Checking date: 26/04/2024


Course: 2024/2025

Topics in Comparative Politics
(14096)
Bachelor in Political Science (Plan: 396 - Estudio: 205)


Coordinating teacher: LAVEZZOLO PEREZ, SEBASTIAN

Department assigned to the subject: Social Sciences Department

Type: Compulsory
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
Comparative Politics
Objectives
Know the main elements and factors, both structural and dynamic, that shape and influence the political reality. Recognize the social, political, cultural and religious diversity of contemporary societies and the relevance and transversality that democratic principles and human rights have in them. Be able to analyze the social and political reality following the scientific method, from a critical perspective and recognizing the plurality of theoretical-methodological perspectives of the fields of specialty and subdisciplines linked to Political Science That students know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the skills that are usually demonstrated through the elaboration and defense of arguments and the resolution of problems within their area of ¿¿study. That students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their area of ¿¿study) to make judgments that include a reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues. That the students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to a specialized and non-specialized public. That students have developed those learning skills necessary to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy. Be able to work in multidisciplinary and / or international teams. Demonstrate ability to organize and plan their work, making the right decisions based on the available information, gathering and interpreting relevant data to make judgments within their area of study. Recognize the historical dimension of political and social processes and explain them accordingly. Identify, understand and know how to use the main theoretical and conceptual approaches and frameworks of the different areas of specialty and the subdisciplines of Political Science Analyze the structure and functioning of political systems and their interaction with their environment. Know the structure and functioning of political institutions and the interrelation of these with the other components of the political system Analyze the behavior of political actors, processes of political participation and the role of citizens in contemporary democracies
Skills and learning outcomes
Description of contents: programme
1. Introduction: theories and facts in comparative politics. 2. Comparing and contrasting forms of government and state in Western Europe. 3. Presidentialism in the Americas. 4. Post-communism and institutional design. 5. Dependence, economic development and democracy. 6. Social revolution, class struggle, energy and neo-authoritarianisms. 7. Ethnic conflict. 8. Political institutions and economic performance. 9. Democracy and socioeconomic inequalities. 10. The Arab world. 11. China and liberal democracy.
Learning activities and methodology
Lectures given by the teacher and activities done by students who will test the knowledge acquired and develop their skills. The training activities aim to involve students in the learning process. To this end, the teacher will provide basic knowledge and tools needed to strengthen their analytical ability and encourage their critical spirit. In this regard, the reading of selected materials and essays written by students will be fundamental. Likewise, the professor will encourage discussions on current topics, presentations and role play so that students expand their communication and interpersonal skills. This will be complemented by screenings of documentaries / films relating to any matter relevant to the subject. This latter is intended to capture students' interest on issues that sometimes may seem too abstract, without a clear empirical referent. 6 ECTS credits, 150 hours approximately. Lectures and other activities in class: 42 hours Study of the subject by the student: 50 hours Preparation of presentations and essays by students: 48 hours Make-up classes, office hours, hand-in of papers, etc.: 8 hours Exam: 2 hours
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination 50
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 50

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations
Basic Bibliography
  • Acemoglu, D., Johnson, S. and Robinson, J.A. The colonial origins of comparative development: An empirical investigation. American Economic Review, 91(5), pp.1369-1401. 2001
  • Ansell, B. W., and Samuels, D. J.. Inequality and democratization. Cambridge University Press. 2014
  • Bingham J. Powell Jr., G., R.J. Dalton y K. Strom. Comparative Politics Today: A World View, 10ª ed.. Longman. 2011
  • Boix, C. y S.C. Stokes (eds.),. The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Politics. Oxford University Press. 2007
  • Caramani, Daniele (ed.). Comparative Politics, 3ª ed.. Oxford University Press. 2014
  • Clark, William Roberts, Matt Golder, and Sona Nadenichek Golder. Principles of comparative politics.. CQ Press. 2017
  • Colomer, J.M. (ed.),. Comparative European Politics, 3ª ed.. Routledge. 2008
  • Domínguez, J. y M. Shifter,. Constructing Democratic Governance in Latin America, 4ª ed.. The Johns Hopkins University Press.. 2013
  • Homola, J., Pereira, M.M. and Tavits, M.. Legacies of the Third Reich: Concentration Camps and Out-Group Intolerance. American Political Science Review. 2020
  • Ignacio Lago. La lógica de la explicación en las ciencias sociales. Alianza. 2008
  • Kesselman, M.. Readings in Comparative Politics. Cengage Learning. 2009
  • Zhang, Y.. Pacific Asia: The Politics of Development. Routledge. 2003
Additional Bibliography
  • Alcántara, M.. Sistemas políticos de América Latina, 3rd ed.. . Tecnos . 2008
  • Goodin, R.E. y H-D. Klingemann (eds.). Nuevo Manual de Ciencia Política, 2 vols. Istmo . 2001
  • Landman, T. (ed.).. he Sage handbook of comparative politics. Sage . 2009
  • Lijphart, A.. Patterns of Democracy. Ariel. 2000
  • Martín Muñoz, G.. El Estado árabe. Bellaterra . 1999

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.