166-025 Conflict & Corruption in Western Europe

Usually 25 points of first-year politics, or first-year European studies.

This subject is an introduction to conflict, control and corruption in the contemporary democratic state in western Europe in a comparative context. It explores boundaries of government and the issue of corruption in Europe as well as the conflict resolution models and practice of consociational democracy. In particular, it examines ethnicity, racism and the rise of right wing extremism in western Europe. Students will be introduced to the Northern Ireland conflict and alternative solutions including the Good Friday Agreement and consociationalism. Students who complete the subject should have an understanding of concepts of consociationalism, corruption, forms of democracy and party politics, through research into the particular cases of the Netherlands and Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge ideologically and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through small group discussions.

A written essay of 2000 words 50% due mid-semester and a 2 hour exam 50% to be held during the examination period.