Learning objectives
Knowledge and comprehension
To get paradigms, theories and methodological tools to analyze political events and actors in a comparative perspective.
Ability to apply knowledge and comprehension
The student might be able to explain theories, effects, theoretical and empirical analysis to political events and actors.
Autonomy
At the end of the course the student will be able to explain and scientifically criticize the main political events in the world, using data base and scientific sources.
Communicative skilling
The student will be able to defend his/her theories using applied methods of research.
Knowledge
The student will be able to show the level of theoretical autonomy in the analysis of political events.
Prerequisites
No.
Course unit content
The course aims to offer a general overview of the main theories, paradigms and methodological tools for the analysis and explanation of political events, with a particular reference to contemporary democracies. In the first part, some topics will be developed: 1) origins and development of political science; 2) methodology; 3) political participation; 4) groups and movements; 5) elections and electoral systems; 6) parties and party systems; 7) parliaments and political representati; 8) governments; 9) public policies; 10) democratic and non democratic regimes; 11) European Union.
In the second part some specific topics will be analyzed concerning the functioning of some political systems such as France, USA, Germany, Spain and Italy; the processes of democratization in the world and primaries in comparative perspective.
Full programme
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Bibliography
GRILLI DI CORTONA P., LANZA O., PISCIOTTA B., (2012), Capire la politica. Una prospettiva comparata, Bologna, il Mulino.
PASQUINO G., (2007), Sistemi politici comparati. Francia, Germania, Gran Bretagna, Italia, Stati Uniti, Bologna, Bononia University Press.
List of books provided.
Teaching methods
Face to face, methodological tools.
Assessment methods and criteria
Speaking: ability to answer to some questions concerning the general topics of political sciences (2,5 marks each question) and two specific cases (5 marks each).
Other information
It is strong recommended to attend courses in order to better understand how to study and apply political theories and methods.
