POL20020 Comparative Politics

Academic Year 2022/2023

This module introduces students to issues and methods in comparative politics, including the comparative study of domestic politics and foreign policies. We make systematic comparisons between political systems, institutions, and processes to identify their similarities and differences. By analysing the effect of these differences in a careful and rigorous way, we can enrich our understanding of how politics works.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course students will:
• Understand why we might use the comparative method in political research and some of the main strengths and limitations of this approach;
• Understand how countries differ in their political institutions and why this matters;
• Understand how different political systems give rise to distinct foreign policy orientations;
• Develop transferable skills including: critical thinking, peer work, and written communication.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

6
Autonomous Student Learning

95
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Group discussions
• Academic reading and 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
Essay: 2,000 word essay Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

50
Class Test: In class MCQ Week 12 n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20
Continuous Assessment: Completion and submission of activity sheets Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

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
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

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