Course content

International politics and comparative politics are the two most important fields of political science, and POL1000 offers and introduction to central theories and research questions within both fields. In international politics we analyze how states interact with one another through war, conflict, trade and cooperation. We also study international organizations as the EU and the UN. The lectures in international politics will provide the students with an overview of how the field of international relations has developed and how different theory traditions within the field have emerged. In comparative politics we study similarities and differences between countries in terms of regime type, social structure, and history. The main focus will be on European politics, but we also analyze countries outside the European sphere.

Learning outcome

To provide the students with an overview of the main theoretical traditions in the field of international politics and comparative politics.

Learning methods and activities

4 hours of lectures per week throughout the semester. 2 hours of group discussion every week and term paper supervision. A term paper of 4000 words (10 pages) has to be approved. The term paper may be a joint project of up to 3 students. A list of possible topics will be presented.

Forms of assessment: 5-hour written exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved term paper

Recommended previous knowledge

None.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course.

Credit reductions