Comparative European Politics

Photo: Lucas Dressel

Purpose of the course:  To familiarize students with the traditions, ideas and institutions that have shaped Europe’s political and economic development. The course uses the cases of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Sweden to develop our understanding of European political cultures, parliaments, parties, and the European social model.  We will study how these countries are responding to the challenges presented by increasing ethnic diversity, economic restructuring and globalization. We will have a brief introduction to the European Union, the world’s most developed case of transnational governance and economic integration.