Comparative Political Systems, 6 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Bachelor´s Programme in Political science and economics

Entry requirements

General entry requirements for undergraduate studies

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts and theories in comparative policy and administration and knowledge of central institutions, actors and processes,
• demonstrate general knowledge of the policy and administration of certain states, and an understanding of how their distinctive features can be explained and of how theories, concepts and institutions arise and transform, and are interpreted from different historical, political and analytical perspectives,
• demonstrate an understanding of how comparisons contribute to an increased knowledge of politics and administration and an ability to, in writing, reflect on and maintain a critical approach to policy and management-related phenomena from a comparative perspective by applying concepts and theories,
• apply different theories and methods of comparative policy on historical or contemporary examples,
• at a seminar, orally account for own analyses and critically discuss concepts and theories.

Course content

The course builds on previous knowledge of the Swedish political system by relating Swedish conditions to the policy and administration of other states. In focus are theories of constitution and administration models and their analytical applications and different methods of comparison. In addition, EU's policy, structure and administration constitute an important part of the course. Explanation approaches that point to basic understanding of economic political contexts from a comparative perspective are observed.

Teaching and working methods

The course includes lectures where the course contents are introduced and developed. The lectures complement the reading list. The seminars constitute a central part of the students' learning processes and provide an opportunity to reflect and, in groups, critically discuss in order to develop the approach and skills. The student is expected to be well prepared for the lectures and to have completed the seminar preparations according to the instructions that are given in the course description. The student is expected to profit by the reading list independently and/or in reading groups.

Parts that involve examination are compulsory.

Examination

The course is examined through a written examination at the end of the course and through active participation in the seminars and a brief written report.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department