Anno 2021-22

This course aims at examining the constitutional traditions and forms of government of Italy, Britain and the USA from a historical and comparative perspective. These countries are examples of representative democracy which are similar in many respects, but nonetheless differ in significant ways. In the first part of the course, students will study the genesis and the theoretical evolution of the “modern state” and the concomitant development of the principal forms of government. Then, focusing on the selected country cases, they will examine the constitution, the organization and functioning of the executive, legislature, and judiciary, devolution and local government, and how political parties, interest groups, and the media influence policy-making. Discussion sessions will focus on specific aspects of the organisation of governments and of governmental policies, including – but not limited to - the relationship between market and democracy, corruption, liberty and pluralism.

On completion of this course, students should have (i) understood the main differences between government and state, and (ii) developed and problematized historical-comparative approaches to the government of Italy, Britain and the USA. Skills that will be practised and developed include an ability to: communicate ideas and arguments effectively, whether in class discussion or in written form; formulate and justify arguments and conclusions about a range of issues, and present appropriate supporting evidence; think critically and challenge assumptions; to use a range of information technology resources to assist with information retrieval and assignment presentation. Students will also acquire time management skills and an ability to independently organise their own study methods and workload and an ability work effectively with others as part of a team or group in seminar discussions.

The course is held every week, according to the academic calendar. Every week consists of 2 hours of lecture and 2 hours of discussion. Each discussion is related to the weekly lecture and the readings needed will be always provided a week in advance.