210069 SE BAK10: Comparative European Politics (2025S)

The aim of this seminar is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how democracy works in Europe. Several aspects of the democratic process within the European context will be addressed. Studying the social basis of politics, we will examine public opinion, political participation, and voting behavior in elections and referendums. The course will also explore the social roots of party systems, the dynamics of party competition, and various institutional designs and their impact on political outcomes. Particular emphasis will be placed on the political institutions of horizontal and vertical power-sharing within the European multi-level system, with a special focus on the challenges of democratic governance at the EU level. Additionally, the seminar provides an accessible introduction to research design and methods commonly used by political scientists to address these topics.

By the end of the course, students will have a thorough knowledge of contemporary European politics. Specifically, they will become familiar with political culture, political institutions, electoral systems, and party politics across Europe. Furthermore, the course allows students to develop and refine their methodological skills and knowledge. In particular, the seminar introduces students to the advantages and limitations of comparative research. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate conflicting theoretical claims and arguments by employing appropriate empirical evidence.