Module description
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the modern German polity. In the first part we survey the historical and cultural contexts in which German politics is embedded. The second part of the module turns to the institutions and policy-making processes in the Federal Republic, including the Europeanization of German governance. The third part focuses on policy content by discussing important issues and policy fields in greater depth. This module is about key debates and arguments relating to German politics and society. It will be assumed that students familiarise themselves with the basic elements of the German polity. This implies not only good preparation for each week’s topic by reading the core literature but also an awareness of current events. Apart from reading the core texts you should thus keep up to date with current political issues on Germany, using the press and internet. There is no sense in familiarising you with abstract decision and policy-making processes if you cannot apply these procedures to day-to-day politics. By the end of the module, you will be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the German polity, politics and key policies. You will have significantly enhanced your skills in critically analysing and discussing the historical, cultural and institutional background as well as current developments in German politics and society. Also, the module will further develop your ability to independently prepare and deliver presentations on complex political issues. The module is taught and assessed in English.
*Please note that module information is indicative and may change from year to year.
Assessment details
One 15 minute presentation (15%) & one 2000 word essay (85%)
Educational aims & objectives
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the modem German polity. In the first part of the module we survey the historical, cultural and socioeconomic contexts in which the German political process takes place. The second part turns to the process itself by examining the Federal Republic's policy making structure and the Europeanization of German governance. The third part focuses on the policy outcome by discussing a series of important issues and policy fields in greater depth. More specifically:
- students will examine and critically reflect the historical, cultural, and socioeconomic contexts of the German polity
- they will be introduced to process of policymaking in Germany, its main actors and the structural and attitudinal changes that have taken place over the last decades
- they will be familiarized with the process and constraints of the Europeanization of German governance
- they will critically examine crucial policy fields with a special emphasis on welfare state policies and Germany's foreign and security policy
- students will be familiarized with key academic and public debates on contemporary German politics.
Learning outcomes
The students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a level 4 course and in particular will be able to demonstrate:
- that they have acquired a familiarity with the importance of particular historical, cultural, and socioeconomic contexts for the German policy making process
- that they have gained a deeper understanding of the modem German polity that enables them to compare it meaningfully with others
- that they have a knowledge of the central contemporary issues and debates with regard to German politics
- that they have improved their skills of oral presentation through participating constructively in debates within class
- that they are able to apply skills of research, textual interpretation, analysis, and writing at an intermediate to advanced level.
Students will develop transferable skills suitable for a career in business, consultancy, government, as well as international and non-governmental organizations. These transferable skills range from:
- Understanding the internal organisation of the German political system, its political economy and interest group landscape
- Analytical and communicative skills, including understanding complex concepts and theories, exercising critical judgement, and problem-solving skills
- Writing scholarly correct essays that are referenced in accordance with established academic practice
- Conducting independent research while situating it into broader political and academic debates
- Gathering, organising and deploy evidencing, data and information from a variety of sources
Teaching pattern
One-hour lecture and one-hour seminar, weekly