DAFF 25A45 - Green parties and their electorate in Europe

This course explores the development of Green parties in Europe, from their roots in protest movements to their institutionalization within national and European political systems. It examines their organizational models, and electoral strategies, with particular attention to the sociology and geography of the Green vote. Through a comparative approach, students will analyse the diversity of Green parties across Europe, and their interaction with other parties. The course also introduces key methodological tools from comparative politics and electoral analysis, with a focus on comparative design. Empirical case studies and data from elections and surveys will be used to assess the evolving position of Green parties within contemporary European democracies, marked by climate urgency and the transformation of political parties.

No prerequisites are required for this class.

Each session is structured around three components. Before each session, you are expected to read one text. Completing the readings and discuss it in class counts for your participation grade. The aim is to familiarise you with academic literature in the social sciences, develop your ability to engage with comparative research, and introduce you to the different scientific method.

The second part of the session consists of a more classical lecture covering the theme of the week.

Each session concludes with student debate presentations followed by a collective discussion, offering an opportunity to engage critically with ongoing debates in the scientific literature about ecology and parties.

The course validation is based on 4 grades :

In class participation. Active participation is expected in each session. Students must participate in the discussion of the compulsory readings and documents. The grade will be based on the seriousness of the preparation, the quality of the interventions and the involvement in the class dynamics. (10 %)

A structured debate. The structured debate is an scientific debate based exclusively on academic sources. Students will be asked to defend a position on a given question, then respond to counter-arguments presented by their peers. The method and format will be explained in detail during class. (20 %)

An in-class mid-term exam consisting of a series of three course related questions. This one hour long exam will be based on the issues discussed in class. The students will have to demonstrate their concrete understanding of the main concepts and results of the course (30 %)

An exercise based on the knowledge and methodological skills acquired during the semester. In group of two and for two countries of their choice, the student will be asked to compare the Green parties (or their absence or weakness). They must provide an empirical analysis based on the elements of the course to explain the differences or the similarity. A one-page overview must be sent on week 6 to allow for possible feedback and reorientation. The paper must be 5 000 words-long (i.e. 10 pages) +/- 10% and must be submitted by week 11. (30 %)