Comparative Politics of European States (SZF_013)
About Study Course
Objective
1. To introduce the concept of comparative politics, its formation, development, objectives, methods, and application possibilities, or to answer the question - WHAT IS COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS AND HOW and WHY TO CONDUCT IT?;
2. to provide an overview of the subjects of comparative politics research, their interaction, dependence on external environmental factors, and impact on the functioning of countries, or to answer the question - WHAT CAN/SHOULD/IS IT WISE TO COMPARE?;
3. TO CREATE PRACTICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL READINESS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPARATIVE RESEARCH, based on contemporary examples relevant in international politics - the study of the leading European powers - a comparative analysis of the political systems of Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Spain.
Prerequisites
1. Fundamental knowledge in political science and international relations: understanding of the main theoretical assumptions in politics and the dynamics of international relations.
2. Critical thinking and analytical skills: the ability to critically analyze information, identify and evaluate arguments, as well as form logical conclusions.
3. Understanding of scientific research methods: knowledge of various research methods suitable for comparing political systems, national policies, and practices.
4. Basic knowledge of the political systems of major European countries: prior knowledge of the political systems of Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, and Spain, and their relations in the European and global context.
5. Academic writing skills: the ability to conduct academic research, develop an argued written work while adhering to the principles of academic integrity, and basic knowledge of academic citation and source usage.
Learning outcomes
As part of this course, students will learn the necessary knowledge on how to conduct comparative research of political systems (countries) or their individual elements – to assess the political experience of different countries and draw conclusions on interconnections. They will also learn the history of establishment, structure and perspective development directions of political systems of Europe’s leading powers.
As part of this course, students will learn the skills to conduct independently comparative research of political systems (of European powers) or their individual elements – to assess the political experience of different countries and draw conclusions on interconnections.
Students will be able to use principles, methods and models of comparative analysis to explore a wide range of political science matters focused on the identification of similarities and differences in the functioning and stability of European powers.
Study course planning
| Study programme | Study semester | Program level | Study course category | Lecturers | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Relations - European Studies, SE | 3 | Bachelor’s | Required | Lelde Metla-Rozentāle |
