Comparative Political Systems from Coursera

Comparative politics covers a wide variety of topics and themes. The course starts with the definition of the comparative method giving special emphasis to concept formation and historical and institutional approaches. The bulk of the course is devoted to the theory of coalitions and the processes of government formation, functioning, termination. Through several in-depth analyses, the course will throw light on the way democratic regimes are governed. Electoral rules will receive special attention and their impact both on citizens’ behavior and parties and the party system will be thoroughly examined.

The types of Parliaments, their structures and their role will be taken into consideration also in order to understand how they affect the formation of governing coalitions. Hence the dynamics and the transformation of those coalitions, with special attention to their more or less frequent rotation in office, will be explored and explained. The assets and the liabilities of the different institutional arrangements will be evaluated. The final part of the course will be devoted to an assessment of the quality of the different democratic regimes and to the proposals for change. The overall picture likely to emerge is that of the existence of several institutional solutions to the challenges and the problems of contemporary democracies.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to comparative politics

This module presents an initial first exploration of the field of “Comparative Politics”. You will be introduced to comparative politics and the comparative method, and you will understand the nature and components of a political system, and the challenges relating to authorities, recruitment, selection and circulation.

Political regimes

This module presents one of the three components of the political system: political regimes. You will be introduced to the four types of political regimes, and learn more about parliamentarism, presidentialism and semi-presidentialism.

Party Systems and Electoral Systems

This module presents what a party system is and what electoral systems are.You will learn about the classification of party systems, and about the universe of elections. You will then navigate the different types of electoral systems, by analyzing the most basic features of any electoral system from a comparative perspective.

Autocracy and Democracy

This module presents and differentiates authoritarian and democratic regimes. You will delve into these two kinds of political regimes, and learn more about authoritarianism, democratization processes, and types of democracies.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the comparative method and its key concepts, providing a solid foundation for understanding comparative politics

Offers a comprehensive analysis of different electoral systems and their impact on party systems, which is crucial for understanding the complexities of democratic governance

Examines the formation, functioning, and termination of governments, providing insights into the dynamics of power and decision-making in democratic regimes

Emphasizes the role of parliaments and their structures in shaping the formation of governing coalitions

Assesses the quality of different democratic regimes and explores proposals for change, offering a critical perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing democracies today

Taught by Gianfranco Pasquino, a renowned scholar in comparative politics, the course leverages his expertise and deep understanding of the field

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Comparative Political Systems with these activities:

Read [Comparative Politics: A Comparative Introduction, 4th Edition by Edward C. Page]

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Introduces the fundamental concepts and theories of comparative politics to prepare you for the course.

View Modern Political Systems: Europe on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first chapter.
Review the syllabus and identify the key concepts covered in the course.
Make notes and highlight important passages.
Participate in online discussion forums to share your insights and ask questions.

Watch video tutorials on comparative politics concepts

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Provides visual and interactive content to complement your understanding of the course concepts.

Browse courses on Political Institutions

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Search for reputable online sources offering video tutorials on comparative politics.
Select tutorials that cover specific topics relevant to the course.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on key points.
Review the tutorials as needed to reinforce your understanding.

Practice answering comparative politics questions

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Provides opportunities to test your knowledge and improve your ability to apply course concepts to specific scenarios.

Browse courses on Elections

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Gather practice questions from textbooks, online resources, or past exams.
Set a timer and attempt to answer the questions within the given time limit.
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.
Repeat the process to reinforce your understanding and build confidence.

Four other activities

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Join a study group to discuss comparative politics topics

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Engages you with other learners, promoting collaboration, discussion, and knowledge sharing.

Browse courses on Comparative Politics

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Find or create a study group with classmates or online peers.
Set regular meeting times and establish a schedule for discussing different topics.
Prepare for each meeting by reviewing course materials and preparing questions.
Actively participate in discussions, share your insights, and ask clarifying questions.

Write a blog post on a topic related to comparative politics

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Allows you to synthesize and demonstrate your understanding of the course concepts by creating your own content.

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Choose a specific topic related to the course material.
Conduct research and gather information from reliable sources.
Organize your thoughts and outline the main points of your post.
Write a draft and edit it carefully.
Publish your blog post and share it with others for feedback.

Create a comparative politics research database

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Supports your research and analysis skills by organizing and managing information related to the course.

Browse courses on Political Systems

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Identify relevant sources such as academic journals, books, and websites.
Gather and organize data points related to different political systems, parties, and elections.
Create a structured database using spreadsheet software or online tools.
Label and categorize the data points for easy retrieval and analysis.

Attend a comparative politics workshop or conference

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Provides opportunities for in-person interactions with experts and peers in the field.

Browse courses on Comparative Politics

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Research and identify upcoming workshops or conferences related to comparative politics.
Register and make arrangements to attend the event.
Actively participate in sessions, ask questions, and network with other attendees.
Follow up with speakers and peers to continue the discussions and explore potential collaborations.

Career center

Learners who complete Comparative Political Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Political Journalist

Political Journalists report on political events and issues. They interview politicians, analyze political data, and write articles and editorials. This course may be useful for Political Journalists who want to gain a deeper understanding of comparative political systems and how they shape political discourse.

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Political Consultant

Political Consultants help political candidates and organizations develop and implement campaign strategies. They advise clients on messaging, fundraising, and public relations. This course may be useful for Political Consultants who want to learn more about different political systems and how they can affect election outcomes.

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Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They provide policymakers with information and recommendations on how to address social and economic problems. This course may be useful for Public Policy Analysts who want to gain a deeper understanding of comparative political systems and how they can influence policy outcomes.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study politics and government. They examine political systems, institutions, and processes, and they analyze political behavior. This course may be useful for Political Scientists who want to gain a deeper understanding of comparative political systems and how they function.

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Government Affairs Manager

Government Affairs Managers represent organizations before government agencies and legislatures. They advocate for the interests of their clients and work to influence public policy. This course may be useful for Government Affairs Managers who want to gain a better understanding of how different political systems operate and how to navigate them effectively.

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International Relations Analyst

International Relations Analysts study international relations and global affairs. They analyze political, economic, and social trends to assess risks and opportunities for businesses and governments. This course may be useful for International Relations Analysts who want to gain a deeper understanding of comparative political systems and how they influence global events.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. They write books, articles, and other works that shed light on historical events and trends. This course may be useful for Historians who want to gain a deeper understanding of comparative political systems and how they have evolved over time.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They analyze economic data to make predictions about the economy and to develop policies to address economic problems. This course may be useful for Economists who want to gain a deeper understanding of how political systems can influence economic outcomes.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. They specialize in various areas of law, including criminal law, civil law, and international law. This course may be useful for Lawyers who specialize in international law and want to gain a deeper understanding of comparative political systems.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and social behavior. They analyze social institutions, social change, and social problems. This course may be useful for Sociologists who want to gain a deeper understanding of how political systems can influence social outcomes.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human cultures and societies. They analyze cultural practices, social organization, and human evolution. This course may be useful for Anthropologists who want to gain a deeper understanding of how political systems can influence cultural and social outcomes.

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Professor

Professors teach and research at colleges and universities. They specialize in various academic disciplines, including political science, history, economics, and sociology. This course may be useful for Professors who teach in political science and want to gain a deeper understanding of comparative political systems.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and use information. They work in libraries, schools, and other organizations. This course may be useful for Librarians who work in academic libraries and want to gain a deeper understanding of comparative political systems.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical documents and records. They work in archives, libraries, and museums. This course may be useful for Archivists who work with political documents and want to gain a deeper understanding of comparative political systems.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators oversee the collections and exhibitions of museums. They work with historians, artists, and other experts to develop and present exhibits that educate and engage the public. This course may be useful for Museum Curators who work with political artifacts and want to gain a deeper understanding of comparative political systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator