POLS 036. Parties, Elections, and Power (CP)

This course on political parties provides a comprehensive exploration of the historical origins, contemporary theories, and multifaceted roles of political parties in diverse political contexts. The course is structured into thematic sessions, delving into seminal works by comparativists. The syllabus encompasses a wide spectrum of topics, including party-state relations, church-state conflicts, party formation under repression, political ideology’s influence, and the crucial role of parties in democratic consolidation and autocratic regimes. The readings also delve into party dynamics in developing democracies, the rise of far-right parties, party finance, and historical studies across various regions, including Central Europe, North America, East Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Social Sciences.
1 credit.
Spring 2025. Kimya.
Spring 2026. Kimya.
Catalog chapter: Political Science
Department website: swarthmore.edu/political-science

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