Psc 2301
Comparative Political Systems – PSC 2301 (02 & 03)
M-W-F: 10-10:50am - Building 10, Room 007
Spring 2013 – Al Akhawayn University
Professor: Dr Angelos Sepos
Office: Building 8/102
Email: A.Sepos@aui.ma
Office Hours: M-W 1-4:30pm; T-R 1-2pm.
Course Objectives The module aims to provide solid introduction to the key concepts, theories and questions relevant to the comparative study of politics. It includes an analysis of the origins, development and characteristics of the state, with particular emphasis on the democratic state; an overview of selected contemporary political structures, institutions and ideologies; the study of the role of the ‘actors’ of politics, including individuals, pressure groups, social movements and political parties. A special emphasis is given to Morocco and the ‘Arab Spring’ region in order to allow the students to bring a critical view of their political environment and eventually actively participate in it. Learning Outcomes On completion of this course, successful students will be able to: * Understand key concepts and major theoretical debates in politics as well as their application in different political contexts and situations. * Compare and contrast different political systems and ideologies in the world. * Critically assess the key issues and debates as they relate to contemporary Moroccan and North African politics and society. * Pursue independent research and demonstrate enhancement of oral and written critical and analytical skills.
Textbook and course materials The textbook for the course is Kenneth Newton and Jan W. Van Deth, Foundations of Comparative Politics, second edition (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010). The book is available at the University Bookstore (in some numbers) and a few copies are also placed on reserve (under the course’s code) in the library. You can also purchase the relevant chapters (as a course pack and in
M-W-F: 10-10:50am - Building 10, Room 007
Spring 2013 – Al Akhawayn University
Professor: Dr Angelos Sepos
Office: Building 8/102
Email: A.Sepos@aui.ma
Office Hours: M-W 1-4:30pm; T-R 1-2pm.
Course Objectives The module aims to provide solid introduction to the key concepts, theories and questions relevant to the comparative study of politics. It includes an analysis of the origins, development and characteristics of the state, with particular emphasis on the democratic state; an overview of selected contemporary political structures, institutions and ideologies; the study of the role of the ‘actors’ of politics, including individuals, pressure groups, social movements and political parties. A special emphasis is given to Morocco and the ‘Arab Spring’ region in order to allow the students to bring a critical view of their political environment and eventually actively participate in it. Learning Outcomes On completion of this course, successful students will be able to: * Understand key concepts and major theoretical debates in politics as well as their application in different political contexts and situations. * Compare and contrast different political systems and ideologies in the world. * Critically assess the key issues and debates as they relate to contemporary Moroccan and North African politics and society. * Pursue independent research and demonstrate enhancement of oral and written critical and analytical skills.
Textbook and course materials The textbook for the course is Kenneth Newton and Jan W. Van Deth, Foundations of Comparative Politics, second edition (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010). The book is available at the University Bookstore (in some numbers) and a few copies are also placed on reserve (under the course’s code) in the library. You can also purchase the relevant chapters (as a course pack and in