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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 250"
COURSE NAME: "Western European Politics"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Federigo Argentieri
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 4:30 PM 5:45 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:
The geopolitical origins of Western Europe
Liberalism, democracy, dictatorship
Centralization, federalism, regionalism
Traditional parties and their evolution
Newer parties, social and protest movements
Unions, labor, welfare issues, past and present
Cultural and religious identities, immigration, integration
Terrorism
International profiles
Case studies
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students are expected to gain a reasonable knowledge of the main common problems and distinctive features of the countries presented and discussed, including acquaintance with government and party leaders, differences in political systems, power relations, national identities; to be able to analyze problems (possibly also offering solutions) and situations pertaining to the region; to identify present and (recent) past actors, their records, performances and programs.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Western Europe, 33rd editionWayne C. ThompsonRowman & Littlefield978-1-4758-1229-9     
Nordic, Central and Southeastern EuropeWayne C. ThompsonRowman & Littlefield978-1-4758-1224-4 E-book version available, http://rowman.com/ISBN/9781475812237    
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
five short papersTopics assigned in class. two single-spaced pages on front and back of the same sheet50%
Final examShort essay-type answers to questions related to the reading materials and class discussions35%

-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 course
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:
Attendance required
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

SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
Jan. 19-21Introduction to Western EuropeThompson 1-13. slides  
Jan. 26-28Greece and the Greek elections of Jan. 25Thompson 263-303 and relevant international press articles (especially FT)Friday January 30, visit to the Italian House of Deputies to attend election ballot for the new President of the Republic (time tba) 
Feb. 2-4Greece, the EU and the euroAs above  
Feb. 9-11Italy - New President, constitutional and electoral reformsThompson, 314-356 and relevant international press articles (especially FT)  
Feb. 16-18Survival kit to the Italian party systemAs above, plus a handout First paper due
Feb. 23-25Matteo Renzi, one year onAs above  
March 2-4  Tuesday March 3rd at 6:30 pm DPSIA colloquium on Italy 
March 9-11Sweden  Second paper due
March 16-18    
March 23-25    
March 30-April 1Spain  Third paper due
April 13-15    
April 20-22United Kingdom   
April 27-29   Fourth (double) paper due on day of final exam