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 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.
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jan Váška, Ph.D. (19.02.2024)
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 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.
NB Opening class on 20 February 2024 takes place online:
https://cesnet.zoom.us/j/94436220707
Cíl předmětu -
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
Students will get insight into 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 focus of the class will be the preparation of the European Parliamentary elections in June 2024 during “Parliamentary Debates”.
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
Students will get insight into 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 focus of the class will be the preparation of the European Parliamentary elections in June 2024 during “Parliamentary Debates”.
Podmínky zakončení předmětu - angličtina
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
Grading is based on the Dean's Measure Directive SO 002 17/2023.
Please see the syllabus; further reading will be suggested during the classes.
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
Please see the syllabus; further reading will be suggested during the classes.
Metody výuky -
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
In Spring 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.
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jan Váška, Ph.D. (19.02.2024)
In Spring 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.
NB Opening class on 20 February 2024 takes place online:
https://cesnet.zoom.us/j/94436220707
Požadavky ke zkoušce -
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
Every student will be responsible for:
1) Class Participation and Oral Presentations
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 “Parliamentary Debates” students discuss different aspects of the elections to the EP in June 2024. Understanding of the topic, creating, and defending the position will be assessed.
Two unexcused absences can be tolerated.
2) Paper (June 2)
Each student will write an 8-page (double-spaced) research paper. “Current and future cleavages in the European elections in 2024” 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 presentations 35%
Active participation in the class and on Moodle 35%
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
Every student will be responsible for:
1) Class Participation and Oral Presentations
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 “Parliamentary Debates” students discuss different aspects of the elections to the EP in June 2024. Understanding of the topic, creating, and defending the position will be assessed.
Two unexcused absences can be tolerated.
2) Paper (June 2)
Each student will write an 8-page (double-spaced) research paper. “Current and future cleavages in the European elections in 2024” 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 presentations 35%
Active participation in the class and on Moodle 35%
Sylabus -
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jakub Šindelář (02.02.2024)
February 20
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
February 27
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
March 5
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
March 12
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
March 19
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
March 26
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
April 2
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
April 9
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.
April 16
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 23
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
April 4
May 5
“Parliamentary debates”
Structured debates about the main topics and cleavages at the European Parliament elections in June 2024
Poslední úprava: Mgr. Jan Váška, Ph.D. (19.02.2024)
February 20
NB Opening class on 20 February 2024 takes place online:
https://cesnet.zoom.us/j/94436220707
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
February 27
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
March 5
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
March 12
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
March 19
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
March 26
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
April 2
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
April 9
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.
April 16
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 23
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
April 4
May 5
“Parliamentary debates”
Structured debates about the main topics and cleavages at the European Parliament elections in June 2024
