Government and Politics of Europe

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the politics and governing institutions of European countries through an historical and comparative perspective. It examines the development of the political systems in Europe during the 20th Century by applying the tools of political science to significant historical events, such as the rise of Nazism, transitions to democracy in Southern Europe, and the collapse of state socialism in Eastern Europe. Students will learn the structure, rules and key actors in different contemporary systems across Europe and in the European Union. They will explore how the design of democratic institutions impacts political representation and a government's accountability to citizens. They will discuss theories of voting, the development of the party system, and non-electoral politics such as protest and social movements. Cross national comparisons enable students to understand differences in voting patterns, types and consequences of collective action, social and economic policy, orientation toward Europe, and business and legal environments among European countries as well as to see the political issues that are relevant to Europe as a whole. The course is a good choice for any student preparing to live and work in a globally interconnected world. It will be particularly appealing to students interested in the organization, development and breakdown of democratic systems and politics -- including US politics as a fruitful point of comparison. For majors, the specific focus on the European context is an effective follow up to PLSC 3 , PLSC 14 or PLSC 7.