I. Course Title: European Politics (CG)
II. Course Number: POSC 341
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: None
V. Course Description:
Political structures and functioning of selected European political systems. Emphasis on such major powers as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany and on the European Union and the prospects for political integration through the European Union.
Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
The purpose of this course is to have students explore the political development and political institutions of selected Western European countries, and to develop an understanding of their political systems and the major political issues currently facing them. Topics include:
I. Introduction
A. Why Study Comparative Politics?
B. Why Study Western Europe?
C. Comparative Politics: Scope & Methods
II. The Politics of Historical Stability: Britain & the Scandinavian Kingdoms.
A. Great Britain
a. History: Development of British Parliamentary Democracy
b. British Education & Society
c. The British Political Culture
d. The British Class Structure
2. British Parliamentary Government
a. Organization
b. Functioning
c. A Comparative Perspective
3. British Political Parties & Interest Groups
4. The Common Law and Jurisprudence
5. Prospects for British Politics
a. Current Problems
b. The Outlook
B. Scandinavia
a. Functioning & Organization
b. Prospects
III. Politics In the French Fifth Republic
A. Foundations
B. Institutions & Administration
C. French Political Parties & Interest Groups
D. Prospects for French Politics
IV. Politics in the German Federal Republic
A. Foundations
B. Institutions & Government
C. The German Political Culture
D. Prospects for Germany
V. Italy: The Politics of Instability
A. Political Institutions
B. Political Parties and Elections
C. Prospects
VI. The European Union
A. History & Developments
B. The European Union at present
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
A lecture format will be combined with informal class discussions.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Graded assignments may include tests, a final examination, quizzes, oral and/or written presentations/papers, simulations, and class participation.
Other Course Information: Readings from current newspapers, magazines. And websites may be assigned, in addition to the required text(s).
Review and Approval
Februrary 1999 Revised to reflect changes in course content M. J. Franck, Dept. Chair
March 31, 2016
March 01, 2021