Comparative politics covers a wide variety of topics and themes. The course starts with the definition of the comparative method giving special emphasis to concept formation and historical and institutional approaches. The bulk of the course is devoted to the theory of coalitions and the processes of government formation, functioning, termination. Through several in-depth analyses, the course will throw light on the way democratic regimes are governed. Electoral rules will receive special attention and their impact both on citizens’ behavior and parties and the party system will be thoroughly examined.
Comparative Political Systems
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.3
(18 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
10 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
10 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
This module presents an initial first exploration of the field of “Comparative Politics”. You will be introduced to comparative politics and the comparative method, and you will understand the nature and components of a political system, and the challenges relating to authorities, recruitment, selection and circulation.
What's included
9 videos18 readings3 assignments
This module presents one of the three components of the political system: political regimes. You will be introduced to the four types of political regimes, and learn more about parliamentarism, presidentialism and semi-presidentialism.
What's included
9 videos14 readings3 assignments
This module presents what a party system is and what electoral systems are.You will learn about the classification of party systems, and about the universe of elections. You will then navigate the different types of electoral systems, by analyzing the most basic features of any electoral system from a comparative perspective.
What's included
6 videos10 readings2 assignments
This module presents and differentiates authoritarian and democratic regimes. You will delve into these two kinds of political regimes, and learn more about authoritarianism, democratization processes, and types of democracies.
What's included
6 videos12 readings2 assignments
Instructor
Instructor ratings
5.0 (6 ratings)
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Governance and Society
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Università Bocconi
Utrecht University
Coursera Project Network
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.