Participation (20%) (Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4)
1 x 1000 word presentation (20%) (Learning Outcomes 1,2,3, 4,5 and 6)
1 x 2000 word essay (60%)(Learning Outcomes 1,2,3, 4,5 and 6)

This course introduces students to fundamental concepts used to study the processes and outcomes of politics in a variety of country settings. It examines concepts like state, sovereignty, power, authority, legitimacy, democracy, nationalism, and ideology. It explores different sorts of governmental systems (monarchy, parliamentary democracy, dictatorship), political groupings like civil society organizations, pressure groups and political parties. It will examine governmental institutions and institutional arrangements. It will make use of case studies to bring comparative analysis to life. The course will illustrate the diversity of political systems, to show available institutional alternatives and to explain differences in processes and policy outcomes. Comparing the politics of countries around the world is valuable to the study of international relations.

1. DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONCEPTS USED IN COMPARATIVE POLITICAL ANALYSIS. DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE VARIETY OF INSTITUTIONS AND SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT. Knowledge and Understanding.
Learning

2. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO USE COMPARATIVE METHODS OF ANALYSIS.
Analysis

3. MEANINGFULLY ANALYSE THE DIFFERENCES IN CONCEPTUAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS THAT LEAD TO DIFFERENCES IN THE POLITICS OF COUNTRIES. DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN KEY COUNTRIES, USED AS CASE STUDIES.
Problem Solving

4. BE ABLE TO WRITE ANALYTICALLY, COHERENTLY AND COMPARATIVELY ABOUT POLITICAL CONCEPTS AND POLITICAL SYSTEMS USING ALL THE NORMAL ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS.
Application

4. MEANINGFULLY ANALYSE THE DIFFERENCES IN CONCEPTUAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS THAT LEAD TO DIFFERENCES IN THE POLITICS OF COUNTRIES
Knowledge and Understanding
Analysis
Reflection
Problem Solving

5. DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN KEY COUNTRIES, USED AS CASE STUDIES.
Analysis
Reflection
Problem Solving

6. BE ABLE TO WRITE ANALYTICALLY, COHERENTLY AND COMPARATIVELY ABOUT POLITICAL CONCEPTS AND POLITICAL SYSTEMS USING ALL THE NORMAL ACADEMIC CONVENTIONS.
Communication

The module incorporates inter-dependent learning strategies. The topic introductions provide the framework, delivering material and setting up setting up key issues for analysis. The discussion board provides for follow up discussion and clarification of the key issues. Independent learning will be focused on directed reading and note-taking in preparation for discussion board participation and assessment.
Key Information Set:
16% scheduled learning and teaching activities
84% guided independent learning

Students’ own textbooks; supplied course packs of readings; e-books; e-journals; relevant websites.
Blackboard VLE
Computer with internet access

Almond, G and Verba, S. (1989). The Civic Culture Revisted (Princeton University Press).
Anderson, Benedict R. (1983). Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism (Verso).
Newton, K and van Deth, J. W. (2009), Foundations of Comparative Politics, 2nd edition (Cambridge University Press).
Acemoglu, C and Robinson, J. (2013) Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty (Crown Business).
Strom, K, Dalton, R and Bingham Powell, G (2014) Comparative Politics Today: A World View, 11th Edition (Pearson).