Module description
This advanced module provides a detailed and critical exploration of contemporary politics in Southern Europe. The core of the course is a comprehensive analysis of the region’s recent political history, engaging critically with key developments that have shaped its trajectory.
While the 20th century in Southern Europe was marked by a mix of democratic and authoritarian regimes, the region’s more recent democratic history has been shaped by significant political, social, and economic transformations. These developments are not only important in their own right but also reflect broader and pressing dynamics in contemporary capitalism. Topics covered include democratic transitions and consolidation, economic crises followed by austerity policies and social protests, the rise of new political parties challenging traditional ones from both the left and right, the emergence of far-right parties at different historical moments, and the role of a vibrant civil society.
Through a historical and comparative perspective, lectures and seminars will examine these themes in depth. This module is essential for students seeking a nuanced understanding of the economic, political, and social challenges facing both contemporary Southern Europe and advanced democracies more broadly.
*Please note that module information is provisional and may change from year to year.
Assessment details
One 2000 word essay (50%) and 2000 word take-home exam (50%)
Educational aims & objectives
By analysing the key institutions and actors in Southern Europe, the students’ will advance their ability to develop independent and informed analysis of the contemporary challenges and problems with democracies in the region as well as with contemporary advanced democracies more in general.
Specific goals:
- To engage with some of the most relevant issues (economic crisis and welfare, political parties’ representation, the far-right, the organization civil society) shaping the contemporary political landscape in Southern European countries that are also characteristic of other advanced democracies.
- To analyse the main actors in the political system of Southern European countries, to understand their evolution and to explain how they interact with each.
- To critically examine the evolution of politics in the region since the transition to democracy, and to critically engage with the debate over the quality of democracy in these countries.
- To analyse, critically assess and understand current developments in Southern Europe.
Learning outcomes
The objective of this module is to equip students with the skills to critically and independently analyze the political evolution and current dynamics of Southern Europe while developing a comparative perspective.
Students will gain a deeper and more detailed understanding of how democracies in these countries have evolved since the 1970s, as well as the key economic, political, and social events that have shaped their development. These events will be examined in relation to broader trends in contemporary market economies.
By analyzing key institutions and political actors, students will enhance their ability to conduct independent and informed assessments of the challenges facing democracies in Southern Europe, as well as those affecting advanced democracies more broadly.
Teaching pattern
Two hours per week, one lecture and one seminar