Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jan Váška, Ph.D. (09.02.2022)
TThe 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.)
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jan Váška, Ph.D. (09.02.2022)
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.)
Cíl předmětu -
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jan Váška, Ph.D. (09.02.2022)
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 populism, immigration, globalization, financial crisis, continuing European integration, regionalization, restructuring of social welfare systems and the issues of identity, will be discussed.
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jan Váška, Ph.D. (09.02.2022)
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 populism, immigration, globalization, financial crisis, continuing European integration, regionalization, restructuring of social welfare systems and the issues of identity, will be discussed.
Literatura -
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jan Váška, Ph.D. (09.02.2022)
Please see the syllabus; further reading will be suggested during the classes.
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jan Váška, Ph.D. (09.02.2022)
Please see the syllabus; further reading will be suggested during the classes.
Metody výuky -
Poslední úprava: PhDr. Ladislav Beneš (17.02.2022)
In Summer Term 2022, 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.
Poslední úprava: PhDr. Ladislav Beneš (17.02.2022)
In Summer Term 2022, 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.
Požadavky ke zkoušce -
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jan Váška, Ph.D. (09.02.2022)
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 online 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 discussions.
Two unexcused absences can be tolerated.
2) Paper (May 16)
Each student will write an 8 page (double-spaced) research comparative paper. Each student will write a paper based on comparison of two European countries and their approaches to one specific topic. Within the two countries you can show the positions of different important players (government, parliamentary parties, public opinion etc.…). The paper will be based on the readings on European contemporary debates such as on values and identity, security, liberal democracy and new perceptions of further development and monitor the current debates. Detailed instructions will be given during the class or consultations.
Quotations and the complete list of sources are compulsory. The paper will be sent electronically via Moodle
Requirements for the class:
Paper (8 pages) 35%
Oral online presentation 35%
Active participation in the class 30%
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jan Váška, Ph.D. (09.02.2022)
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 online 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 discussions.
Two unexcused absences can be tolerated.
2) Paper (May 16)
Each student will write an 8 page (double-spaced) research comparative paper. Each student will write a paper based on comparison of two European countries and their approaches to one specific topic. Within the two countries you can show the positions of different important players (government, parliamentary parties, public opinion etc.…). The paper will be based on the readings on European contemporary debates such as on values and identity, security, liberal democracy and new perceptions of further development and monitor the current debates. Detailed instructions will be given during the class or consultations.
Quotations and the complete list of sources are compulsory. The paper will be sent electronically via Moodle
Requirements for the class:
Paper (8 pages) 35%
Oral online presentation 35%
Active participation in the class 30%
Sylabus -
Poslední úprava: 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 –
Poslední úprava: 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 –
