Module description
This module provides students with a systematic examination of the major substantive and intellectual themes in the study of representative government and politics in Europe. Modern Europe has undergone a transformation of its traditional political and cultural boundaries with the development of the European Union (EU). This module provides a critical understanding of the key tensions political representation faces in the multi-level system of the EU – placing its analytical focus on the interplay between the national and the EU levels of representation and government.
The module is structured around the thesis that politics in European democracies has changed significantly in recent decades. In particular, our conception of European states as 'party democracies' has been fundamentally challenged. Social and attitudinal changes have altered the nature of European electorates and, in turn, the very nature of what representative government means. You will be asked to think about each topic as a research question. You will therefore need to consider the theory in question, the methods that can be used to address the subjects outlined each week and then to judge the weight of the empirical evidence. By the end of the module we will be able to produce a considered evaluation of the state of representative party government in the European political system
*Please note that module information is provisional and may change from year to year.
Assessment details
Written weekly responses (15%) and one 3000-word essay (85%)
Educational aims & objectives
This module deepens students understanding of comparative politics with a particular focus on European systems of government and representation. It builds on Introduction to Politics (4AAOB103), where students were introduced to the fundamentals of the study of politics and, more importantly comparative politics.
This module aims to provide a critical understanding of the key tensions political representation faces in the multi-level system of the EU – placing its analytical focus on the interplay between the national and the EU levels of representation and government.
The module is structured around the thesis that politics in European democracies has changed significantly in recent decades and will challenge students to develop their own critical insights into this argument.
This module is very useful for students wishing to take Public Policy in Europe (6AAOB313), where further and more advanced issue of comparative European politics will be learned.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a knowledge of comparative politics in terms of its origins, goals, concepts, and analytical tools
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the major substantive and intellectual themes in the study of representative government and politics in a transforming Europe
- Critically understand the complex interplay between the national and the EU-level in the study of party competition, electoral systems, voting behaviour and political institutions
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the external influences and major trends affecting national and EU politics
- Construct a convincing argument and communicate it effectively in class and in writing through the essay
Teaching pattern
Two hours per week, one lecture and one seminar