Course content
The course provides theoretical and empirical foundations for analysing institutions, actors, and processes in political systems. Drawing on the comparative politics literature, students will engage with key issues in both public and scholarly debates, with a particular focus on the global state of democracy. The first part of the course adopts a global perspective, while the second part turns to European politics, exploring democratic and authoritarian dynamics across different contexts.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify and explain the core concepts, theories, and methodological approaches in comparative politics.
- Critically analyse democratic and authoritarian regimes in a global and European context.
- Compare political institutions and processes across countries using relevant theoretical frameworks.
- Evaluate current trends and challenges to democracy worldwide.
- Analyse the evolution of European political systems with respect to populism, democratic backsliding, party system change, and institutional reform.
- Assess the implications of EU integration and multilevel governance for national political systems in Europe.
- Apply comparative analysis to assess political developments and policy debates.
- Communicate their findings effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate academic conventions.
