Comparative Political Systems

Aim

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts and theories in comparative policy and administration and knowledge of central institutions, actors and processes,
• demonstrate general knowledge of the policy and administration of certain states, and an understanding of how their distinctive features can be explained and of how theories, concepts and institutions arise and transform, and are interpreted from different historical, political and analytical perspectives,
• demonstrate an understanding of how comparisons contribute to an increased knowledge of politics and administration and an ability to, in writing, reflect on and maintain a critical approach to policy and management-related phenomena from a comparative perspective by applying concepts and theories,
• apply different theories and methods of comparative policy on historical or contemporary examples,
• at a seminar, orally account for own analyses and critically discuss concepts and theories.

Content

The course builds on previous knowledge of the Swedish political system by relating Swedish conditions to the policy and administration of other states. In focus are theories of constitution and administration models and their analytical applications and different methods of comparison. In addition, EU's policy, structure and administration constitute an important part of the course. Explanation approaches that point to basic understanding of economic political contexts from a comparative perspective are observed.