Comparative Politics (PO22002)
Module Convenor: Dr Abdullah Yusuf
Credit Rating: 20 SCQF credits
Level: Level 2 core module
Module Content
The module consists of three main components:
- Issues in Comparative Politics (a mainly methodological component)
- Politics in Russia (a case study)
- Politics in Spain (a case study)
Module Aims
This module is designed to introduce students to the methodology and practice of comparative politics. It does so by first engaging in a systematic examination of some of the main issues, both thematic and methodological, involved in the study of comparative political systems today, and then by applying the insights gained to a case study of two leading political systems.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
- At the end of this module students will have acquired a detailed knowledge and understanding of the underlying concepts of comparative politics.
- They will also have acquired an understanding of the inter-play of theory and practice.
- Students will be aware of the problems and advantages inherent in the comparative method.
- Students will have gained knowledge of the workings of at least two contemporary political systems.
Skills
- Students will develop analytical and research skills with reference to comparative politics.
- Students will develop discussion skills.
- They will also work on the development of team-working skills towards problem solving.
Teaching
There will be 22 one-hour lectures (two per week), and ten one-hour tutorials (one per week).
Assessment
The assessed components on this module are:
- seminar exercise (20%)
- one essay (40%)
- seen examination (40%)
Indicative Reading
- Daniele Caramani, Comparative Politics (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008)
- Rod Hague and Martin Harrop, Comparative Government and Politics, eighth edition (Palgrave, 2010)
- Catherine Danks, Politics Russia (Pearson/Longman, 2009)
- Stephen White, Henry Hale and Richard Sakwa, Developments in Russian Politics (Macmillan, 2009)
- J. M. Magone, Contemporary Spanish Politics (London: Routledge, 2009)
- O.G. Encarnacion, Spanish Politics (Cambridge: Polity Press, 2008)
- R. Gunther, at al., The Politics of Modern Spain (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009)
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