Description
In modern democracies, representative government is the norm. Democratic representation requires that there is, in most visions of it, some congruence between what voters want and what politicians do. This may be called policy representation. In this course the major conceptual and empirical contributions to the debate on policy representation will be discussed: the question what representation is and in which way voters can give a policy mandate to politicians. The focus will lie on the role of political parties within the process of representation. Do political parties do what people want them to do? And do parties do what they promised to do in their election manifestoes? The course has a comparative approach, with a focus on the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Methods of instruction
This course requires the active participation of students. Students are expected to read and critically evaluate various articles and book chapters. In class, the topics are discussed in various ways: introduction by the lecturer, plenary discussions, presentations, poster sessions, Westminster-style debates and small group discussions. As these activities are an essential part of the course, attendance is mandatory.
Study material
A selection of articles and book chapters, approximately 1000 pages.
A comprehensive course manual will be made available on Blackboard at least two weeks before the beginning of the course. The readings will be available trough Blackboard or reserved reading files in the library.
Examination
Class attendance and participation (20%), two small essays (30%) and a final paper (50%).
Time table
Wednesday April 1, till May 27, 13.00-15.00 p.m. in 1A24. (except May 6, no class) and
Monday May 25, 13.00-15.00 p.m. in SA21