This course is designed to introduce students to politics in Western Europe. Many of the countries have experienced drastic changes recently. The European Union continues to grow, thereby changing domestic as well as international politics. Ethnicity and nationalism threaten stability in much of the region. The course examines the effects of institutions and culture on political outcomes. The class combines country-specific case studies and cross-national comparisons focused on diverse political topics. The course examines politics within several countries of Western Europe, as well as in the European Union. We will address such questions as: What are the political effects of movements that seek the decentralization of the state and increased local autonomy? What are the effects of the movement toward increased integration of the European Union? How can Europeans coordinate their economic and political policies? Is there a contradiction between widening and deepening the Union? What are the effects of different electoral systems on politics?
- Credits: 3
- Faculty: Dr. Carter