Political Science 3531
Political Parties
 FALL 2007


Political Parties


Political parties occupy a peculiar position in contemporary democracies. We find it hard to imagine large scale democracy without parties. Yet parties are not well-regarded, and there is considerable debate about whether they are changing or are in decline. This course examines parties and party systems in Europe, Canada, and the United States and considers whether any of this is true. The aim is to understand parties and party systems and the factors which shape them. We begin with basics, examining parties and what they do - for example how they organize themselves, select candidates and contest elections -- and consider what difference this makes. The course is an explicit attempt to mix theory and data and see what this can produce.

Classes will combine lectures, discussions, and a number of devices designed to force students to engage course material and understand it . Students are expected to complete assigned readings on schedule, attend class regularly, and participate in class discussions. There will be a midterm and a final examination, a major research paper, and five 'net' assignments. Attending class is essential if you are to absorb the material and do well on exams.

Text:

Ware, Alan, Political Parties and Party Systems

This and other readings are available on reserve. In addition, some readings can be downloaded through the QEII Library and its article indexes. Readings on reserve are designated by an 'r' in parentheses. Those that can be downloaded are designated by a 'd' in parentheses.'

Evaluation
  • Midterm Examination(October 18th)…………………..20%
  • Final Examination……………………………………..30%
  • Research Project (due November 29th)……………….40%
  • Net Assignments and Class Participation………………10%


    • Research projects:

    Research projects may take the form of a 'normal' term paper or a poster or website. The intent is to force you to gain greater and deeper knowledge about one or more parties and party systems. Research projects may deal either with one or more parties and how their strategy, behaviour, mode of organization should be understood, or selected issues in the literature. Projects should employ at least five monograph and five periodical sources and must be written according to standard conventions of the English language. Rules on plagiarism and academic honesty (section 4.11.3, 2007-8 Calendar, pp. 63-5) will be strictly applied . Research projects should combine theory and description. Unless based on original research, projects which are wholly descriptive will receive a maximum grade of 75. Papers or posters which effectively combine concepts and detail may receive grades which are considerably better. Projects are due in class on November 29th. Late projects will be penalized five marks per day.

    Net papers:
    Net papers, one-two paragraphs in length (e.g. up to 250 words) are designed to force you to keep up with readings and actively engage the course material. A total of five papers, are to be submitted on topics distributed during term. Net papers are due at the time specified, and if possible should be submitted electronically. Each paper will be worth 2 points. Papers cogently written and submitted before the specified time will receive the full two points. Cogent papers received no more than one day late will receive 1 point.

    Students will also have the option of making a class presentation based on their research. Students making presentations may receive up to 5 bonus points on top of marks earned as above. Whether you make a presentation will depend on a) your willingness to so, b) available time, and c) my sense that your doing so will be a worthwhile use of class time.

    Listserv:
    In addition, there is a Political Science 3531 listserv, posc3531 used for posing questions and sending announcements. Everyone taking the course should subscribe to the listserv. To subscribe

    1. Obtain an e-mail account from the university computing centre if you do not have one.
    2. Send an e-mail message to listserv@mun.ca Do not write in the subject header.
    3. In the body of the message, type subscribe posc3531 There should be nothing else in the message. Delete any signatures or messages which appear automatically in your e-mails.
    4. Once you have been added to the list, you will receive a message confirming this.

    IMPORTANT: Please make sure that your e-mail account identifies who you are rather than whom you would like to be. Pseudonyms can't receive credit!


    Office hours and consultation: I will be happy to answer questions and discuss course material. My office is SN2043. I will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:15-12 and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30. You can also reach me via e-mail at swolin@mun.ca

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