PIR-20072: German Government and Politics

School of Politics, International Relations & Philosophy

PIR-20072

German Government and Politics

Co-ordinator:

Prof Richard Luther Room: CBA1.007, Tel:33482

Teaching Team:

Mrs Paula Hughes, Mrs Julie Street, Miss Laura Barcroft, Mrs Diane Mason

Lecture Time:

See Timetable...

Level:

Credits:

Study Hours:

150

School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for

International Relations Dual Honours (Level 2)
International Relations Major (Level 2)
International Relations Minor (Level 2)
International Relations Single Honours (Level 2)
Politics Dual Honours (Level 2)
Politics Major (Level 2)
Politics Minor (Level 2)
Politics Single Honours (Level 2)

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Yes

Barred Combinations

None

Prerequisites

None

Description

Despite the country&©s chequered political past, Germany&©s current regime has endured for over 60 years and been claimed by many to be an exemplary case of consensus democracy. This module offers an examination of key features of that system.
It critically assesses the distinctive constitutional settlement introduced to prevent a recurrence of the collapse of liberal-democracy and considers the processes and consequences of Germany&©s 1990 unification into the $ùBerlin Republic&©. Thereafter, it examines the structures and techniques that underpin the $ùGerman model&© of political economy, as well as the contemporary challenges to Germany's system of co-operative federalism. Other topics include&© German&©s distinctive electoral system, its recent electoral outcomes, as well as its parties and party system
The module is assessed by means of an essay (50%) and an unseen examination (50%).
A useful volume for preparatory reading is Green, S., Hough, D., Miskimmon, A and Timmins, G (2008) The Politics of the New Germany, Abingdon: Routledge.

Aims

This module offers an introduction to the government and politics of post-war (West) Germany. It first identifies key dimensions of the historical legacy (or $ùGerman Question&©) confronting political elites in 1945 and discusses how they were addressed in the post-war constitutional settlement. It then considers the processes and consequences of Germany&©s unification into the $ùBerlin Republic&©. Thereafter, it explores key institutional features of the German governmental system and current challenges to the $ùGerman model&© of political economy. Finally, it examines Germany&©s distinctive electoral system, recent electoral outcomes and a selection of political parties.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate critical awareness of the motivations, processes and limitations of institutional engineering related to regime change. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Display awareness of the multi-dimensional nature and residual challenges of regime transition. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Effectively apply critical awareness of the structure, operation and interaction of key institutions of liberal democratic government to contemporary German poiltics. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Critically assess the operation and political consequences of electoral systems. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Critically assess the structure and operational dynamics of multi-party system. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Critically apply comparative political science concepts to a contemporary West European case study. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Effectively apply critical awareness of the nature and challenges of co-operative federalism. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2
Reflect critically on the performance of Germany's political economy. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2

Study hours

Lecture Attendance: 15 hours
Seminar Attendance: 5 hours
Seminar and Lecture Preparation: 60 hours
Essay Preparation: 35 hours
Examination Preparation: 35 hours

Description of Module Assessment

01: Essay weighted 50%

2,000 word essay

02: 2 Hour Exam weighted 50%

2-hour unseen examination.

Reading Sources