Syllabus
1) Theoretical introduction: how to analyze a political party.2) France, socio-historical development of political parties in France, examples: Socialist Party, Republicans and LREM.3) Italy, socio-historical development of political parties in Italy, examples: Communist Party of Italy, Berlusconi´s Parties, Five Star Movement and League of the North4) Spain, socio-historical development of political parties in Spain, examples: People's Party, Ciudadanos and Podemos5) Belgium, socio-historical development of political parties in Belgium, examples: Socialist Party and Reform Movement, NVA, Vlams belang6) Romania, socio-historical development of political parties in Romania, examples: Socialist Party, National Liberal Party and others.
Annotation
The course deals with political parties of selected European countries. We will focus mainly on France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Poland, and Romania.
The aim of the course is to acquaint students with the development of parties in these countries on the basis of the socio-historical approach and subsequently to focus concretely on some parties (ideology, organization). At the same time, some approaches, concepts, and theories that will be used to analyze the presented parties will be presented.
The subject of the course is not only to present basic factual data but also to reflect on how to grasp political parties from a political science perspective. Therefore, the theoretical introduction will be an important element.