POL20020 Comparative Politics

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module introduces students to issues and methods in comparative politics. It first explores why comparison is important, discuss the problems that arise when doing comparative politics, and introduce the required analytical tools. The module then shows how a comparative approach has deepened our understanding of issues such as transitions to democracy, revolutions, variations in institutional design and their consequences for democratic performance, and modern threats to democracy. These themes are explored drawing on the experiences of many different countries across the world.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to: understand the theoretical and methodological difficulties involved in conducting comparative political analysis; explain the strengths and weaknesses of a comparative approach to important political issues; analyse a range of topical issues from a comparative perspective, drawing on work that uses appropriate concepts and methodologies; understand how the political and legal institutions of a variety of countries function and they impact they have on various indicators.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

6
Autonomous Student Learning

95
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; active/task-based learning; peer and group work; critical writing. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students taking this course should have already have taken a Level One Politics course or its equivalent. This course is recommended for all students who intend to take any Politics courses at Level Three in the future.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Final 2 hour exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

60
Continuous Assessment: Ongoing through tutorials Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

40

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided to students within 20 working days of the deadline for the assignment in accordance with university policy

Name Role
Professor David Farrell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer