Checking date: 25/05/2025 17:09:51


Course: 2025/2026

Comparative Politics I
(13229)
Dual Bachelor in Law and Political Science (Study Plan 2018) (Plan: 413 - Estudio: 232)


Coordinating teacher: FERNANDEZ VAZQUEZ, PABLO ALBERTO

Department assigned to the subject: Social Sciences Department

Type: Compulsory
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Objectives
This course provides a systematic study of how the political systems of the modern world function. Rather than delving deeply into one or two specific cases, it focuses on gaining familiarity with the fundamental factors that structure national politics worldwide. The course offers the necessary conceptual framework for the next subject in this track: Topics in Comparative Politics.
Description of contents: programme
1. The State and Collective Action 2. Political Regimes 3. Transitions (or Political Transitions for clarity) 4. Presidentialism and Parliamentarism 5. Ethnic Identities in Politics 6. Civil Conflict 7. The Comparative Method
Learning activities and methodology
Lectures given by the teacher and activities done by students who will apply 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 students: 56 hours Preparation of presentations and essays by students: 42 hours Make-up classes, office hours, hand-in of papers, etc.: 8 hours Exam: 2 hours
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination/test 40
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 60

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations
Basic Bibliography
  • Clark, R., M. Golder y S. Golder,. Principles of Comparative Politics, 3rd. edition. CQ Press. 2017.
  • David Samuels. Comparative Politics. Pearson. 2013
Additional Bibliography
  • Acemoglu, Daaron y J. Robinson, . Why Nations Fail. Crown Publishing Group. 2012.
  • Acemoglu, Daron y J. Robinson,. Economic origins of dictatorship and democracy. Cambridge University Press. 2009.
  • Boix, C.,. "The roots of democracy". Policy Review 135: 3-21.. 2006.
  • Levistky, S. y Way, L. A., . Competitive Authoritarianism. Hybrid Regimes after the Cold War.. Cambridge University Press.. 2010.
  • Linz, J.J.,. Obras escogidas, vol.4: Democracias: quiebras, transiciones y retos. Centro de Estudios Políticos y Constitucionales. 2009.
  • Little, Andrew T., and Anne Meng. What we do and do not know about democratic backsliding. PS: Political Science & Politics. 2024
  • Morlino, L., . Changes for Democracy: Actors, Structures and Processes. Oxford University Press. 2012.
  • Nohlen, D., . Sistemas electorales y sistemas de partidos . FCE . 2004.
  • Przeworski, A., M. E. Alvarez, J. A. Cheibub y F. Limongi,. Democracy and development: political institutions and well-being in the world, 1950-1990. Cambridge University Press. 2000.
  • Sartori, G.. Cómo hacer ciencia política. Taurus. 2011.
  • Sartori, G.,. Elementos de teoría política. Alianza. 2005.
  • Schedler, A.,. The politics of uncertainty. Oxford University Press. 2013.

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