Political systems of EU states and the USA Field of study: Political Science
Programme code: W3-S1PO19.2023

Module name: Political systems of EU states and the USA
Module code: W3-PO-S1-SPPUE
Programme code: W3-S1PO19.2023
Semester:
  • summer semester 2025/2026
  • summer semester 2024/2025
Language of instruction: Polish
Form of verification: exam
ECTS credits: 4
Purpose and description of the content of education:
Introduction to the principles of functioning of selected political systems from a legal and constitutional point of view, discussion of the constitutional position of bodies and institutions constituting the political system (form of government, form of state), as well as presentation of issues: electoral systems, political leadership in democratic systems, political and organizational structures of parliament, bicameralism, appointment and dismissal of government, decision-making processes (legislative procedure), legislative role of executive authorities, control function of parliament, control of positions law, constitutional judiciary, system of protection of constitutional guarantees of individual rights and freedoms (justice system, ombudsman, constitutional complaint, protection of international court), states of emergency, as well as problems of territorial form of state (federal state, unitary state, basic categories of modern decentralism: self-government, territorial autonomy, structures of self-government).
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
The student has the competence to forecast the directions of changes in state structures resulting from megatrends (integration, globalization) and critically assess the dynamics of changes in political systems. [K01]
 PO_1_K04 [5/5]
The student recognizes and accepts different points of view, determined by a diverse political, social and normative background, and can initiate actions to benefit the public interest. [K02]
 PO_1_K01 [5/5] PO_1_K02 [5/5]
Can, referring to the analysis of political science, explain the relationship between the supreme authorities in selected countries; [U01]
 PO_1_U01 [5/5] PO_1_U02 [5/5]
The student can present and evaluate the changes taking place in the structures of political systems; and knows how to make comparative studies of political systems; [U02]
 PO_1_U01 [5/5]
The student knows the directions of political and social processes in the historical and contemporary aspects of the EU and the USA at an advanced level. [W01]
 PO_1_W02 [5/5] PO_1_W03 [5/5]
The student defines and classifies the elements that make up the political system and knows the normative basis of the functioning of the supreme bodies in selected EU countries and the USA. [W02]
 PO_1_W01 [5/5] PO_1_W02 [5/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
lecture [SPPUE_1] 30 Formal lecture/ course-related lecture [a01] 
Lecture-discussion [b02] 
Activating methods: a case study [b07]  		exam U01 U02 W01 W02
practical classes [SPPUE_2] 30 Activating method – discussion / debate [b04] 
Activating method – seminar / proseminar [b05] 
Activating methods: a case study [b07] 
Activating method – flipped classroom [b09] 
Screen presentation [c07]  		course work K01 K02 U01 U02 W01 W02
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Search for materials and review activities necessary for class participation [a01] Preparation for classes
reviewing literature, documentation, tools and materials as well as the specifics of the syllabus and the range of activities indicated in it as required for full participation in classes
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Developing practical skills [a03] Preparation for classes
activities involving the repetition, refinement and consolidation of practical skills, including those developed during previous classes or new skills necessary for the implementation of subsequent elements of the curriculum (as preparation for class participation)
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content
Verification / adjustment / discussion of syllabus provisions [b02] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
consulting the content of the syllabus, possibly in the presence of the year tutor or members of the class group, and, if necessary, reassessing the provisions concerning special conditions for class participation, e.g., space and time requirements, technical and other requirements, including conditions for participation in classes outside the walls of the university, classes organized in blocks, organized online, etc.
Determining the stages of task implementation contributing to the verification of learning outcomes [c01] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
devising a task implementation strategy embracing the division of content, the range of activities, implementation time and/or the method(s) of obtaining the necessary materials and tools, etc.
Implementation of an individual or group assignment necessary for course/phase/examination completion [c03] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
a set of activities aimed at performing an assigned task, to be executed out of class, as an obligatory phase/element of the verification of the learning outcomes assigned to the course
Analysis of the corrective feedback provided by the academic teacher on the results of the verification of learning outcomes [d01] Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes
reading through the academic teacher’s comments, assessments and opinions on the implementation of the task aimed at checking the level of the achieved learning outcomes
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)