COURSE SYLLABUS - PS 336 (01) - Fall 2000
Politics of Western Europe
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
1:00-1:50 PM
INSTRUCTOR: Prof.
Paul Petterson
OFFICE: 015
Diloreto Hall
OFFICE PHONE: 832-2969
E-MAIL: PETTERSONP@CCSU.EDU
OFFICE HOURS: Monday
9-10 AM
Wednesday 9-10 AM, 11 AM-12 PM
Friday 9-10 AM, 11 AM-12 PM
And by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course we will examine the major political systems of Western Europe, focusing our attention on their evolution since the end of the Second World War in 1945. We will begin by broadly tracing the evolution of recent European history, placing current politics into their larger historical context. Political science approaches to analyzing political and governmental systems will be reviewed. Following this foundation, the bulk of the course will examine historical and modern politics and government in five European nations: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Particular attention will be paid to Italy, as a case study for examining the issues of democracy, the Cold War, political culture, and the challenges of European integration.
The course will conclude with a detailed analysis of an issue that will be discussed throughout the semester - efforts to build a European Union. This represents one of two contrasting themes of the politics of Western Europe since 1945: efforts at European integration, frequently in conflict with national political cultures and institutional forces. Course lectures and discussions will draw on current events, so reading news sources like The New York Times or The Economist is encouraged.
Class participation is expected
and encouraged. My hope is that this class will not only teach you about
Western Europe, but also give you a better perspective on our own political
system. Don't hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear.
TEXTS (Available at The Other Bookstore and Campus Bookstore)
Michael Curtis, editor. Western
European Government and Politics (Longman,
1997).
The major
text for the semester, offering a detailed account of
politics
in six European nations (we will not cover Spain in detail).
Ruth Lane. The Art of Comparative
Politics (Allyn and Bacon, 1997).
An
introduction to the theoretical approaches used in comparing
political
systems.
Robert D. Putnam. Making Democracy
Work: Civic Traditions In Modern Italy
(Princeton,
1993).
A detailed
examination of the Italian system of regional governments,
focused on
the impact of "civic culture" on governmental performance.
Michael Newman. Democracy,
Sovereignty and the European Union
(St. Martin's
Press, 1996).
An examination
of the institutions and politics of the European Union
from the
viewpoint of its implications for democracy and national
sovereignty.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
In Class Exam - October 13
30% of grade
Research Paper
30% of grade
-1st Outline
Due October 25
-Paper Due
November 29
Oral presentation on research
paper 10% of grade
Final Exam - December 20, 2
PM 20% of grade
Class Participation
10% of grade
The in class and final exams will be essay style, supplemented by short answer questions and identifications.
The topic of the research paper is open. YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE YOUR TOPIC APPROVED BY THE INSTRUCTOR, and are encouraged to consult on outlines and submit rough drafts for review. The paper should be at least 15 pages in length, and should demonstrate substantial library research. It should be constructed around a hypothesis and a supporting argument with evidence; it is not enough to write a simple descriptive treatment. An example of such a hypothesis would be the following: "The inability of Italy to achieve a stable party government is due to its political culture of autonomous regions". Your paper would focus on trying to prove this claim by mounting arguments and evidence. YOU WILL WRITE THE BEST PAPER BY STARTING EARLY.
You will also be expected to give an 8-10 minute presentation on the major argument of your paper. The presentation will be graded on content, organization and clarity.
LATE WORK WILL BE PENALIZED unless due to UNAVOIDABLE emergencies, in the judgment of the instructor. Attendance and reading of assigned materials is expected.
Students who need course adaptations
or accommodations because of documented disability, or who have emergency
medical needs, or who need special arrangements in case the building must
be evacuated should see me as soon as possible.
| OUTLINE OF LECTURES AND READING ASSIGNMENTS | |
| September 6 | Introduction and Overview of Course |
| September 8,11,13 | Europe
Since 1945 - Events and Issues
Analyzing Political Systems - Methods and Controversies Readings: Curtis, Chapter 1 Lane, Chapters 1-6 |
| September 15,18,20,22,25,27 | Politics
of the United Kingdom:
A Maturing Welfare State Labour's "Third Way" The Challenge of Europe Readings: Curtis, Chapter 2 |
| September 29; October 2,4,6,9,11 | The
Politics of France:
Divided Loyalties Presidency vs. Legislature A Revolutionary Heritage? Readings: Curtis, Chapter 3 |
| October 13 | IN CLASS EXAM |
| October 16,18,20,23,25,27,30 | The
Politics of Italy:
The Challenge Of Integration The Impact of The Cold War Building Effective Democracy Readings: Curtis, Chapter 5 Putnam, Chapters 1-6 PAPER OUTLINE DUE OCTOBER 25 |
| November 1,3,6,8,10,13 | The
Politics of Germany:
A Legacy of Division Building A New Economy The Challenge Of A European Role Readings: Curtis, Chapter 4 |
| November 15,17,20 | The
Politics of the Netherlands:
Consociational Democracy Multiparty Politics Readings: Curtis, Chapter 7 |
| (Note: NO CLASS on 11/22,24 - Thanksgiving Recess). | |
| November 27,29; December 1,4,6,8 | The
European Community:
History and Development Institutions and Issues Readings: Curtis, Chapter 8 Newman, Chapters 1-8 RESEARCH PAPERS DUE NOVEMBER 29 |
| December 11,13,15 | The
Future of Europe: Summary and Review
ORAL PRESENTATIONS ON RESEARCH PAPERS |
| December 20, 2 PM | FINAL EXAM |
|
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