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Comparative Politics (POLS20023)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject introduces students to comparative politics. There are many different aspects of and approaches to comparative politics, but all agree that this involves comparing at least two - and often many more - units of political analysis (e.g. countries, types of political system, electoral systems, areas of policy). This subject divides comparative politics by classical and contemporary approaches. Classical approaches to comparative politics examine the concept of authority and the rise of liberal, communist and fascist political ideologies and systems. Contemporary approaches to comparative politics explore institutional differences and voting systems between countries in addition to concepts of social capital, path dependency, political culture and economic development.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should:


  • Demonstrate familiarity and critical engagement with the main themes in the sub-field of political science known as comparative politics;

  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of each of these discrete themes within comparative politics;

  • Develop a broad understanding of the main types of political system existing in the contemporary world;

  • Recognise the problems involved in comparing countries and cultures, and the solutions that have been devised to address these challenges;

  • Develop skills in critical analysis and evaluation;

  • Develop the ability to critically evaluate different sources of research in the development of an argument;

  • Work productively and collaboratively in groups.

Last updated: 20 November 2024