SFS20207 Comparative Politics
ECTS credits: 10
Category: Optional for students with foundation courses in connected fields.
Prerequisites: Foundation course in Political Science, or equivalent 60 ECTS.
Semester: Autumn semester.
Objectives:
The Political Theory-part of the course aims at introducing current debates about liberty, justice and consent in political philosophy. In addition there is a focus on normative
justification in political thought. The Comparative Politics-part of the course aims at giving insight to the understanding of political systems in different countries. It presents methods of making comparative analyses of political processes and institutions in different countries.
Content:
The course consists of a block with one part Political Theory and one part Comparative Politics.
Political Theory
Political Theory deals with
- Liberty
- Justice
- Liberalism
Comparative Politics
This part of the course deals with some of the main issues in comparative politics. It has three components:
- Political systems, structures and functions
- Forms of democracy
- Challenges to representative democracy
Organisation and forms of teaching:
Lectures, seminars and discussions. The lectures are given in blocks. The Political Theory block consists of two weeks with lectures, seminars and discussions. The third week is allocated to the obligatory writing of a paper. The Comparative Politics block follows the same outline. Language of instruction: English.
Assessment: Two papers, one on Political Theory and one on Comparative Politics. Each paper shall be from four to six pages. Credits are given according to a five-point scale, A to F.
Required reading:
Political Theory:
Nozick, Robert (1974/2007) Anarchy, State and Utopia, Oxford Blackwell
Rawls, John (2001) Justice as Fairness, Harvard University Press
Comparative Politics:
Narud, H.M. and T. Aalberg (eds.)(1999): Challenges to Representative Democracy; parties, Voters and Public Opinion. Oslo: Fagbokforlaget. 400 p.
Hague, R. and M. Harrop (2004): Comparative Government and Politics. An Introduction. Newcastle: Palgrave. Chapter 1-3, 5-11, 13, 16-17.251 p.
Adjustments may happen. Information about changes of textbooks is given by the start of the semester. The last edition of a book will always be in force.
Course lecturer: Geir C. Tufte