare capitalism. John Wiley & Sons.
Rodrik, D. (2011). The globalization paradox: democracy and the future of the world economy. New York.