DEMOCRACIES AND DICTATORSHIPS: INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS
POL2DEM
Not currently offered
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
Why are some countries democratic, but others are not? What is the best institutional framework for multi-ethnic societies? Why are corruption and clientelism rampant in some countries, but not in others? And how do we explain the changing nature of political activism across the globe? This unit answers these and other questions as it introduces students to some key concepts and analytical tools in the field of comparative politics. Using examples from a wide range of countries, it examines how institutions, ideas and social structures affect the nature of political systems and shape processes of socio-political change. Upon completion, students will be equipped with a firm grounding in important analytical skills required for more advanced subjects in political science, international relations and international development.
School: School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Dirk Tomsa
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 2 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: 15 credit points of any first year Politics subject and 15 credit points of any Humanities and Social Sciences subject, or subject coordinator's approval.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Comparative Government and Politics (9th edition) | Prescribed | R.Hague and Harrop, M | HOUNDMILLS, PALGRAVE MACMILLAN 2013 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Actively engage in critical discussions and debates about different political systems, institutions, communities and ideas in a global context
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorial discussions, group class presentations, online activities, essays and exams
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
02. Construct a well-argued essay that recognises the broader global context of comparative politics and reflects an understanding of the diversity of political systems, values and perspectives across the globe
- Activities:
- Essay writing
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
03. Identify and critically evaluate differences and commonalities between the political systems and developments in a range of countries in order to meet the demands of global challenges and obligations
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorial discussions, group class presentations, online debates, essays and exams
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Speaking(Speaking)
04. Understand the benefits of comparisons and the use of case studies as a methodology in Political Science in order to interact effectively with a diverse range of people
- Activities:
- Lectures, tutorial discussions, group class presentations, online debates, essays and exams
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)