| CODE | PPL2053 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Elections and Electoral Systems | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 8 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Public Policy | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit introduces elections and electoral systems as political institutions that determine the character, composition, stability and legitimacy of regimes. The first part examines four broad themes as follows: - the purpose and nature of elections; - elections and democratic constitutionalism; - the design and effects of leading electoral systems; - the referendum. The second part of the study-unit consists of an in-depth review of the Maltese electoral system, its origin, founding principles, and influence on Maltese politics, government, political culture, the representation of gender and minorities, and proposals for reform. Study-Unit Aims: The study unit aims to introduce the role of elections and electoral systems in politics, keyed to the needs and competencies of undergraduate students. It aims to - - develop in students a well-informed understanding of the nature, role and influence of elections and electoral systems in the politics of contemporary states, democratic or otherwise; - explore the design and effects of leading electoral systems; - thoroughly and critically describe the Maltese electoral system, its genesis and development, and its lasting influence on Maltese politics; - outline the use and abuse of referenda to settle policy issues; - review proposals for electoral reform in democracies. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - analyse elections and election campaigns in a named country; - explain the principles underpinning leading electoral systems employed in democratic states; - give a well-informed, critical account of Malta's electoral history and electoral system, and explain the system's effects on Maltese politics and political culture. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - devise a set of principles and rules for a simple electoral system that could be used in an organisation or community association; - write clear, well-informed articles, briefing notes and reports on elections and electoral systems for a non-specialist audience. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Hague, R., M. Harrop & J. McCormick. 2019. Comparative Government and Politics. Newton, K. & J. W. van - Deth. 2010. Foundations of Comparative Politics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | |||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Annette Monica Fath Lihic |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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