The aim of the course is to investigate how institutions, such as state structures and electoral systems, are related to transformations in political participation and representation, decision-making and political accountability. You will also examine changes to political systems, in terms of voter de- and re-alignments, political cleavage structures, party democracy and government formation, describing and independently problematising central theories and perspectives in the study of comparative governance. These theories and concepts will also be applied to empirical cases.

The course combines lectures and seminars, and is assessed on the basis of your participation in the seminars, written assignments, and a written report.