Module Identifier IPM0120  
Module Title COMPARATIVE EUROPEAN POLITICS (RT)  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Dr Roger M Scully  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Siobhan Harty, Mr Thomas Christiansen  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials   22 Hours (1 x 2 hour seminar per week)  
Assessment Semester Exam   2 Hours   60%  
  Semester Assessment   Essay: 1 x 2,000 words   40%  
  Supplementary Exam   Students may, subject to Faculty approval, have the opportunity to resit this module, normally during the supplementary examination period. For further clarification please contact the Teaching Programme Administrator in the Department of International Politics.    

Learning outcomes

Completion of this module should equip students with:

- Knowledge of, and the ability to utilize for the purposes of critical analysis and evaluation, comparative methods as used by political scientists
- Knowledge of central issues in the study of contemporary European politics
- Awareness of key scholarly debates in the study of European politics
- Enhanced research and writing skills

As well as helping students become aware of how specific methods learned during generic and subject specific Research Training may be applied to the study of European politics.

Brief description

This module examines central issues and problems in contemporary European politics.

Aims

In line with ESRC Postgraduate Training Guidelines, this module provides specialized training for postgraduate students in the area of contemporary European politics. The module links to the subject specific training in International Politics provided in IPM2120 by exploring how the comparative method is used to explain important political processes, and by exploring how alternative methods of study have been used to develop knowledge of European politics.

Content

The module begins with a discussion of the importance of comparative method in political science. It then goes on to consider the importance of the historical legacy, with a particular focus on the development of Europe since the end of Cold War. Subsequent seminars focus on dominant themes in the contemporary political-economy of the continent; the evolving politics of nationalism, regionalism and identity; the challenges facing representative democracy in many states; and the impact on Europe of the processes of European integration and globalization.

Transferable skills

Completion of the module should enable students to develop the following transferable skills:

- Written and oral communication (through essays and seminar participation)
- IT skills (including word processing and use of internet)
- Analytical thinking
- Independent research skills (in use of library and electronic information resources)
- Time management
- Understanding of quantitative information (in analysis of data from public opinion surveys)

Reading Lists

Books
H Wallace and W Wallace. (2000) Policy Making in the European Union. Oxon, OUP
JJ Richardson. (2001) Power, Policy, Politics of the European Union. London, Routledge