DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Principles of Comparative Politics
Module Code LG148
School School of Law & Government
Module TeachersMichael Coleman
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Research paper on an hypotheses in comparative policits using the comparative method.
Description

The module provides an overview of some of the key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and analytical methods of this field of study. We study democratic political systems with a view to understanding and explaining their differences and similarities with respect to their political institutions, the behaviour of their key political actors, and their policy-making processes and performance. The module examines the building blocks of the comparative approach. We describe, explain and examine the consequences of different political institutions, with a focus on established democracies, including constitutions, the state, executive-legislative relations, electoral systems, and policy-making process.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and assess the study of comparative politics in a systematic, social-scientific way
2. Examine key issues in the comparative politics of industrialized democracies
3. Identify and test interesting research questions in comparative politics



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22No Description
Class Presentation11No Description
Independent Study92No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
In Class TestMCQ test that tests the knowledge of the comparative politics literature and key questions.50%n/a
Extended Essay / DissertationResearch paper testing a hypothesis using the comparative method50%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • William Roberts Clark,Matt Golder: 2017, Principles of Comparative Politics, CQ Press, 9781506318127
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
BSSAOStudy Abroad (DCU Business School)
EPLBA in Economics, Politics and Law
HMSAStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAOStudy Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
Archives:

My DCU | Loop | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement