Prospectus

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Political Parties and Democracy: Conflict and Cooperation (recommended for the Research Master)

Course
2015-2016

Description

Objective: 1. To enhance familiarity with the concepts, debates and available studies on political parties, democratization and representative democracy.
Objective: 2. To increase empirical knowledge and develop analytical skills in academic writing and reporting.

Content: This course concentrates on the role and function of political parties in modern (European) democracies, in particular on their role during democratic transitions and their contribution to democratic legitimacy. We will also pay attention to the changes in the societal structures underpinning contemporary party systems, patterns of alliances and oppositions, the development of alternative forms of political mobilization, and the consequences of EU integration.

Methods of Instruction

Seminars, close reading, group discussions, group work, individual student presentations.

Study Material

A collection of academic book chapters and journal articles – to be announced

Timetable

Timetable

Examination

TBA

Admission requirements

None

Registration

See preliminary info