STV4358 - Comparative Political Institutions
Course description
Course content
In this course, we compare how political institutions shape politics and policy-outcomes. In the first part of the course, we review spatial models before investigating approaches for identifying spatial positions of political actors and policies. In second part of the course, we apply these models and measurements to analyze government formation and duration; executive -legislative relations; and legislative coalition formation and organization. Empirically, the course will draw on insights from a range of political systems, including, but not limited to, the EU, US and national European nation-states. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with existing datasets and be able to rely on these for the assignments.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Students will:
- Become familiar with the key literature in the field
- Learn how spatial models can inform the analysis of comparative political institutions
- Become aware of the strength and limitations of commonly used datasets and methods in the field
- Learn how, and to what extent, institutional rules shape government formation and duration, executive –legislative relations, as well as legislative coalition formation and organization
- Learn how to evaluate the empirical regularities in light of different models and methods
- Develop a critical understanding of the how, and to what extent, the choice of measurements influence findings in the literature
Skills
Students are expected to:
- Be able to apply the logic of simple spatial models in own research
- Become equipped with the necessary tools to conduct independent research on comparative political institutions
- Be able to present and discuss existing research in a scholarly manner
Competences
Students will:
- Gain competence in writing academic texts
- Become experienced in applying spatial models, relevant data, and appropriate methods for analyzing key controversies in the field of comparative political institutions
Admission
This course is reserved for students who fulfill the formal prerequisites.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
or
Recommended previous knowledge
Teaching
The course is open to both Master and PhD students. The course consists of a mix between lectures and seminars. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the material prior to the class.
Examination
The assessment is through a series of hand-in assignments.
The weekly assignment will be handed out after the lecture on (last lecture of the week). The deadline for submitting the assignment is (one hour before the first lecture of the following week).
Language of examination
It is possible to submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
- Explanation of grades - deadline and processing time
- Appeal about grades
- Complaint about formal exam errors
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
If you wish to withdraw from the exam you must do so in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the deadline. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit the exam.
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.
Evaluation
Feedback from our students is essential to us in our efforts to ensure and further improve the high quality of our programmes and courses. All courses are subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students on a particular course to participate in a more comprehensive, periodic evaluation of this course.