COMPARATIVE POLITICS - 190001

The main objective of this course is to provide a solid foundation in the use of the comparative method in political science, along with an in-depth understanding of the theories, models, and concepts essential for examining today's democracies and their mechanisms.

This includes a detailed exploration of institutional structures, political leadership figures, parties and their systems, electoral mechanisms, public opinion dynamics, and political communication methods, as well as their interactions. The course also offers a specific overview of the characteristics and functioning of selected political systems, such as the United States and various European cases.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to analyze and interpret the main elements and evolutions of democratic governmental systems, both in general terms and about specific cases. They will also gain the analytical skills necessary to formulate and test hypotheses on significant developments in democratic regimes across different eras, including contemporary ones, and the communication skills to effectively express their knowledge and the results of both theoretical and empirical analyses.