Introductory description

This module introduces the core issues, methods, and concepts of comparative politics. It provides a broad range of methods and approaches of comparative political science. Some key questions we will tackle are as follows. Why are some countries democratic and others not? Why are some countries rich and others not? Why do countries have different institutions and forms of government? Why do people use political violence in some places and times? What role does culture play in contemporary politics? What effects do different institutional designs have upon political outcomes? Why do different ethnic groups sometimes live together peacefully, and sometimes not? Why is nationalism stronger in some places?

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Week 1: Information about the Module. What is Comparative Politics?
Week 2: How and What to Compare?
Week 3: How to Describe Political Systems?
Week 4: Are Democracies "Better"?
Week 5: How to Explain Regime Change?
Week 6: Reading Week
Week 7: Mini-symposium I: Research Ideas
Week 8: Why is Nationalism Stronger in Some Places?
Week 9: Comparative Politics in a Globalized World?
Week 10: Mini-symposium II: Research Designs

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• possess an excellent knowledge of key methodological debates in comparative politics
• skills of comparative analysis which enable students to analyse, interpret and compare a number of countries
• an understanding of key issues in comparative politics
• the ability to produce an analytical piece of comparative research

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Research element

Students write a research essay in this module.

International

The topics covered by the module are all international in scope.

Subject specific skills

Theoretical and analytical skills in comparative politics
Ability to conduct empirical research in comparative politics

Transferable skills

Communication and presentation skills
Lateral thinking skills
Skills in the distillation and application of complex information and ideas
Critical thinking
Analytical skills
Independent research skills
Problem solving
Time management
Skills in academic practice
Awareness of, and sensitivity to, diversity