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University of Naples Federico II

Comparative Political Systems

University of Naples Federico II via edX

Overview

This course is part of the IPSAMOOC project, a joint venture Federica Weblearning - IPSA, the International Political Science Association

If you've ever asked the question, "What is Democracy?" this course is for you. This comparative study of politics covers a wide variety of topics and themes.
The course begins with a definition of the comparative method and a special focus on concept formation and historical and institutional approaches. It highlights the way in which democratic regimes are governed, and the way electoral rules impact not only on parties and the party system but also on citizens.

We will study the different forms of government, their structure and role, leading to an understanding of the dynamics of governing coalitions and their rotation in office. Together we will evaluate the assets and liabilities of the different institutional structures and approaches.

The last part of the course will focus on the effectiveness of different democratic regimes and evaluate proposals for change. The emerging overall picture will show the existence of several institutional solutions to the challenges and the problems of contemporary democracies.

Taught by

Gianfranco Pasquino and Marco Valbruzzi

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Reviews

4.7 rating, based on 3 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Comparative Political Systems

  • Anonymous
    I was really impressed by this course. It met my expectations, which were to gain a new perspective on the subject of politics. With no prior political education, I was struck by the complexity of the subject and pleased to see it so well condensed…
  • Profile image for Larry Harari
    Larry Harari
    Excellent course, great description of political system all around the globe. The analysis of democratic system and authoritarian system is very accurate and is very important in our era of political change. Great work from the team !
  • Anonymous
    Good examples while teaching but little more elaboration to be done especially with the other countries systems. Prof is mostly focusing on the European countries . It would have been better if the scope of the coverage has been towards other Asian and African countries too.

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