Approaches to Comparative Politics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

The principal aim of this subject is to provide an awareness and advanced critique of the major post-war (WWII) theories, approaches and methodologies in the sub-discipline of political science known as 'comparative politics'. Methods of comparing very different kinds of political unit are considered. The term unit is broadly understood, to include, for instance, political systems, political ideologies and political cultures.

By the end of the course, students should be:

• familiar with the main developments in the sub-discipline since 1945.
• able to provide a critical overview of each of the discrete developments identified.
• capable of deciding which, if any, of the approaches will be of greatest value to them in their own subsequent research or work programs.

5 x 500 word briefing papers, each worth 10% due throughout the semester, and a 2500 word essay worth 50% due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 75% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment for this subject. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

• A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.

Either

• D. Caramani (ed.), Comparative Politics (2008) - an introduction to comparative politics, but one that is suitable at the postgraduate level - for those students with little background in political science

Or

• M. Lichbach & A. Zuckerman (eds.), Comparative Politics: Rationality, Culture & Structure (2nd ed.)(2009) - an advanced book, for those who have already studied comparative politics.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Research: through competent use of the library and other information sources (inc. online), and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research.
• Critical Thinking and Analysis: through recommended reading, briefing and essay writing, and seminar discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument.
• Thinking in Theoretical Terms: through seminar discussion, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences.
• Thinking Creatively: through essay writing, seminar discussion and presentations, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgements and arguments from conflicting evidence and by critical analysis.
• Understanding of Social, Ethical and Cultural Context: through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.
• Communicating Knowledge Intelligibly and Economically: through briefing and essay writing, and seminar discussion.
• Written Communication: through briefing and essay preparation and writing.
• Oral Presentation: through seminar discussion and informal class presentations.
• Time Management and Planning: through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion.
• Group Work: through group discussions.