West European Politics

Course Project: Each of you will write a paper on the political culture of the “European” country of your choice. Your paper should:

1. describe the political culture of your chosen country, drawing on

a) the Hancock book;

b) at least one journal article;

c) at least two newspaper stories or magazine articles;

d) lecture notes/class discussion.

2. Secondly, the paper should show how political culture is shaping the country’s politics today in a specific issue or policy, e.g., social programs, immigrant policies, trade policies, foreign policies.

3. Thirdly, the paper should discuss how your country’s political culture has shaped it’s attitudes toward European integration, specifically whether it has or hasn’t sought membership in the EU and its role in the EU or outside of it. You will collaborate with other people who have chosen the same countries or countries in the same region to create and present a Power Point on these subjects.

Political Culture: A country’s political culture consists of values, attitudes and beliefs about ‘the good life’ and about the role of government in creating and sustaining it. It is informed by a country’s history and collective memory of historical events. Current issues are viewed through these lenses.

Format:

Your research will then be compiled into a 15-page paper.   Papers must include list of works cited and use proper citations throughout.  See Research Paper Guidelines .

Due Dates:

Your working bibliography is due the class before Spring Break – March 5^th. The paper is due April 21^st.

Presentations will be interspersed throughout the term. Each presenter should present for about 10 minutes and will receive his/her own grade.