Module Identifier IPM0120  
Module Title COMPARATIVE EUROPEAN POLITICS (RT)  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Dr Elena A Korosteleva-Polglase  
Semester Intended for use in future years  
Next year offered N/A  
Next semester offered N/A  
Course delivery Seminars / Tutorials   (1 x 2 hour seminar per week)  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Essay 1 x 3,000 words  60%
Semester Assessment Lit Review 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

On completion of this module, students should be able to develop:

  1. Detailed awareness of key scholarly debates in the study of comparative politics with a European perspective
  2. Advanced knowledge of central issues in the study of contemporary European politics
  3. Knowledge of, and the ability to utilise comparative methodology for the purposes of critical analysis and evaluation
  4. Substantially enhanced research and writing skills

Brief description

This module examines central issues in comparative politics with a European perspective

Aims

In line with ESRC Postgraduate Training Guidelines, this module provides specialised training for postgraduate students in the area of comparative 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. The module aims to enhance students' knowledge of contemporary European politics from a comparative perspective.

Content

The module begins with a discussion of the importance of comparative method in political science and central themes in the study of comparative politics with a European perspective. Then it moves on to address some of these themes in greater detail using the EU as a reference point. This includes the discussion of the evolving nature of the state, democracy and legitimacy, democratisation, nationalism, citizenship and identity, political participation and civic disengagement, integration and the domestic politics of EU member states and 'the outsiders'.

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

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7