Program:
Unit 1 Introduction to the Course. Methodology. Definitions.
(Jan. 18, 20) (Mahler, p. xix-xxiv; Powell, p. 1 - 17; assigned readings)
Unit 2 Comparative Political Analysis. The Political System. Political Culture. The Comparative Method.
(Jan. 25, 27) (Mahler, p. 1 - 26; Powell, p. 18 - 37; assigned readings)
Unit 3 Constitutions and Ideologies. Constitutions as Political Structures. Ideologies. Classification of Regimes
(Feb. 1, 3) (Mahler, p. 27 - 48; Powell, p. 38 - 45; assigned readings)
Unit 4 Legislative Institutions. The Legislative Process. Executive Institutions. Coalition Governments.
(Feb. 8, 10, 12) (Mahler, p. 49 - 107; Powell, p. 46 - 56; assigned readings)
Unit 5 Judicial Institutions. The Idea of Law. Political Behavior. Political Environment. Role of the Political Elite.
(Feb. 15, 17) (Mahler, p. 108 - 153; Powell, p. 57 - 74; assigned readings)
Unit 6 Pluralism. Corporatism. Interest Groups. Political Parties. Social Movements.
(Feb. 22, 24) (Mahler, p. 154 - 176; Powell, p. 75 - 80; assigned readings)
Unit 7 The British Political System. The British Constitutional System. Executive and Legislative Structures.
(Mar. 1, 3*) (Powell, p. 194 - 228; Powell, p. 81 - 94; assigned readings)
* MIDTERM EXAM
Unit 8 The German Political System. Federalism. Executive and Legislative Structures. Policymaking.
(Mar. 15, 17) (Mahler, p. 262 - 291; Powell, p. 95 - 105; assigned readings)
Unit 9 The Italian Political System. Italian Power Structure. State Institutions. Political Culture. Political Parties.
(Mar. 22, 24) (Powell, p. 106 - 122; assigned readings)
Unit 10 The European Union. European Commission, European Union Council. European Parliament.
(Mar 29, 31*) (Powell, p. 123 - 132; assigned readings)
* PROJECT PROPOSAL
Unit 11 Political Systems Compared. Policy-Making Process. Public Policy.
(Apr. 5) (Mahler, p. 176 - 193; Powell, p. 133 - 145; assigned readings)
Unit 12 The Russian Political System. Ideology. The Political Heritage. Federalism. Political Succession.
(Apr. 11, 14) (Mahler, p. 323 - 352; Powell, p. 146 - 166; assigned readings)
Unit 13 The Chinese Political System.
(Apr. 19, 21) (Mahler, p. 354 – 387; Powell, p. 167 - 182; assigned readings)
Unit 14 Globalization. Integration and Interdependence.
(Apr. 26,28*) (Powell, p. 182 - 200; assigned readings)
* FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT * PORTFOLIO
(May 3 - May 7, t.b.s.*)
* FINAL EXAM
Films/Audiovisual Materials Sessions:
(1. (date t.b.s.) at 19:30) “on power”
(2. (date t.b.s.) at 19:30) “on diversity”
(3. (date t.b.s.) at 19:30) “on ideology”