Module SGIA1211: Introduction to Comparative Politics

Department: Government and International Affairs

SGIA1211: Introduction to Comparative Politics

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to the method and approach of comparative politics
• To introduce students to key concepts and theories in comparative politics
• To introduce students to a wide range of policy-relevant issues and questions and introduces a problem-solving view of politics
• To encourage students to consider the relationship between evidence and theory.

Content

• The first block of lectures and seminars, will introduce students to core concepts in comparative politics and consider methods for studying politics comparatively
• We will start by building up a base of core concepts and theoretical ideas that are central to the study of politics comparatively.
• During our exploration of these concepts, we will examine seminal texts, and look at recent empirical research to build a picture that is both theoretically grounded and empirically informed.
• The second block of lectures and seminars, builds on our development of core concepts and theoretical ideas and starts to examine specific comparative phenomena in greater detail.
• We will consider two broad themes: the roles of institutions in the discipline of politics, and how individuals act within these institutional settings.

Learning Outcomes

• On completion of this module, students will develop the following subject-specific knowledge:
• Key aspects of the comparative method and its application in evaluating competing theoretical perspectives in relation to empirical evidence.
• Core concepts, arguments, and debates in comparative politics, including contested definitions and theoretical perspectives.
• The interaction of institutions, political behaviour, and social contexts in shaping political outcomes within a comparative perspective.

• On completion of this module, students will develop the following subject-specific skills:
• Identify, assess, select, and apply diverse sources and data to engage effectively with theoretical, conceptual and empirical debates in comparative politics.
• Identify, interpret, and apply appropriate comparative methods to political problems, ideas, and arguments, and advocate solutions.
• Analyse and critically evaluate competing theories, conceptualisations, and explanations of political phenomena in comparative politics using evidence to produce defensible arguments.

• On completion of this module, students will develop a range of practical and transferable skills:
• Effectively, ethically, and competently use available information communication technology (ICT), including generative artificial intelligence, to identify suitable resources and to retrieve, synthesise, analyse, and present information.
• Effectively communicate complex information based on the analysis, comparison, and assessment of theories, concepts, and data with clarity, confidence, and precision.
• Work independently and collaboratively to complete tasks efficiently, effectively, and to a deadline, applying project design and management skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures introduce key concepts, theories, and debates in comparative politics, and are supported by various material made available on Blackboard. These equip students with the subject-specific knowledge needed to critically assess different perspectives and apply comparative methods to political phenomena.
• Seminars provide a space for active learning through structured discussion and group work. These sessions support the development of subject-specific and transferable skills, including critical thinking, effective communication, and group project management.
• Asynchronous materials, including guided readings, are available on Blackboard. These allow students to engage with course content at their own pace and reinforce lecture content. These materials encourage independent learning and foster students’ ability to retrieve, synthesise, and analyse diverse sources.
• The formative assessment is an essay that asks students to debate the relative merits of competing definitions of democracy. It supports students in the development of analytical skills and critical thinking, as well as the use of appropriate and relevant resources to justify their arguments.
• The first summative assessment is a group project that requires students to apply comparative methods and theoretical frameworks to the analysis of political systems. It tests students’ ability to work collaboratively, engage critically with empirical data, and communicate findings effectively.
• The second summative assessment tests students’ ability to apply comparative methods, critically evaluate theories using empirical evidence, and communicate clearly through evidence-based arguments in response to a set essay question.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One essay of 1,000 words

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.