POLS 316-01--Contemporary West European Politics        Batkay
Fall 2004 (TR 8:30-9:45am DI-175)

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course aims to acquaint students with the political and governmental systems of the Western European democracies, focusing on Britain, France, Germany and Italy. Students will be encouraged to think comparatively about the major issues and problems facing the Western European polities today, such as the role of a unified Germany and the continuing efforts to expand the supra-national European Union.

READING

REQUIRED

This book is available in the University Bookstore and should be purchased immediately. Additional reading may be assigned during the semester.

RECOMMENDED

New York Times or on-line news provider (e.g., www.cnn.com/world).

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES

See separate handout.

SCHEDULE OF TOPICS AND READINGS
DATES            TOPICS                                                                                    READINGS

9/2-14    I. Introduction:                       EPT,Preface,Chap. 1
             A. studying West European polities
             B. contemporary patterns & trends

[9/16        ROSH HASHANAH (Jewish New Year)--NO CLASS!]

9/21-    II. Liberal Democracy in West Europe    EPT, Chap. 2
  9/28                  A.historical and contemporary       EPT, Chap. 3
               sources of political conflict

        III. Linkage Processes and Organizations
10/5-7       A. elections and election systems   EPT, Chap. 4   

[10/21      MID-TERM EXAM ]

10/12-14            B. political parties and            EPT, Chap. 5
                party systems
10/19-21     C. interest groups                  EPT, Chap. 6 

         IV. Governmental Institutions          
10/26-28            A. executives                       EPT, Chap. 7
11/2-4       B. parliaments                      EPT, Chap. 8
11/9-11      C. courts and civil rights          EPT, Chap. 9

11/16-23  V. Local Government                    EPT, Chap. 10

[11/25-28       THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY--NO CLASSES!]

11/30-   VI. European Integration:               EPT, Chap. 11
  12/2       the European Union
             A. historical background
             B. institutions
             C. monetary union
             D. policies
             E. recent developments

12/7-9   VI. Future of European Democracies      EPT, Chap.12

[12/9                 LAST DAY FOR THIS CLASS ]
 [12/14                  FINAL EXAMINATION ]

TENTATIVE EXAM AND DUE DATES                                                             OFFICE HOURS
Mid-term exam........R., 10/21                    TR:2:30-3:30pm  
Final exam...........Tu.,12/14 (0830-1030am       Office: DI-207
                                                  Tel: [973]655-4238
                        (Political Science secretary): [973]655-4238
                                                      
                                       
Homepage:   www.chss.montclair.edu/polysci/wbhome.htm
E-mail: batkaywatmaildotmontclairdotedu
Fax:    [973]228-4275