Contemporary political systems I 2102-L-D3WSPO

The classes focus on the doctrinal foundations and the political‑constitutional traditions of today’s democracies, with particular attention to the influence that the extension of suffrage and the rise of modern political parties have had on their constitutional form and operation. We analyse constitutional models of systems of government from historical, thematic, and comparative perspectives, especially in relation to the constitutional traditions of the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, and Switzerland. The political systems of these five states are also examined monographically, emphasising their current constitutional arrangements and the directions of ongoing reforms. The course seeks to study not only the evolution of systems and institutions but also the roles, changes, and functions attributed to modern states. Models of non‑democratic states are presented as well, along with the processes by which states slip into “non‑democracy.”

Term 2024Z:

None

Term 2025Z:

The course focuses on the doctrinal foundations and the political and constitutional traditions of contemporary democracies, with particular attention to the impact that the expansion of suffrage and the rise of modern political parties have had on their constitutional form and operation. We examine constitutional models of systems of government from historical, thematic, and comparative perspectives, especially in relation to the constitutional traditions of the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, and Switzerland. The political systems of these five countries are also studied monographically, with an emphasis on their present‑day constitutional arrangements and ongoing reforms. The course seeks to analyse not only the evolution of political systems and institutions but also the roles, changes, and functions assigned to modern states. Models of non‑democratic states are presented as well, along with the processes by which states slip into “non‑democracies.”

Provisional course outline

The concept of the state and of democracy
Fundamental concepts and issues
Political regimes
Electoral systems
Party systems
Political systems of selected democratic states
Examples of non‑democratic states

Prerequisites (description)

Before enrolling in the course “Contemporary Political Systems,” students should already know the basic concepts of state theory, law, and politics, and be able to use them at a level expected upon completion of the first year of political‑science studies.

Course coordinators

Anna Materska-Sosnowska

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Term 2025Z:

Classroom
Self-reading

General:

Classroom

Learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE
K_W04 – The student knows and understands the key facts, issues, and principles governing the functioning of a political system.
K_W05 – The student knows and understands democratic phenomena within political systems, as well as the historical and cultural processes that shaped them.

SKILLS
K_U04 – The student can identify and explain how a chosen political system operates.
K_U07 – The student can analyse political systems from an axiological‑normative perspective.

COMPETENCES
K_K02 – The student is ready to undertake individual or group research necessary to solve problems concerning contemporary political systems.

Assessment criteria

Attendance is monitored, and the quality of content presented during in‑class contributions is graded (participation is point‑scored). Above‑standard student activity is encouraged, ideally in groups (discussions, debates, Oxford‑style debates, and presentations).

Short written assignments are possible — academic essays based on the recommended reading or other sources agreed upon with the instructor.

The course concludes in the winter semester with a pass awarded on the basis of participation. In the summer semester it ends with a year‑end written exam, although an oral format can be arranged in consultation with the students.

Practical placement

Bibliography

1. Konstytucyjne regulacje systemów rządów - konstytucję wybranych państw.

Term 2024Z:

None

Term 2025Z:

Konstytucyjne regulacje systemów rządów - konstytucję wybranych państw.

2. Literatura ogólna do przedmiotu:
A. Antoszewski, R. Herbut (red.), Demokracje zachodnioeuropejskie. Analiza porównawcza;
B. Banaszak, Porównawcze prawo konstytucyjne współczesnych państw demokratycznych, Kraków;
M. Bankowicz. B. Kosowska- Gąstoł, Systemy polityczne, Podręcznik akademicki, t. 1. I t.2. (wyd. papierowe oraz elektroniczne);
F. Fukuyama, Historia ładu politycznego, REBIS, t. 1, 2;
S. Huntington, Zderzenie cywilizacji;
S. Levitsky, D. Ziblatt, Tak umierają demokracje, Łódź 2018;
Y. Mounk, Lud kontra demokracja. Dlaczego nasza wolność jest w niebezpieczeństwie i jak ją ocalić, Warszawa 2019;
D. Runciman, Jak kończy się demokracja, Warszawa 2019.

3. Literatura DO WYBORU:
Konstytucje wybranych państw;
M. Bankowicz. B. Kosowska- Gąstoł, Systemy polityczne, Podręcznik akademicki, t.2. (wyd. papierowe oraz elektroniczne);
P. Sarnecki, Ustroje konstytucyjne państw współczesnych;
W. Skrzydło (red.), Ustroje państw współczesnych;
A. Pułło, Ustroje państw współczesnych;
M. Żmigrodzki, B. Dziemidok-Olszewska (red.), Współczesne systemy polityczne.

Notes

Term 2025Z:

Participation and engagement — both individual and group — are assessed. Presentations, discussions, and debates are graded. The course remains open to proposals and initiatives from students.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2102-L-D3WSPO in USOSweb