course can be enrolled in outside the study plan enabled for web enrollment priority enrollment if the course is part of the study plan you can enroll for the course in winter and in summer semester
The course European Comparative Politics and Society will concentrate on the analysis of the pursuits of democracy in Europe. Firstly, the conception of Europe will be explored in its historical perspective and different perceptions: territorial, political, spiritual, cultural etc. Secondly, the characterizing social cleavages of Europe will be introduced: territorial, economic, religious, national, ethnic etc. Furthermore, we will discuss how these cleavages get expressed in the formation of different social interests and lead to the organization of interests groups, political parties and NGOs and the contemporary challenges. Thirdly, turning towards the institutional structures of European parliamentary democracies, we will address the existence of political party systems, as well as the executive and legislative powers represented by government and parliament. Fourthly, we will explore the rules and outcomes of different electoral systems, which ensure regular rotation of political elites at power – however, under different principles. Finally, we will assess the enrichment of the classical models of government in Western Europe, which have in the last 20 years been supplemented by additional players participating in the decision making processes on different levels (local, regional, national and European) – leading to new political conceptualization of ‘governance’. Also, while European states remain core units of European integration, the EU leading to their Europeanization also influences them. The new challenges facing Europe, such as security, resilience, climate change, populism, pandemic crisis, immigration, globalization, economic and financial crisis, continuing European integration, regionalization, restructuring of social welfare systems and the issues of identity, will be discussed.
Lecturer: Prof. PhDr.Lenka Rovná, CSc.,
Jean Monnet Chair Ad Personam
lenka.rovna@ruk.cuni.cz
Office hours:
Tuesday 11:00 – 12:00 or according to the agreement
Praha 5, Pekařská 10
Monday 10:00 – 11:00
Rectorate, Ovocný trh 3 – 5, Praha 1, room 304
(Please confirm in writing in case of physical meeting in the office according to agreed times. Online meetings can be scheduled any time.)
Last update: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
The course European Comparative Politics and Society will concentrate on the analysis of the pursuits of democracy in Europe. Firstly, the conception of Europe will be explored in its historical perspective and different perceptions: territorial, political, spiritual, cultural etc. Secondly, the characterising social cleavages of Europe will be introduced: territorial, economic, religious, national, ethnic etc. Furthermore, we will discuss how these cleavages get expressed in the formation of different social interests and lead to the organisation of interest’s groups, political parties and NGOs and the contemporary challenges. Thirdly, turning towards the institutional structures of European parliamentary democracies, we will address the existence of political party systems, as well as the executive and legislative powers represented by government and parliament. Fourthly, we will explore the rules and outcomes of different electoral systems, which ensure regular rotation of political elites at power – however, under different principles. Finally, we will assess the enrichment of the classical models of government in Western Europe, which have in the last 30 years been supplemented by additional players participating in the decision-making processes on different levels (local, regional, national, and European) – leading to new political conceptualisation of ‘governance’. Also, while European states remain core units of European integration, the EU leading to their Europeanisation also influences them. The new challenges facing Europe, such as the war in Ukraine, energetic crisis, pandemic crisis, populism, immigration, (de)globalisation, financial crisis, continuing European (dis)integration, regionalisation, restructuring of social welfare systems and the issues of identity, will be discussed. The Oxford Debates will concentrate on several societal and political topics of current Europe.
Aim of the course -
Last update: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
The course European Comparative Politics and Society will concentrate on the analysis of the pursuits of democracy in Europe. Firstly, the conception of Europe will be explored in its historical perspective and different perceptions: territorial, political, spiritual, cultural etc. Secondly, the characterizing social cleavages of Europe will be introduced: territorial, economic, religious, national, ethnic etc. Furthermore, we will discuss how these cleavages get expressed in the formation of different social interests and lead to the organization of interest’s groups, political parties and NGOs and the contemporary challenges. Thirdly, turning towards the institutional structures of European parliamentary democracies, we will address the existence of political party systems, as well as the executive and legislative powers represented by government and parliament. Fourthly, we will explore the rules and outcomes of different electoral systems, which ensure regular rotation of political elites at power – however, under different principles. Finally, we will assess the enrichment of the classical models of government in Western Europe, which have in the last 30 years been supplemented by additional players participating in the decision-making processes on different levels (local, regional, national, and European) – leading to new political conceptualization of ‘governance’. Also, while European states remain core units of European integration, the EU leading to their Europeanization also influences them. The new challenges facing Europe, such as the war in Ukraine, energetic crisis, pandemic crisis, populism, immigration, (de)globalization, financial crisis, continuing European (dis)integration, regionalization, restructuring of social welfare systems and the issues of identity, will be discussed. The Oxford Debates will concentrate on several societal and political topics of current Europe.
Last update: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
The course European Comparative Politics and Society will concentrate on the analysis of the pursuits of democracy in Europe. Firstly, the conception of Europe will be explored in its historical perspective and different perceptions: territorial, political, spiritual, cultural etc. Secondly, the characterizing social cleavages of Europe will be introduced: territorial, economic, religious, national, ethnic etc. Furthermore, we will discuss how these cleavages get expressed in the formation of different social interests and lead to the organization of interest’s groups, political parties and NGOs and the contemporary challenges. Thirdly, turning towards the institutional structures of European parliamentary democracies, we will address the existence of political party systems, as well as the executive and legislative powers represented by government and parliament. Fourthly, we will explore the rules and outcomes of different electoral systems, which ensure regular rotation of political elites at power – however, under different principles. Finally, we will assess the enrichment of the classical models of government in Western Europe, which have in the last 30 years been supplemented by additional players participating in the decision-making processes on different levels (local, regional, national, and European) – leading to new political conceptualization of ‘governance’. Also, while European states remain core units of European integration, the EU leading to their Europeanization also influences them. The new challenges facing Europe, such as the war in Ukraine, energetic crisis, pandemic crisis, populism, immigration, (de)globalization, financial crisis, continuing European (dis)integration, regionalization, restructuring of social welfare systems and the issues of identity, will be discussed. The Oxford Debates will concentrate on several societal and political topics of current Europe.
Literature -
Last update: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
Please see the syllabus; further reading will be suggested during the classes.
Last update: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
Please see the syllabus; further reading will be suggested during the classes.
Teaching methods -
Last update: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
In Winter term 2023/24 the course is taught in person. Classes combine lectures, presentations, discussions and group work on assignments.
Before the first class please enroll in the Moodle using the following link: https://dl1.cuni.cz/course/view.php?id=13405
Materials are placed in Moodle.
Students are working in assigned groups.
Last update: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
In Winter term 2023/24 the course is taught in person. Classes combine lectures, presentations, discussions and group work on assignments.
Before the first class please enroll in the Moodle using the following link: https://dl1.cuni.cz/course/view.php?id=13405
Materials are placed in Moodle.
Students are working in assigned groups.
Requirements to the exam -
Last update: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
Every student will be responsible for:
1) Class Participation and Oral Presentation
Each student will prepare for class by doing the designated readings, the designated oral presentations during the course and actively participating in the work of designated working group (presentations on the lecture topics and debates on the topic of the working group) and the class or outside class discussions. During Oxford Debate club students discuss different aspects of current European society. Understanding of the topic, creating and defending the position will be assessed.
Two unexcused absences can be tolerated.
2) Paper (December 1)
Each student will write an 8-page (double-spaced) research paper. “Europe after European elections. Preparations of selected political actors” Each student will write a paper based on readings on the preparations of European elections from the point of view of selected actors (political parties, governments of the member states, NGOs etc.)
Detailed instructions will be debated during the class.
Quotations and the complete list of sources are compulsory. The paper will be sent electronically via Moodle.
Requirements for the class:
Paper (8 pages) 30%
Oral presentation 35%
Active participation in the class and on Moodle 35%
Last update: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
Every student will be responsible for:
1) Class Participation and Oral Presentation
Each student will prepare for class by doing the designated readings, the designated oral presentations during the course and actively participating in the work of designated working group (presentations on the lecture topics and debates on the topic of the working group) and the class or outside class discussions. During Oxford Debate club students discuss different aspects of current European society. Understanding of the topic, creating and defending the position will be assessed.
Two unexcused absences can be tolerated.
2) Paper (December 1)
Each student will write an 8-page (double-spaced) research paper. “Europe after European elections. Preparations of selected political actors” Each student will write a paper based on readings on the preparations of European elections from the point of view of selected actors (political parties, governments of the member states, NGOs etc.)
Detailed instructions will be debated during the class.
Quotations and the complete list of sources are compulsory. The paper will be sent electronically via Moodle.
Requirements for the class:
Paper (8 pages) 30%
Oral presentation 35%
Active participation in the class and on Moodle 35%
Syllabus -
Last update: Mgr. Jan Váška, Ph.D. (09.02.2022)
Syllabus in Summer Term 2022
February 15
Introduction
The work methods
Identification of the problems studied in the groups, division into groups and preparation for online oral presentations and position papers
February 22
Europe: perception of Europe, European values, a continent in the making, in: Tim Bale, European Politics, A Comparative Introduction, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke, 2005, pp. 1 - 31
March 1
Cleavages in Europe, religious, ethnic, economic, social and ?…, in: Jan Eric Lane and Svante Ersson, Politics and Society in Western Europe, Sage Publication, London, 1999, pp. 37 – 75
March 8
Political Parties, history, typology and specifics in Europe, in: Jan Eric Lane and Svante Ersson, Politics and Society in Western Europe, Sage Publication, London, 1999, pp. 76 – 108
Inside European Political parties, how are political parties functioning?, are they still relevant?, in:Michael Gallagher, Michael Laver, Peter Mair, Representative Government in Modern Europe, Institutions, parties and Governments, Boston, McGraw Hill, 4th edition, 2005, pp. 307-33
March 15
Elections and Electoral systems, Current elections, Formation of the Parliament, in:Michael Gallagher, Michael Laver, Peter Mair, Representative Government in Modern Europe, Institutions, parties and Governments, Boston, McGraw Hill, 4th edition, 2005, pp. 340-380
in: Edited by Paul Heywood, Erik Jones and Martin Rhodes, Developments in West European Politics 2, Palgrave, Basingstoke, 2002, pp. 94 – 114
Case studies: Great Britain, France, Germany
March 22
Building and Maintaining the government+ case studies, in:Michael Gallagher, Michael Laver, Peter Mair, Representative Government in Modern Europe, Institutions, parties and Governments, Boston, McGraw Hill, 4th edition, 2005, pp. 381-421
in: Gabriel A.Almond, Russel J.Dalton, G.Bingham Powell, Jr., Kaare Strom, European Politics Today, Pearson Longman, New York, 3rd edition, 2006, pp.62 – 83
March 29
Politics outside Parliament, in:Michael Gallagher, Michael Laver, Peter Mair, Representative Government in Modern Europe, Institutions, parties and Governments, Boston, McGraw Hill, 4th edition, 2005, pp. 441-461
April 5
European Integration and the nation state, in:Simon Bulmer and Christian Lequesne, The Member States of the European Union, Oxford University Press, 2005, pp. 25-69
Politics in the European Unionfrom the member state point of view, in: Gabriel A.Almond, Russel J.Dalton, G.Bingham Powell, Jr., Kaare Strom, European Politics Today, Pearson Longman, New York, 3rd edition, 2006, pp.457 - 509
April 12
From Government to governance, in: Edited by Paul Heywood, Erik Jones and Martin Rhodes, Developments in West European Politics 2, Palgrave, Basingstoke, 2002, pp. 151 – 183
Multilevel Governance
April 19
Territorial Politics and the New Regionalism + case studies, in: Edited by Paul Heywood, Erik Jones and Martin Rhodes, Developments in West European Politics 2, Palgrave, Basingstoke, 2002, pp. 201 - 220
April 26
Debate on the topics of the Groups 1 - 2
May 3
Debate on the topics of the Groups 3 - 4
May 10
Debate on the topics of the Groups 5 - 6
Working groups and the topics for Oxford Debate Club:
Statements:
Populism is on the Rise according to the results of last elections in Europe –
Democracy in Europe is in crisis –
Political Parties in Europe are in decline –
There is a West East cleavage in the EU again –
The EU must change the institutional structure to meet the new challenges –
The EU and the USA are inseparable couple –
Last update: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
European Comparative Politics and Society
Winter term 2023/24
Lecturer: Prof. PhDr. Lenka Rovná, CSc.,
Jean Monnet Chair Ad Personam
lenka.rovna@ruk.cuni.cz
Office hours:
Tuesday 11:00 – 12:00 or according to the agreement
U Kříže 8, Praha 5 – Jinonice, room
Office:
Rectorate, Ovocný trh 3 – 5, Praha 1, room 304
(Please confirm in writing in case of physical meeting in the office)
Course description:
The course European Comparative Politics and Society will concentrate on the analysis of the pursuits of democracy in Europe. Firstly, the conception of Europe will be explored in its historical perspective and different perceptions: territorial, political, spiritual, cultural etc. Secondly, the characterizing social cleavages of Europe will be introduced: territorial, economic, religious, national, ethnic etc. Furthermore, we will discuss how these cleavages get expressed in the formation of different social interests and lead to the organization of interest’s groups, political parties and NGOs and the contemporary challenges. Thirdly, turning towards the institutional structures of European parliamentary democracies, we will address the existence of political party systems, as well as the executive and legislative powers represented by government and parliament. Fourthly, we will explore the rules and outcomes of different electoral systems, which ensure regular rotation of political elites at power – however, under different principles. Finally, we will assess the enrichment of the classical models of government in Western Europe, which have in the last 30 years been supplemented by additional players participating in the decision-making processes on different levels (local, regional, national, and European) – leading to new political conceptualization of ‘governance’. Also, while European states remain core units of European integration, the EU leading to their Europeanization also influences them. The new challenges facing Europe, such as the war in Ukraine, energetic crisis, pandemic crisis, populism, immigration, (de)globalization, financial crisis, continuing European (dis)integration, regionalization, restructuring of social welfare systems and the issues of identity, will be discussed. The Oxford Debates will concentrate on several societal and political topics of current Europe.
Every student will be responsible for:
1) Class Participation and Oral Presentation
Each student will prepare for class by doing the designated readings, the designated oral presentations during the course and actively participating in the work of designated working group (presentations on the lecture topics and debates on the topic of the working group) and the class or outside class discussions. During Oxford Debate club students discuss different aspects of current European society. Understanding of the topic, creating and defending the position will be assessed.
Two unexcused absences can be tolerated.
2) Paper (December 1)
Each student will write an 8-page (double-spaced) research paper. “Europe after European elections. Preparations of selected political actors” Each student will write a paper based on readings on the preparations of European elections from the point of view of selected actors (political parties, governments of the member states, NGOs etc.)
Detailed instructions will be debated during the class.
Quotations and the complete list of sources are compulsory. The paper will be sent electronically via Moodle.
Requirements for the class:
Paper (8 pages) 30%
Oral presentation 35%
Active participation in the class and on Moodle 35%
October 3
Introduction
The work methods
Identification of the problems studied in the groups, division into groups and preparation for online oral presentations and position papers.
Europe: perception of Europe, European values, a continent in the making, in: Tim Bale, European Politics, A Comparative Introduction, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke, 2005, pp. 1 – 31
October 10
The nation state and Democracy in Europe
Daniel Caramani, Comparative Politics, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2020, pp. 69 – 102
Catherine E.de Vries, Sara B. Hobolt, Sven-Olivier Proksch, Jonathan B. Slapin, Foundation of European Politics, A Comparative Approach, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2021, pp. 19 - 31
October 17
Cleavages in Europe, religious, ethnic, economic, social and ?…, in: Jan Eric Lane and Svante Ersson, Politics and Society in Western Europe, Sage Publication, London, 1999, pp. 37 – 75
Daniel Caramani, Comparative Politics, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2020, pp. 231 - 251
October 24
Political Parties, history, typology, and specifics in Europe, in: Jan Eric Lane and Svante Ersson, Politics and Society in Western Europe, Sage Publication, London, 1999, pp. 76 – 108
Inside European Political parties, how are political parties functioning? Are they still relevant?, in:Michael Gallagher, Michael Laver, Peter Mair, Representative Government in Modern Europe, Institutions, parties and Governments, Boston, McGraw Hill, 4th edition, 2005, pp. 307-339
Daniel Caramani, Comparative Politics, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2020, pp. 211 – 230
Catherine E.de Vries, Sara B. Hobolt, Sven-Olivier Proksch, Jonathan B. Slapin, Foundation of European Politics, A Comparative Approach, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2021, pp. 132 - 154
October 31
Elections and Electoral systems, Current elections, Formation of the Parliament, in:Michael Gallagher, Michael Laver, Peter Mair, Representative Government in Modern Europe, Institutions, parties and Governments, Boston, McGraw Hill, 4th edition, 2005, pp. 340-380
in: Edited by Paul Heywood, Erik Jones and Martin Rhodes, Developments in West European Politics 2, Palgrave, Basingstoke, 2002, pp. 94 – 114
Daniel Caramani, Comparative Politics, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2020, pp. 178 - 192
Catherine E.de Vries, Sara B. Hobolt, Sven-Olivier Proksch, Jonathan B. Slapin, Foundation of European Politics, A Comparative Approach, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2021, pp. 89 – 111
November 7 will be rescheduled.
Building and maintaining the government + case studies, in:Michael Gallagher, Michael Laver, Peter Mair, Representative Government in Modern Europe, Institutions, parties and Governments, Boston, McGraw Hill, 4th edition, 2005, pp. 381-421
in: Gabriel A.Almond, Russel J.Dalton, G.Bingham Powell, Jr., Kaare Strom, European Politics Today, Pearson Longman, New York, 3rd edition, 2006, pp. 62 – 83
Daniel Caramani, Comparative Politics, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2020, pp. 141 - 158
Catherine E.de Vries, Sara B. Hobolt, Sven-Olivier Proksch, Jonathan B. Slapin, Foundation of European Politics, A Comparative Approach, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2021, pp. 171 - 191
November 14
Politics outside Parliament, in:Michael Gallagher, Michael Laver, Peter Mair, Representative Government in Modern Europe, Institutions, parties and Governments, Boston, McGraw Hill, 4th edition, 2005, pp. 441-461
Daniel Caramani, Comparative Politics, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2020, pp. 252 - 266
Catherine E.de Vries, Sara B. Hobolt, Sven-Olivier Proksch, Jonathan B. Slapin, Foundation of European Politics, A Comparative Approach, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2021, pp. 203 - 205
November 21 in Brussels
European Integration and the member states, in:Simon Bulmer and Christian Lequesne, The Member States of the European Union, Oxford University Press, 2005, pp. 25-69
Politics in the European Unionfrom the member state point of view, in: Gabriel A.Almond, Russel J.Dalton, G.Bingham Powell, Jr., Kaare Strom, European Politics Today, Pearson Longman, New York, 3rd edition, 2006, pp. 457 – 509
Daniel Caramani, Comparative Politics, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2020, pp. 419 - 438
Catherine E.de Vries, Sara B. Hobolt, Sven-Olivier Proksch, Jonathan B. Slapin, Foundation of European Politics, A Comparative Approach, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2021, pp.
November 28
From Government to governance, in: Edited by Paul Heywood, Erik Jones and Martin Rhodes, Developments in West European Politics 2, Palgrave, Basingstoke, 2002, pp. 151 – 183
Multilevel Governance
Territorial Politics and the New Regionalism + case studies, in: Edited by Paul Heywood, Erik Jones and Martin Rhodes, Developments in West European Politics 2, Palgrave, Basingstoke, 2002, pp. 201 – 220.
Daniel Caramani, Comparative Politics, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2020, pp. 267 – 280, 193 - 210
Catherine E.de Vries, Sara B. Hobolt, Sven-Olivier Proksch, Jonathan B. Slapin, Foundation of European Politics, A Comparative Approach, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2021, pp. 32 - 51
December 5
Debate on the topics of the Groups 1 - 2
December 12
Debate on the topics of the Groups 3 - 4
December 19
Debate on the topics of the Groups 5 - 6
Working groups and the topics for Oxford Debate:
Statements:
The classical cleavage “Left and Right” is not valid anymore –
Political Parties in Europe are in decline –
Social inequalities in Europe are deepening –
AI will change European societies and cause unemployment –
