Contemporary Political Systems Field of study: International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy
Programme code: W3-S1MS21.2024

Module name: Contemporary Political Systems
Module code: W3-MS-S1-CPS
Programme code: W3-S1MS21.2024
Semester: summer semester 2025/2026
Language of instruction: English
Form of verification: exam
ECTS credits: 3
Purpose and description of the content of education:
The main aim of the module is to obtain students' knowledge about the operation of selected political systems of Western states. The key to choosing cases is how public authorities are organized at the central and regional levels. Students, therefore, analyze the cases of the United States, Great Britain, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Sweden. After completing the module, they have the knowledge necessary to understand the political mechanisms in selected states. This knowledge is required in the work of state administration officials and diplomats.
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 is ready to critically evaluate different points of view, which are determined by various political, social, and normative backgrounds. [CPS_K01]
 MS_1_K04 [3/5]
The student is aware of his knowledge and understands the need for continuous and conscious supplementation. [CPS_K02]
 MS_1_K01 [4/5]
The student can, referring to the analysis of political science, explain the relationship between the supreme authorities in selected countries. [CPS_U01]
 MS_1_U01 [4/5] MS_1_U04 [3/5] MS_1_U06 [4/5]
The student can forecast the directions of changes in state structures resulting from megatrends (integration, globalization) and critically assess the dynamics of changes in political systems. [CPS_U02]
 MS_1_U01 [4/5] MS_1_U02 [4/5]
The student has knowledge of the methods of creating and competences of the legislative, executive and judicial authorities in a democratic state. [CPS_W01]
 MS_1_W01 [4/5] MS_1_W02 [4/5] MS_1_W04 [4/5] MS_1_W05 [4/5]
The student knows the relationship between the various branches of government, as well as the relationship between the political center and the regions. As a result, he knows how and through which organs of the state make the most important decisions both in domestic relations and in the international arena. [CPS_W02]
 MS_1_W01 [3/5] MS_1_W02 [3/5] MS_1_W05 [4/5]
The student has advanced knowledge of terminology in the area of political systems and constitutional law in a foreign language. [CPS_W03]
 MS_1_W03 [4/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
practical classes [W3-MS-S1-CPS_C] 30 Description [a03] 
Activating methods: a case study [b07] 
Screen presentation [c07] 
Individual work with a text [f02]  		course work CPS_K01 CPS_K02 CPS_U01 CPS_U02 CPS_W01 CPS_W02 CPS_W03
lecture [W3-MS-S1-CPS_W] 15 Formal lecture/ course-related lecture [a01] 
Problem-based lecture [b01] 
Individual work with a text [f02]  		exam CPS_K01 CPS_K02 CPS_U01 CPS_U02 CPS_W01 CPS_W02 CPS_W03
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
Consulting materials complementary to those indicated in the syllabus [a04] Preparation for classes
agreeing on materials complementary to those indicated in the syllabus, supporting the implementation of tasks resulting from or necessary for class participation
Production/preparation of tools, materials or documentation necessary for class participation [a05] Preparation for classes
developing, preparing and assessing the usefulness of tools and materials (e.g. aids, scenarios, research tools, equipment, etc.) to be employed in class or as an aid when preparing for classes
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.
Consulting the schedule [b03] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
getting acquainted with the class schedule, possibly in the presence of the year tutor, in order to optimize participation in classes, including those supplementary to the core subjects listed in the pursued study programme
Studying the literature used in and the materials produced in class [c02] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
exploring the studied content, inquiring, considering, assimilating, interpreting it, or organizing knowledge obtained from the literature, documentation, instructions, scenarios, etc., used in class as well as from the notes or other materials/artifacts made in class
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
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)