OSPC 2005 - POLITICAL PARTIES AND PARTY COMPETITION

This course introduces students to the study of political parties, party systems and their development and change. The course focuses on both classical texts on political parties and party development, as well as recent research on the topic. The course is intended to be primarily a critical discussion of the readings, their concepts, theories, methodologies, and findings. In the course of the semester students will develop their own group projects exploring a party-related topic of their interest in the form of a research article.

No prerequisite

Each session will be divided into two parts: first, teachers will put the theme of the session into perspective; then, in the second part, a collective discussion will take place around two texts to be read. The students will be divided into two groups, each group being in charge of reading one text (see also below).

Seminar

Students can have a reasoned use of AI with complete transparency on how and why this has been the case (including prompts).

The use of artificial intelligence is permitted within the course, provided that students cite and explain how they have used it.

All academic work must be carried out in accordance with Sciences Po’s Academic Integrity Charter. Students who fail to meet these requirements may face disciplinary action as set out in the Règlement de scolarité.

The evaluation of the course will be based on active preparation and participation in the course (15%). This includes having read all required readings, participation in collective projects, and active discussion of the substantive topics.

Each student enrolled in the class will be in charge of the discussion (presentation + collective discussion) of one of the mandatory readings (15%).

The course will be structured by an on-going project through the semester, which should result in the writing of a journal article-like paper. This will be done in groups, with collaboration and cooperation across groups. The paper will account for 50% of the final grade, with several steps throughout the semester.

Participation to the class (including mandatory readings) amounts to 15% of the final grade.

The remaining 20% will be decided through a short exam at the end of the semester.

Two mandatory readings per session