Overview
How political institutions and processes work across a range of countries. Introduces the comparative method and considers ways of conceptualising political systems and understanding the functions of their key institutions.
Providing a foundation for understanding how politics operates in different countries, this paper constitutes a key introduction to Comparative Politics. The first part provides context through introducing the state and nation, forms of government, and theoretical approaches and methods in Comparative Politics. The second part examines the institutional framework in which politics happens, the relationship between the different branches of government, and the role of the media. The third part examines the processes of politics including the ways in which people participate in politics, elections, political parties and interest groups, and how policies are made.
About this paper
| Paper title | Comparative Politics - Introduction |
|---|---|
| Subject | Politics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,103.10 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
The study of Politics at 100-level does not require any specific previous study. An interest in politics in New Zealand and around the world is an advantage.
- Contact
- politics@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
Associate Professor James Headley
- Paper Structure
The paper covers three main themes:
- Principles
- Institutions
- Processes
- Teaching Arrangements
Two lectures and one tutorial each week. The lectures give an introduction to the main themes and issues of the paper. The tutorials are for student-centred discussion, debate and group work.
- Textbooks
Highly recommended:
John McCormick, Rod Hague, and Martin Harrop, Comparative Government and Politics, 13th edition, Bloomsbury, 2025.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will develop:
- Knowledge of the political systems of a range of countries
- The ability to use a range of analytical tools to interpret politics
- Awareness of the various theories of comparative politics and ability to evaluate them critically
- Deeper understanding of contemporary political affairs
Overview
How political institutions and processes work across a range of countries. Introduces the comparative method and considers ways of conceptualising political systems and understanding the functions of their key institutions.
Providing a foundation for understanding how politics operates in different countries, this paper constitutes a key introduction to Comparative Politics. The first part provides context through introducing the state and nation, forms of government and theoretical approaches and methods in Comparative Politics. The second part examines the institutional framework in which politics happens, the relationship between the different branches of government and the role of the media. The third part examines the processes of politics including the ways in which people participate in politics, elections, political parties and interest groups and how policies are made.
About this paper
| Paper title | Comparative Politics - Introduction |
|---|---|
| Subject | Politics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music
- Eligibility
The study of politics at 100-level does not require any specific previous study. An interest in politics in New Zealand and around the world is an advantage.
- Contact
- politics@otago.ac.nz
- Teaching staff
To be confirmed.
- Paper Structure
The paper covers three main themes:
- Principles
- Institutions
- Processes
- Teaching Arrangements
Two lectures and one tutorial each week. The lectures give an introduction to the main themes and issues of the paper. The tutorials are for student-centred discussion, debate and group work.
- Textbooks
Highly recommended:
- John McCormick, Rod Hague, and Martin Harrop, Comparative Government and Politics, 13th edition, Bloomsbury, 2025.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will develop:
- Knowledge of the political systems of a range of countries.
- The ability to use a range of analytical tools to interpret politics.
- Awareness of the various theories of comparative politics and ability to evaluate them critically.
- Deeper understanding of contemporary political affairs.