Contemporary German Politics

Module description

This module provides students with a comprehensive overview of contemporary German politics, focusing on key economic, political, and social developments. Students will explore the rise of populist parties and the increasing fragmentation of the party system, Germany’s social and economic model, the challenges of the green transformation, the persistent East-West divide, and the country’s immigration policies. Additionally, we will analyse Germany’s internal security architecture, the Europeanization of its institutions and policies, and its special role on the global stage. Special attention will be given to the influence of long-term structural trends, institutional factors, and party politics on current political developments and public discourse.  

*Please note that module information is provisional and may change from year to year.

Assessment details

One 1800 word essay (70%) and One 1000 word policy brief (30%)

Educational aims & objectives

The main objective of this module is to explore developments in German politics in various policy areas, drawing on different theoretical debates. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate practical and intellectual skills appropriate to a level 6 module and in particular they will:

• demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of (the factors shaping) contemporary German politics,

• analyse challenges the country faces,

• and critically evaluate specific policies in Germany 

Teaching pattern

One-hour lecture and one-hour seminar, weekly

Indicative teaching schedule

Week 1: Political Milieus and Party System

Week 2: Industry and Power in the Federal Republic

Week 3: Political Conflict and the Welfare State

Week 4: The National Politics of Environmental Change

Week 5: Political and Economic Structures in East and West Germany

Week 6: Germany as a Country of Immigration

Week 7: National Security in the Federal Republic

Week 8: Germany and the EU

Week 9: Germany’s Foreign Policy

Week 10: Germany in the European Economy

Note that this teaching schedule is indicative and subject to change.

Suggested reading list

• Core texts are mainly from academic journals such as German Politics.

  For background information on the German political system and contemporary German politics, please use:

  • Florian Grotz , and Wolfgang Schroeder. 2023. The Political System of Germany. Palgrave Macmillan Cham

  • Klaus Larres, Holger Moroff, and Ruth Wittlinger. 2022. The Oxford Handbook of  German Politics. Oxford University Press.

  .

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.