EUROPEAN POLITICS

& GOVERNMENT

Self and Society 363 

Winter 2007-08

This course will introduce you to the history, culture, politics, and institutions of the major European democracies -- the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy. In addition, we will examine the politics and institutions of the European Union.

Professor Casey's Homepage (including links for current events and research)

Course Syllabus (PDF)

Research Paper Assignment

Paper Citation Guide

European News Links:

Topics and Readings 

The following is only a tentative schedule of topics, readings, lectures and tests. This may be changed during the course of the semester depending on how quickly we cover the material. So please keep in mind that THE DATES FOR TESTS MAY CHANGE!!!!

NOTE: Links for PowerPoint slides of the lectures will be added as the course progresses.

I: Comparative Political Analysis (Week 1)

        1. Comparative Politics Basics

Kesselman and Krieger, Introduction 

Comparative Politics Concepts Test, Friday, November 30

(Comparative Politics Concepts Test Terms)

Paper Topic and Bibliography Due, Friday, December 7

II:  The United Kingdom (Weeks 2-3)

        1. The Making of the Modern British State    

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 6                             

        2. Governance and Policymaking Institutions

    Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 8

3. Representation and Participation

              Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 9

         4. British Political Economy [No PowerPoint for this]

             Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 7

         5. British Politics in Transition

             Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 10

 United Kingdom Test on Friday, December 21

(UK Test Terms)

 III. France (Weeks 4-5)

            1. The Making of the Modern French State    

                Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 11                           

            2. Governance and Policymaking Institutions

                Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 13

            3. Representation and Participation

                Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 14

            4. French Political Economy

                Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 12

            5. French Politics in Transition

                Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 15

 France Test on Friday, January 18

(France Test Terms)

 IV. Germany (Weeks 6-7)   

        1. The Making of the Modern German State  

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 16                           

        2. Governance and Policymaking Institutions

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 18

3. Representation and Participation

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 19

        4. German Political Economy

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 17

        5. German Politics in Transition

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 20

            Germany Test on Friday, February 1

(Germany Test Terms)

Research Paper Due. Monday, February 4

V. Italy (Weeks 8-9)

1. The Making of the Modern Italian State     

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 21                           

2. Governance and Policymaking Institutions

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 23

3. Representation and Participation

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 24

        4. Italian Political Economy

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 22

        5. Italian Politics in Transition

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 25

            Italy Test Friday, February 8

(Italy Test Terms)

VI. The European Union (Week 10) -- CANCELLED

        1. The Making of the European Union

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapter 1

        2. European Institutions and Policies

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapters 3-4

        3. A Union of States or a United States of Europe?

            Kesselman and Krieger, Chapters 2 and 5

 European Union Test Friday, CANCELLED

(EU Test Terms)

FINAL EXAM, Tuesday, February 19th

 1:00-3:00pm Moench A202

(Final Exam Study Guide)