Comparative Politics - Fundamentals

What it is about

You learn central questions and explanatory approaches of comparative political science, e.g. regarding the distinction between democratic and non-democratic regimes, causes of democratization and regime change, and the performance of political systems. By the end you will be able to describe political systems, compare theories, design simple research designs, and draw on empirical findings to assess political institutions and processes.

What you will be able to do

• Recognize and name terms, concepts and theories of comparative political science
• Design research projects and apply basic methods of comparative analysis
• Identify structural elements of political systems and classify types of government
• Analyze determinants of regime stability and regime change
• Compare competing theories and evaluate them justifiably
• Evaluate political processes across contexts
• Develop defensible answers to questions about institutions with relevant literature and empirical evidence

What the module consists of

• Vorlesungintroduces fundamental concepts, theories, research designs and methods and illustrates them with examples
• Übungendeepen content through individual and collaborative tasks, case studies and problem solving
• Diskussionen/Reflexionpromote critical engagement, perspective comparison and written/oral argumentation

Teaching method

• VorlesungIntroduction to concepts, theories and methods; provides the theoretical framework and examples
• Übungenpractical application of what is learned through case studies and problem tasks
• Diskussionencritical reflection and exchange to deepen understanding
• Praktische Anwendungenapplication of theoretical knowledge to concrete political scenarios to consolidate skills