International Relations Major (Level 1)
International Relations Minor (Level 1)
International Relations Single Honours (Level 1)
This module introduces students to the comparative study of politics and offers them the opportunity to examine how the political systems of various countries function.
The module begins by considering how we might study politics and evaluate democracies in a comparative fashion. That is, it explores how democracies are similar in many respects but how they also differ on a number of dimensions, and it investigates how we might best study these similarities and differences. Then, the module turns its attention to the political institutions and processes present in five democracies $ú the UK, the USA, Germany, France and the European Union. It examines the structures of political power, the characteristics of governments, and the ways in which citizens are represented in these five systems. The module concludes with an assessment of the extent to which and the ways in which political institutions influence the effectiveness of government and the quality of democracy.
The module is organized into 10 weekly lectures and 10 weekly tutorials. Students are required to participate in tutorials to undertake a data analysis group exercise (10%) and an individual oral presentation (40%). They will also complete an unseen two-hour examination at the end of the semester (50%).
&· Provide a Level 1 introduction to the terminology, concepts, principles and basic theories of Comparative Politics upon which students will build in later Politics modules at Keele
&· Cultivate skills needed to develop arguments, make judgements and evaluate different approaches to comparison and to Comparative Politics which students will build in later Politics modules at Keele
&· Cultivate skills needed to effectively evaluate and interpret empirical information about political institutions, processes and systems in a comparative fashion
&· Enhance skills needed to communicate results of research accurately and coherently, both in a group setting and in individual work
&· Enhance skills needed to effectively plan, structure and take personal responsibility for individual learning
Work as a team to effectively present recently generated ideas and material will be achieved by assessments: 1
Describe the characteristics of specific political institutions, analyse how they have changed over time, and evaluate their consequences will be achieved by assessments: 2, 3
Communicate knowledge, ideas and arguments through an individual oral presentation supported by a visual aid will be achieved by assessments: 2
Describe and appraise a range of different concepts central to the study of Comparative Politics and to political structures and processes present in all democracies will be achieved by assessments: 3
Analyse and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various ways of comparing democratic political institutions and processes will be achieved by assessments: 3
10 hours attendance at tutorials
30 hours preparation for ten tutorials (including preparation of data analysis exercise)
30 hours preparation for individual oral presentation
70 hours revision for exam
In this data analysis exercise, which will take place in the early weeks of the module, students will be directed to reports or articles carefully selected for their presentation and discussion of comparative quantitative data. They will be asked to read these reports thoroughly in advance of the exercise and will be given guidance as to the kinds of criteria that will be relevant in the group exercise. The exercise will take place in class and students will be asked to form small groups to evaluate the insights and shortcomings of the data. Each group will then report its conclusions back to the whole class. Their report will be formally graded.
Individual oral presentations will take place in a group setting in tutorials throughout the semester. Students will be asked to prepare individual presentations on academic work to demonstrate both comprehension and the critical skills the module endeavours to develop. Students will be required to produce a visual aid to accompany their presentation.
Examination based mainly on lectures and essential readings. Part of the examination will consist of short answer questions.
This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.