2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED2450 The Politics of Mediterranean Europe

20 creditsClass Size: 45

Module manager: Dr Ed Gouge
Email: E.S.Gouge@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

In this module we compare the politics of four Mediterranean countries - Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal. These countries have all had to make the transition from dictatorship to democracy in the post-war period. We will look at how this has happened and the problems of these democracies, such as patronage, corruption, government instability and the weakness of parliament. We will compare the political systems - prime minister, cabinet, civil service, the regional issue - with particular concentration on the political parties.For further information see the School of Politics and International Studies website. If you cannot find the answer to your question then email E.S.Gouge@leeds.ac.uk

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will be able to:
(a) Appreciate the character of the dictatorships that existed in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece and the nature of the transition to democracy that succeeded them.
(b) Understand the main elements of the political system in each country and the power relationships between them.
(c) Consider the extent to which democracy operates effectively in Mediterranean Europe.
(d) Draw comparisons between the four countries in order to note both the common characteristics and the differences and develop skills of synthesis which will allow the clear presentation of ideas and information about the countries.
(e) Understand the importance of the regional issue in Italy and Spain.
(f) Gain some appreciation of the nature of a report format and effective seminar presentations.

Syllabus

The nature of liberal democracy in 19th and early 20th century Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece. The origins, organisation and reasons for the collapse of the Salazar, France, Mussolini and Greek colonels Dictatorships. The character of the transition to democracy in each country including the main actor, the new constitutional settlement and the problems encountered. The political system of each country including the role of political parties, Parliament and the Central Executive. The role of the army and Catholic Church in Mediterranean Europe. Social and economic change including migration, urbanisation, industrialisation and secular change. Ideas of a Mediterranean model of democracy. The regional issue in Spain and the Autonomous Communities. The problem of Southern Italy and the Lombard League.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Feedback on report outline. Mock exam paper discussion . Seminar participation.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	4,000 word report on seminar topic	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 03/04/2009

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