Fall/Winter Timetable

POL377H1F L0101

Topics in Comparative Politics I

Introduction to the Politics and Society of Northern Europe

Themes

This course is intended as an overview of basic political institutions and social aspects of the Nordic region: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and other Nordic territories. It will explain why the Nordic model seems to be so successful and stable in a period of sweeping worldwide changes, while also presenting some of the social and political challenges these countries currently face. After a brief historical introduction, we will look at the political system, parties and territorial organization in Northern Europe, and the welfare state, the main social groups and the key role equality plays in the Nordic societies. The last part of the course will present the main accomplishments and challenges in the economic, migration and environmental fields, as well as looking at the international relations of the Nordic countries.

Texts

TBA

Format and Requirements

TBA

Prerequisites

1.0 credit in POL/ JPA/ JPF/ JPI/ JPR/ JPS/ JRA courses