The comparative Method is the only scientific approach of Political Science in order to understand and explain political phenomena, trying to serch for similarities and differences among the case studies and to control theoretical hypotheses.
Comparative Politics analyzes: political institutions, party systems, European political parties, electoral systems, electoral behaviour, types of democracies, democratizazion processes, non democratic regimes and other topics. of contemporary politics.
The course will consist of three parts. In the first one the study of comparative method will be developed through methodological tools (concepts, variables, correlations...) such as the quantitative and qualitative approaches. In the second and third ones some case study on non democratic regimes will be selected and explored in a comparative perspective.
The course will examines the following topics: 1) the comparative method; 2) the comparative study of contemporary democracies; 3) the comparative analysis of recent democratizations.
Individual study, as well as active in-person attendance to class and activities will enable students to: i) identify, analyse, understand and apply the sources (primary and secondary) of comparative politics; ii) understand and analyse the data collection and interactions among variables; iii) independently identify and critically evaluate the main issues of political, social, and economic events; iv) express in appropriate scientific language.
Good knowledge of political science theories.
Lectures and exams will be held in presence.
All lecturer’s communication will be done via Aulaweb (see link below).
The course consists of face-to-face in-person lectures for a total of 48 hours (equivalent to 8 credits CFU/ECTS), during which theoretical notions will be contextualised in the light of empirical political events. Occasionally, guests may be invited for in-depth and/or professionalizing lectures and seminars.
Part I.
Methodological Approaches.
Part II.
Non democratic regimes.
Part III.
Empirical cases
Ricevimento: E-mail to: mara.morini@unige.it From Mondays to Wednesdays before or after lectures.
MARA MORINI (President)
FABRIZIO COTICCHIA
GIAMPIERO CAMA (Substitute)
ELISA CASSINELLI (Substitute)
MARCO DI GIULIO (Substitute)
Classes will begin on March 2nd.
The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy
Mid-term written exam on the materials from aulaweb (slides) and the book Putin's Russia: 60%
Paper on a topic to be agreed with the lecturer or on a book from the list, 3000-5000 words, to be submitted at least one week before the exam date: 40%
In-person written exam (2 hours) + essay = Registration of the mark at the exam session
Those who do not take the written exam will have an oral exam lasting at least 20 minutes + essay at the exam session
Oral exam: for those who do not accept the final mark (written exam + essay) or do not take the midterm written exam.
The essay is compulsory for both attending and non-attending students.
Three general questions on books, slides, teaching materials and contemporary political events.
P.S.
There is no difference in the programme between attending and non-attending students. The latter are advised to download and study the materials on Aulaweb.
Exams aim to test whether the student is able to identify, understand and apply the theories of political science covered in the programme, as well as to use appropriate scientific terminology
