OVERVIEW

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 two 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 one some case study  will be selected and explred in a comparative perspective.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

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.

PREREQUISITES

Good knowledge of political science theories.

TEACHING METHODS

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.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Part I.

Democracies, Comparative Politics, Regime Types, Parties and Elections, Parliaments and Governments.

Part II.

United Kingdom; Germany; France, Italy, Spain; Poland.

Part III.

United States, Brazil, Japan, South Africa.

Part IV.

China and Russia.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Morlino L. (2020), La comparazione. Un'introduzione metodologica, Bologna, il Mulino.

Other documents on Aulaweb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARA MORINI (President)

FABRIZIO COTICCHIA

GIAMPIERO CAMA (Substitute)

MARCO DI GIULIO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

On February, 12 2024.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination is mixed.

Written on the handbook in itinere: 50%

Paper 3000-5000 words: 15%

Oral exam on a specific topic: 35%

It is held in person and only during official exam sessions. It usually consists of three questions  and lasts approximately 20 minutes.

It should also be noted that attending in-person at least 50% of the lessons allows students be examined on the programme for 'attending students'.

The course is delivered in Italian and, as a general rule, the exam must be taken in Italian.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

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

Exam schedule