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Political Behaviour
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:12
Abstract
This advanced research seminar deals with current issues and research on political behaviour in Europe's multi-level system.
Objective
This seminar is designed for advanced students of political science with an interest in comparative politics and EU integration. It introduces students to state-of-the-art theorizing, data, methods, and empirical findings and provides them with manifold opportunities to work with data on their own. After taking this seminar, students should have a good overview of current research and be prepared to write their Master's thesis in this area. Students may also propose research topics of their interest.
Content
This semester, our research seminar examines political behaviour in Europe’s multi-level system. Contemporary European politics unfolds across intertwined local, national, and supranational levels, creating unique dynamics for how citizens form attitudes, how parties compete, and how governments negotiate. The seminar introduces students to the institutional structure of Europe’s multi-level system, the foundations of individual political attitudes, and the role of parties and governmental actors. We analyze elections at both national and EU levels, decision making in EU-level negotiations, and the politics of solidarity within and beyond the nation-state. Finally, the seminar addresses current challenges including democratic backsliding in various European states and the effects of geopolitical and geoeconomic pressures on European political behaviour. The goal is to equip students with theoretical and empirical tools to understand how Europe’s layered political system shapes both political behaviour and outcomes.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 15
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Political Behaviour
Does not take place this semester.
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |