The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to contemporary European politics.
Most students have some appreciation and understanding of the American political system.
However, they have little knowledge about the political systems of Europe. This course seeks to fill this gap by providing a basis for comparing various governmental institutions and political process in their historical, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts. This course will focus on the political systems of Britain, France, Germany, and Russia. The course will examine the factors that have influenced the development of each of these systems, their political culture and socialization, political structures, electoral dynamics, political parties, interest groups, and political problems. This course will be primarily a lecture course with discussion strongly encouraged.