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Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


PL10712: Comparative politics

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Certificate (FHEQ level 4)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: ES 50%, EX 50%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
The unit aims to provide
* an introduction to comparative democratic politics in a European and global context;
* insight into the comparative analysis of political life through close study of a field rich in comparative examples;
* a solid basic knowledge of a major area of political science.

Learning Outcomes:
Students who have successfully completed this unit will be able to demonstrate:
* knowledge of the recent history of politics and society, government, and policy-making in Western democracies;
* understanding of relevant theoretical models and empirical examples (both European and international);
* understanding of contemporary problems of political parties, party systems and governments in Western democracies.

Skills:
Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument, and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning are developed in this unit.

Content:
Lectures and seminars will cover methods and principles of comparative political analysis; structures of government (constitutions, legislatures, executives, bureaucracies); structures of representation (electoral systems, interest groups, political parties); problems in modern Western democracy.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

PL10712 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UHPL-AYB13 : BA (hons) French and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB12 : BA (hons) German and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB16 : BA (hons) Italian (ab initio) and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB14 : BA (hons) Italian and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB15 : BA (hons) Russian (ab initio) and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AYB17 : BA (hons) Spanish and Politics (Full-time with Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AAB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AFB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AKB10 : BSc (hons) Politics with Economics (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AAB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AFB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHPL-AKB29 : BSc (hons) Politics with International Relations (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1

PL10712 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB16 : BSc (hons) Social Policy (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB16 : BSc (hons) Social Policy (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Social Sciences (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB05 : BSc (hons) Social Sciences (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB04 : BSc (hons) Sociology (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB04 : BSc (hons) Sociology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB10 : BSc (hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB10 : BSc (hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AFB11 : BSc (hons) Sociology with Human Resource Management (Full-time) - Year 1
  • UHSP-AKB11 : BSc (hons) Sociology with Human Resource Management (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 1

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.