No previous knowledge required

- Development of analytical skills and critical thinking - Communication and written skills in exams, papers and case studies - Communication and speaking skills in class presentations - Interpersonal skills, including the ability of teamwork - Understanding the key elements for the development of Spanish society and politics, particularly from the Transition to democracy to the present - Knowledge of the main institutions, socio-political processes and public policies - Current social and political problems and challenges ahead

The course is divided into the following blocks: 1. Historical background 2. Political change and democratic stability (1975-2016) 3. Political culture 4. Institutions 5. Political parties and elections 6. Pressure groups and social movements 7. Foreign policy 8. Transformations of the Welfare State 9. Labour market 10. Inequality and poverty 11. Migrations 12. Family 13. Regional identities and nationalisms 14. Spain today

Teaching time is distributed according to the following activities: - Conventional classes (50 for 100 teaching hours). This will include analysis of cases illustrating the lectures. - Workshop and in class work (10 per 100 school hours). Specific analyses entrusted to student teams and public debates on national news that are made regarding any of the topics taught in class. - Explanations, presentations by teams of students and written exercises on basic reading program stipulated in the Syllabus (30 per 100). This course is equivalent to 6 ECTS credits, 150 hours in total approximately Theoretical explanations of the teacher and several activities in class: 33 hours Study of the subject by the student: 60 hours Preparing presentations, writing papers and case studies: 40 hours Make up classes, tutoring, hand in of papers, etc.: 15 hours Exam: 2 hours