This module is not currently running in 2021 to 2022.
The module introduces students to some of the core issues in the field of comparative political behaviour, one of the largest groupings within the field of comparative politics. The module begins by considering some of the basic theoretical issues involved in studying political behaviour. It then moves on to consider explanations for the two most significant issues within the field of comparative political behaviour, namely voting patterns and political participation. Within these blocks, the module includes discussion on various policy-relevant issues. The module then moves on to consider wider issues around political behaviour, notably the nature of public opinion and political representation.
100% coursework: One essay of =3000 words, worth 60% of the overall grade. One policy report of =3000 words, worth 40% of the overall grade.
Russell Dalton, Citizen Politics: Public Opinion and Political Parties in Advanced Industrial Democracies, CQ Press (2008).
Lawrence LeDuc et al, eds, Comparing Democracies 3: Elections and Voting in the 21st Century, Sage (2010).
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Analyse the appropriateness of using behavioural approaches to study political activities, along with understanding the main theoretical and empirical issues involved in undertaking and evaluating behavioural analysis.
Critically explore the link between citizens’ actions and beliefs and the democratic status and vitality of political systems.
Evaluate the main theories and models used to account for the way citizens make electoral choices, drawing on appropriate empirical evidence to explore the validity of these theories.
Evaluate the main theories and models used to account for citizens’ engagement in political activities via different forms of participation, drawing on appropriate empirical evidence to explore the validity of these theories.
Identity and explain the behaviour of collective actors, notably political parties, and evaluate how far such behaviour by intermediary organisations affects the quality of democratic representation.
Apply this theoretical and conceptual knowledge to understanding and resolving some key contemporary issues in the behaviour of citizens in advanced democracies.
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