European countries are among the most developed and democratic in the world. Yet while they continue to set precedents in democratic innovation—including the creation of the European Union—many face significant domestic and international challenges.

This course provides analytical and evidence-based knowledge for understanding European politics from a comparative perspective. It addresses a wide range of academic and policy-relevant questions: What are the key features of European political systems, and how can they be classified? How has European integration shaped national politics, and what drives Euroscepticism? What fuels populism in Western democracies? How can democratic backsliding be prevented in countries like Poland and Hungary? What is the domestic and regional impact of ongoing conflicts such as the Russo-Ukrainian war?

Students will explore these topics using the methods and techniques of comparative politics. The course focuses first on political systems in the region, with comparative analysis of their core institutions, key political actors, and voting behaviour. The second part examines how European integration, populism, democratic backsliding, and ongoing conflict challenge the fundamental democratic principles of European politics.

Upon completion, students will have gained both an understanding of European political developments and familiarity with comparative political research methods.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. understand the politics of Europe with reference to European integration and Europeanisation processes;
2. compare European national political systems;

3. apply various comparative analytical frameworks of political science to European institutions and policy making;

4. critically analyse the role of the EU and the challenges that the modern EU faces; and
5. develop empirical research and writing skills.

Required Resources

List provided in syllabus, resources available on Canvas.

Recommended Resources

List provided in syllabus, resources available on Canvas.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Comparative European Politics: Introduction
2	Parliamentarism, Presidentialism, Semi-Presidentialism	Quiz Individual Presentations
3	European Parliaments	Quiz Individual Presentations
4	Federalism and Decentralization	Quiz Individual Presentations
5	Cleavages and Parties	Quiz Individual Presentations
6	Elections and Parties	Quiz Individual Presentations Research Outline
7	Multiparty Government	Quiz Individual Presentations
8	Multilevel Governance	Quiz Individual Presentations
9	Europe and Conflict	Quiz Individual Presentations
10	Euroscepticism and Brexit	Quiz Individual Presentations
11	Populism	Quiz Individual Presentations
12	Democratic Backsliding	Quiz Individual Presentations Research Paper

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Quizzes	30 %	*	1,2,3,4,5
Pre-recorded presentation	10 %	*	1,2,3,4,5
Paper outline (500 words)	20 %	*	1,2,3,4,5
Final paper (max 1200 words)	40 %	03/05/2026	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Quizzes

Students must complete the required readings and individual pre-work (short quizzes) before each class. Quizzes are due by Monday at 10:00 am and will be assessed on two criteria:

Completion rate: students are expected to complete at least 80% of all quizzes across the semester;

Quality: each quiz will be graded as pass/fail

Assessment Task 2

Pre-recorded presentation

Each student will prepare a 3-minutes pre-recorded presentation on one weekly topic, applied to one or a small number of European countries. The presentation should:

Provide a brief introduction to the topic;

Analyse the issue in the chosen country/countries using empirical data;

Use PowerPoint or similar visual support.

Students should coordinate with the convenor. Recorded videos should be submitted one day before the assigned session.

Assessment Task 3

Paper outline (500 words)

Formulate a research question connected to any topic covered in the course and formulate one hypothesis as a potential answer. Make explicit (1) what the research question is and why it is important; (2) define the main concepts/terms in your research question; (3) justify why your hypothesis is a potential answer to your question and which theory it tests and how you can measure it empirically.

Assessment Task 4

Final paper (max 1200 words)

The final paper should extend the research outline by examining a research question empirically. Clearly state the research question and hypothesis, identify the data sources used, and explain why they are appropriate for the analysis. Demonstrate how the evidence addresses the research question, and discuss the limitations of the work, including any limitations of the data or methodology.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students