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.

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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.

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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

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.

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Comparative Political Systems

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