Comparative Democratic Institutions (2026/2027: Periode 1)

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Cursusdoel

After this course, the student will:
  1. have basic knowledge of the main concepts and theories in political science, their content and justification as well as the main criticisms of these theories;
  2. have developed the ability to apply various theoretical perspectives to real-world political phenomena;
  3. have learnt the basics of how to read and write political science research;
  4. have developed their analytical, communication, and presentation skills in relation to current political events;
  5. have practiced the interdisciplinary skill of disciplinary grounding;
  6. have practiced the professional skills of oral communication.

Vakinhoudelijk

Comparative Democratic Institutions introduces students to (primarily domestic) political institutions. Students learn about democracy and authoritarianism, and different modes of democratic set-up. These include parliamentary vs. presidential democracy, various political institutions (political parties, legislatures, cabinets, etc.), and their interactions, which are necessary to rule the polity. Students will be introduced to rational choice-based theories, such as coalition-formation theory and median voter theory. In addition, they will become acquainted with the comparative method and its various empirical forms (qualitative and quantitative studies, case studies or large-N studies). Through discussions of real-world political phenomena, we will evaluate the usefulness of these methods. By keeping up with the world political news, reading the assigned literature, and actively participating in class, students will learn the basics of doing social science research. By the end of the course students are expected to have gained a good understanding of how policies arise and have a deeper knowledge about the various political institutions and their effects both theoretically and empirically. We aim to foster an inclusive classroom environment with room for our ideas, accountability for our words, and attention for each other’s well-being.

Aanvullende informatie

Werkvormen

Hoorcollege

Werkcollege

Werkcollege 2

Toetsing

Opdracht(en) 1

Verplicht | Weging 50% | ECTS 3,75

Research design. Students are expected to write and present a research design for an analytical political science paper. These research designs are assessed on the theoretical argument, the formulation of a research question and hypotheses stemming from that argument, and appropriate case selection and empirical strategy.

To be announced

Schriftelijk tentamen 1

Verplicht | Weging 50% | ECTS 3,75

Final exam. This will be a comprehensive exam at the end of the term, testing knowledge of the theories and literature covered throughout the course.

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Je moet inschreven staan voor de volgende opleiding:

  • Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Voorkennis

This course is only open to PPE students.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • LITERATUUR
    Caramani, Daniele (Editor) (2023) Comparative Politics 6th edition. Oxford University Press

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Opmerkingen

This course is only open to PPE students.

Coördinator

dr. S. Beyens s.beyens1@uu.nl

Docenten

M. Fischer m.fischer@uu.nl
dr. M. Aleksovska m.aleksovska@uu.nl
dr. L.A. Fahy l.a.fahy@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.

Inschrijving
Van maandag 8 juni 2026 tot en met vrijdag 26 juni 2026

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