Unit 1 Introduction. Methodology. Terminology. Definitions. The Western European Politics.
(Jan. 16, 18) (Bale, pp. 1-6; assigned readings)
Unit 2 Europe: a Continent in the Making. Nations and States. Western Europe Defined. Central and Eastern Europe.
(Jan. 23, 25) (Bale, pp. 7-43; assigned readings)
Unit 3 The End of Nation State? Stateless Nations. Asymmetrical Federalism. The EU and the End of Sovereignty?
(Jan. 30, Feb. 1) (Bale, pp. 44-76; assigned readings)
Unit 4 From Government to Governance. Decentralization. Policy Making. The Judicialization of Politics. Germany.
(Feb. 6, 8, 10) (Bale, pp. 77-111; Thompson (B), pp. 173-283; assigned readings)
Unit 5 Governments and Parliaments. Prime Ministers and Cabinets. Minority Governments. France.
(Feb. 13, 15) (Bale, pp. 112-148; Thompson (A), pp. 98-166; assigned readings)
Unit 6 Parties. The Base of Party Systems. Organization. Are Parties in decline? United Kingdom.
(Feb. 20, 22) (Bale, pp. 149-189; Thompson (A), pp. 14-75; assigned readings)
Unit 7 Elections. Voting and Referendums. Systems, Turnout, Preferences and Unpredictability. Spain.
(Feb. 27, Mar. 1*) (Bale, pp. 190-226; Thompson (A), pp. 379-417; assigned readings)
* MIDTERM EXAM
Unit 8 Case study: Italy. Political Culture and System. The Political Arena and Political Agendas. Italy
(Mar. 6, 8) (Thompson (A), pp. 314-356; assigned readings)
Unit 9 The Media. Structure and Regulation. Pressure Groups and Populists. Bias and its Effects. Poland.
(Mar. 13, 15*) (Bale, pp. 227-265; Thompson (B), pp. 307-342; assigned readings)
* PROJECT PROPOSAL
Unit 10 Participation and Pressure Politics. Civil Society. Organized Interests, Social Movements. The Netherlands.
(Mar. 20, 22) (Bale, pp. 266-300; Thompson (A), pp. 174-201; assigned readings)
Unit 11 Politics over Markets. Politics Left and Right. Privatization. The Welfare State. Sweden.
(Mar. 27, 29) (Bale, pp. 301-338; Thompson (B), pp. 23-45; assigned readings)
Unit 12 Not Wanted but Needed: Migrants and Minorities. Illegal Immigration. Asylum Seekers. The Czech Republic.
(Apr. 10, 12) (Bale, pp. 339-377; Thompson (B), pp. 343-363; assigned readings)
Unit 13 Protecting and promoting. Europe’s International Politics. Old and New Europe. Security and defence.
(Apr. 19) (Bale, pp. 378-412; assigned readings)
Unit 14 Europeization and Globalization. Identity Politics and Cosmopolitanism. Conclusion.
(Apr. 24, 26*) (assigned readings)
* FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT * PORTFOLIO
(Apr. 30 May 5, tba*)
* FINAL EXAM
NOTE:
The syllabus schedule may undergo reasonable changes in relation to guest speakers, field trips, make-ups, discussions, events, and other contingencies.