The students can
• describe the basic features of political systems and interpret them in an international comparison.
• use the method of comparison.
• explain decision-making processes in selected European reference countries (Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France).
• distinguish political systems based on certain structural features (elections, party system, separation of powers).
• think in a multidisciplinary and problem-solving manner.

none

• Comparing selected political systems sensitizes students to similarities and differences between political systems and teaches the method of comparison
• Characteristics such as constitutional type, position of the head of state, party system, cooperation between the legislative and executive branches, political culture, etc. serve as the basis for this
• In particular, the party, electoral and government systems are compared
• The basics of comparative political cultural research are taught
• Case studies of selected political systems and policy areas with a focus on the Alps-Adriatic region

Clark, W. (2018): Foundation of Comparative Politics. Washington DC: Sage.
Gabriel, O./Kropp, S. (2008): Die EU-Staaten im Vergleich. Strukturen, Prozesse, Politikinhalte. Wiesbaden: Springer.
Hartmann, J. (2011). Westliche Regierungssysteme. Parlamentarismus, präsidentielles und semi-präsidentielles Regierungssystem. Wiesbaden: Springer.
Ismayer, W. (2013): Die politischen Systeme Westeuropas. Wiesbaden: Springer.
Ismayer, W. (2009): Die politischen Systeme Osteuropas. Wiesbaden: Springer.
Lauth, H.-J. (2014). Politische Systeme im Vergleich. München: de Gruyter Oldenbourg.
Lauth, H.-J./Pickel, G./Pickel, S. (2013): Vergleich politischer Systeme. Stuttgart: Brill Schöningh.
McCormick, J. (2020): Cases in Comparative Government and Politics. London: MacMillan.
Nohlen, D. (2013). Wahlrecht und Parteiensystem. Stuttgart, Opladen, Leverkusen: Verlag Barbara Budrich.

Interactive theoretical and application-oriented lecture and discussion, group work

Cumulative module grade: The individual course grade of ILV "Political Systems in Comparison" is incorporated into the overall module grade and is weighted in accordance with its assigned ECTS Credits.
Assessment type: continuous assessment
Assessment method(s): collaboration and participation in class, presentation of a case study