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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 250"
COURSE NAME: "Western European Politics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2018
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Gabriele Simoncini
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 7:30-8:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: PL 223
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course examines the political systems in Western Europe and major political developments affecting Western Europe since 1945 through a comparative lens. Looking at historical legacies, political cultures, types of government, and party systems shaping the major Western European powers, students will gain an understanding of the constitutive features, and transnational developments, challenges and changes in Western European states.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course attempts to provide the student with a general understanding of Western European political cultures and systems.  Priority is given to conceptualization of different phenomena, their historical development and their interconnection within the global context.  Critical thinking and comparative analysis will be applied to achieve a clear understanding of politics in globalized society.  
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will learn how to critically analyze processes and concepts related to national politics and community perceptions.  They will be able to relate politics, events, and players within the political arena.  Students will learn to contextualize and explain the process of policy making and relate it to current European events.  Students will be capable of critical analysis applied to the changing realities of politics in a global context.  Students will develop an ability to conduct basic research, and organize and present their findings in a logical and independent way.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
European Politics: A Comparative IntroductionBale T.,Palgrave Macmillan, 20171137581336     
European Identity: A Historical ReaderDrace-Francis A. (ed.)Palgrave Macmillan, 20139780230243293     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Experiencing European Integration: Transnational Lives and European IdentityKuhn T.Oxford, 20159780199688913  
European IdentityCheckel J. T., Katzenstein P. J. (eds.)Cambridge, 2009978-0521883016  
A Community of Europeans?Risse T.CUPS, 2010978-0801476488  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
European National Identities: Elements, Transitions, ConflictsVogt R., (et al.)Transaction, 20149781412852685  
Western EuropeThompson W. C.Lanham MD, 20169781475829044  
North Central & Southeastern EuropeThompson W. C., Lanham MD, 2015 9781475818826  
The European Culture AreaMurphy A. B. (et al.)Rowman & Littlefield, 20141442223462  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class participation 10%
Midterm examThe midterm and final exam have the same format. The exams consist of two parts of equal value. The first part is an essay, the student will choose from one of three proposed themes, and will write a well-organized essay. The second part of the exam consists of ten terms to be concisely defined.20%
Presentation and other assignmentsStudents are required to give a short individual or team presentation on a specific topic of their choice, approved by the instructor and related to the class program. The presentation will be well-organized, concise, and include (when opportune) audiovisual and electronic materials. A draft presentation must be submitted to the instructor before presenting in class. An electronic version of the presentation must be given to the instructor in class, in person, during any of the last three classes. Files send by email are not accepted. The deadline is the last class. No materials will be accepted past the deadline.15%
Final examThe midterm and final exam have the same format. The exams consist of two parts of equal value. The first part is an essay, the student will choose from one of three proposed themes, and will write a well-organized essay. The second part of the exam consists of ten terms to be concisely defined. 25%
Final project (with project proposal and portfolio)The final paper (3,000 words) will be on any topic of the student’s choice related to the class program. The topic should be precisely defined and worthy of investigation. An electronic version of the project must be given to the instructor in class, in person, during any of the last four classes. Files sent by email are not accepted. The deadline is the last class. No materials will be accepted past the deadline. To produce the final project, students will receive written instructions in class. During the semester, students will show the instructor their final project work in progress and receive checks. Portfolio: In order to produce their final papers, students will keep a portfolio of research materials during the semester. The portfolio will be shared with, and evaluated by the instructor. The production of the final paper is a work in progress during the semester. The portfolio and the paper project are progressive steps toward completion of the final paper. A portfolio containing samples of reference materials must be attached to the final project.30%.

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cours
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
A maximum of four absences are allowed throughout the semester.  Any additional absence will result in a penalization of one grade level (e.g.: from B+ to B for five absences, B+ to B- for six absences, B- to C+ for seven absences, etc.).  Two latenesses count for one absence.  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class by calling students’ names.  Students not answering will be marked absent. Students arrived late will ask the instructor to be market late at the end of the class, after which attendance records will not be modified.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

Unit    1                        Introduction.  Methodology.  Terminology.  Definitions.  The Western European Politics.
(Jan. 15, 17)                                                                                                                                                                       (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. 22, 24)                                                                                                                             (Bale, pp. 7-43; Drace-Francis, pp. 1-8; assigned readings)

Unit    3                        The End of Nation State?  Stateless Nations.  Asymmetrical Federalism.  The EU and the End of Sovereignty?  
(Jan. 29, 31)                                                                                                                         (Bale, pp. 44-76; Drace-Francis, pp. 9-21; assigned readings)

Unit    4                        From Government to Governance.  Decentralization.  Policy Making. The Judicialization of Politics.  Germany.
(Feb. 5, 7)                                                                                                                         (Bale, pp. 77-111; Drace-Francis, pp. 22-44; assigned readings)

Unit    5                        Governments and Parliaments.  Prime Ministers and Cabinets.  Minority Governments. 
(Feb. 12, 14, 16)                                                                                                             (Bale, pp. 112-148; Drace-Francis, pp. 45-72; assigned readings)

Unit    6                        Parties.  The Base of Party Systems.  Organization.  Are Parties in decline? 
(Feb. 19, 21)                                                                                                                  (Bale, pp. 149-189; Drace-Francis, pp. 73-89;  assigned readings)

Unit    7                        Elections.  Voting and Referendums.  Systems, Turnout, Preferences and Unpredictability.  United Kingdom.
(Feb. 26, 28*)                                                                                                             (Bale, pp. 190-226; Drace-Francis, pp. 90-110;   assigned readings)
                           *  MIDTERM EXAM

Unit    8                        Case study:  Italy.  Political Culture and System.  The Political Arena and Political Agendas.
(Mar. 5, 7)                                                                                                                                                  (Drace-Francis, pp. 111-133; assigned readings)

Unit    9                        Case study: Poland.  The Media.  Structure and Regulation.  Pressure Groups and Populists. Bias and its Effects.
(Mar. 12, 14)                                                                                                              (Bale, pp. 227-265; Drace-Francis, pp. 134-154; assigned readings)

Unit  10                        Participation and Pressure Politics.  Civil Society.  Organized Interests, Social Movements.  France.  
(Mar. 19*, 21)                                                                                                            (Bale, pp. 266-300; Drace-Francis, pp. 155-180; assigned readings)

                          * PROJECT PROPOSAL

Unit  11                         Politics over Markets.  Politics Left and Right.  Privatization.  The Welfare State.  Poland.
(Mar. 26, 28)                                                                                                             (Bale, pp. 301-338; Drace-Francis, pp. 181-203;  assigned readings)

Unit  12                         Not Wanted but Needed: Migrants and Minorities.  Illegal Immigration. Asylum Seekers.   
(Apr. 9, 11)                                                                                                                 (Bale, pp. 339-377; Drace-Francis, pp. 204-232;  assigned readings)

Unit  13                         Protecting and promoting.  Europe’s International Politics.  Old and New Europe.  Security and defense. 
(Apr. 16, 18)                                                                                                              (Bale, pp. 378-412; Drace-Francis, pp. 233-257;  assigned readings)

Unit  14                         Europeization and Globalization.  Identity Politics and Cosmopolitanism.  Conclusion. 
(Apr. 23 *)                                                                                                                                                                                                 (assigned readings)

                         *  FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT  * PORTFOLIO

(Apr. 29 - May 4, t.b.s.*)                

                         * FINAL EXAM

Films/Audiovisual Materials Sessions:

(1.  Feb.  (date t.b.s.) at 19:30)    “on politics”

(2.  Mar. (date t.b.s.) at 19:30)    “on Europe”

(3.  Apr.  (date t.b.s.) at 19:30)    “on migration”

NOTE: 

The syllabus schedule may undergo reasonable changes in relation to guest speakers, field trips, make-ups, discussions, events, and other contingencies.