Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POC2098: Comparative Politics

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.

Module Aims

Our aim is that by the end of the module you should be able to explain, through comparative analysis, what the key determinants of regime stability and regime change are, how political regimes and institutions vary, and how their effects are mediated or constrained by other factors. You should be able to respond to particular questions about these institutions, drawing on the relevant literature. You should also be able to deal in the abstract with the issue of the relative merits of different comparative approaches and methods.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills	1. explain the major theories of comparative politics, their strengths and weaknesses 2. demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of a variety of regimes and institutions 3. apply the theories of comparative politics to answer questions related to the functioning of regimes and institutions
Discipline-Specific Skills	4. use key concepts in political science effectively 5. synthesize and critically evaluate a variety of theories and arguments in the field 6. discuss the similarities and differences in the politics of a range of countries
Personal and Key Skills	7. demonstrate the ability to work independently, within a limited time frame, and without access to external sources, to complete a specified task. 8. engage in spontaneous discussion and defense of arguments in class 9. demonstrate competent written analytical and organizational skills 10. write essays effectively, using a range of resources to support your argumentation

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

Theoretical and methodological principles
State formation
Democratization
Autocracies and Hybrid Regimes
Legislatures
Executives
Parties
Party Systems
Electoral Systems
Interest Groups

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	128	0

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity	22	11 x 2hr seminars
Guided Independent Study	128	Private study students are expected to read suggested texts and make notes prior to seminar sessions. They are also expected to read widely to complete their coursework assignments. More specifically, students are expected to devote at least: 60 hours to directed reading; 6 hours for preparing the formative research project outline; 20 hours on completing the essay; Around 42 hours on completing the research project preparation

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).