Political and Administrative Systems
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The course contributes to the general learning objectives of the Degree in Management delle organizzazioni e del lavoro (MOL) providing the theoretical and analytical tools necessary to understand the functioning of the Italian political system and the process of producing public policies in the perspective of political science. The course is divided into two parts. The first part aims to provide students with the tools and analytical categories necessary for the study of political and administrative systems in a comparative perspective. In the second part the different components of the Italian political system are analyzed - institutional architecture (government, parliament, centralization/decentralization, center-periphery relations), political culture, party and electoral system, electoral dynamics and political competition, pressure groups and forms of political participation, decision-making processes and public policies production - applying the concepts illustrated in the first part.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students will be able to describe, by using the theoretical and analytical tools of political science, the functioning of political and administrative systems in a comparative perspective as well as - in particular - of the Italian political system and public policies. Moreover, students will also be able to use the acquired knowledge to frame critically the different components of the Italian political system - institutional architecture (government, parliament, territorial arrangement between centralization and decentralization), political culture, party and electoral system, electoral dynamics and political competition, pressure groups and forms of political participation, decision-making processes and public policies - even if these have not been directly addressed during the lessons.
Lesson period: First trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
First trimester
More specific information on the delivery modes of training activities for the academic year 2021/22 will be provided over the coming months, based on the evolution of the public health situation.
Course syllabus
The course contributes to the general learning objectives of the Degree in Management of Organization and Labour (MOL) providing the theoretical and analytical tools necessary to understand the functioning of the Italian political system and the process of producing public policies in the perspective of political science. More specifically, the course aims to provide students with the tools and analytical categories necessary for the study of political and administrative systems in a comparative perspective, analyzing their different components: type of political regime and political culture, institutional architecture (government, parliament, centralization/decentralization, centre-periphery relations), party and electoral system, pressure groups and forms of political participation, decision-making processes and public policies production. Particular attention will be generally dedicated to the Italian case, with a specific focus on party and electoral system, electoral dynamics and political competition.
More specifically, the following topics will be explored:
- What is politics
- What is democracy
- What is political participation
- What are groups and social movements
- What are political parties and party systems
- Elections, public opinion and electoral systems (with a focus on the electoral results of the 2018 Italian general election)
- Representation, parliaments and governments
- Public policies and public administrations
- Political systems and national, subnational and supranational levels of government.
More specifically, the following topics will be explored:
- What is politics
- What is democracy
- What is political participation
- What are groups and social movements
- What are political parties and party systems
- Elections, public opinion and electoral systems (with a focus on the electoral results of the 2018 Italian general election)
- Representation, parliaments and governments
- Public policies and public administrations
- Political systems and national, subnational and supranational levels of government.
Prerequisites for admission
There are no prerequisites.
Teaching methods
Lessons and class discussions.
Teaching Resources
Readings and requirements
- D. Della Porta, Introduzione alla scienza politica, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2008.
- A. Chiaramonte e L. De Sio (eds.), Il voto del cambiamento, Bologna, il Mulino, 2019 (introduction and chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9). E-book version available for free on Darwinbooks through the digital library of the university library service (https://www-darwinbooks-it.pros1.lib.unimi.it/doi/10.978.8815/353870)
- Slides will be made available on the course website and are part of the syllabus.
- During lessons further short readings may be suggested to complete the list of readings for the exam.
There are no differences in the syllabus between attending and non-attending students.
- D. Della Porta, Introduzione alla scienza politica, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2008.
- A. Chiaramonte e L. De Sio (eds.), Il voto del cambiamento, Bologna, il Mulino, 2019 (introduction and chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9). E-book version available for free on Darwinbooks through the digital library of the university library service (https://www-darwinbooks-it.pros1.lib.unimi.it/doi/10.978.8815/353870)
- Slides will be made available on the course website and are part of the syllabus.
- During lessons further short readings may be suggested to complete the list of readings for the exam.
There are no differences in the syllabus between attending and non-attending students.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam (graded on an 18-30 scale) takes place in written form and includes open questions, aimed at ascertaining the acquisition of basic skills for the analysis of political and administrative systems. Furthermore, open questions will be aimed at verifying the ability to consciously and critically use the key concepts at the basis of political science as well as political and administrative systems.
The exam aims to verify that students have learned the concepts and notions covered by the course, they know how to express them clearly (using the correct terminology), and they are able to apply them to the analysis of new phenomena and case studies.
A website is available where students can find information and materials for the exam preparation. It can be accessed from the following link http://ariel.ctu.unimi.it.
The exam aims to verify that students have learned the concepts and notions covered by the course, they know how to express them clearly (using the correct terminology), and they are able to apply them to the analysis of new phenomena and case studies.
A website is available where students can find information and materials for the exam preparation. It can be accessed from the following link http://ariel.ctu.unimi.it.
SPS/04 - POLITICAL SCIENCE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Maggini Nicola