Course Description

"Comparative Politics: Democracy and Democratization" is an introductory-level course offered by FedericaX as part of the IPSAMOOC project, a collaboration between Federica Weblearning and the International Political Science Association (IPSA). This comprehensive course delves into the fundamental question, "What is democracy?" and explores the intricacies of democratic systems through a comparative lens.

The course offers a rich exploration of diverse political regimes, with a particular focus on democratic governance. Students will gain a deep understanding of the comparative method in political science, concept formation, and historical and institutional approaches to studying democracy. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including electoral rules, party systems, forms of government, and the dynamics of governing coalitions.

What Students Will Learn

• A comprehensive understanding of the comparative method in political science
• Insights into diverse political regimes, with a focus on democratic systems
• The inner workings of democratic government, including electoral rules and their impact on parties and citizens
• Various forms of government, their structures, and roles
• The dynamics of governing coalitions and their rotation in office
• Critical evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of different institutional structures
• Assessment of the effectiveness of democratic regimes and proposed solutions for contemporary challenges

Prerequisites

This course is designed for beginners and does not have any specific prerequisites. However, a general interest in politics, government, and social sciences would be beneficial.

Course Content

• The comparative method in political science
• Concept formation and historical approaches
• Democratic regimes and their governance
• Electoral rules and their impact on party systems and citizenship
• Forms of government and their structures
• Governing coalitions and their dynamics
• Evaluation of institutional structures and approaches
• Effectiveness of different democratic regimes
• Proposals for addressing challenges in contemporary democracies

Who This Course Is For

• Students interested in political science, government, and international relations
• Individuals curious about the workings of democracy and democratic systems
• Aspiring politicians, policy makers, and government officials
• Journalists and media professionals covering political topics
• Anyone seeking to understand the challenges facing modern democracies and potential solutions

Real-World Applications

• Informed citizenship: Better equipped to understand and participate in democratic processes
• Policy analysis: Analyze and critique government policies and electoral systems
• Political consulting: Advise political campaigns and government initiatives
• Journalism and media: Provide more insightful coverage of political events and systems
• International relations: Understand global political dynamics and cross-cultural governance issues
• Academic research: Solid foundation for further studies in political science and related fields
• Public service: Prepare for careers in government, non-profit organizations, and international institutions

By mastering the concepts of comparative politics, democracy, and democratization, students will be well-positioned to engage with and contribute to the complex political landscape of our globalized world.