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POL322Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Comparative Federalism

This course provides a comparative analysis of federalism across different states, sub-regions, and continents. It explores the characteristics of federal states, including heterogeneity, diversity, and accommodation. The course also examines the peculiarities of federal states like Nigeria, the United States, Switzerland, India, and Brazil. Additionally, it covers comparative issues in federalism, such as constitutionalism, intra-governmental relations, decentralization, inter-governmental relations, and democracy.

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26h

Study Time

13

Weeks

2h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Comparative FederalismFederal SystemsIntergovernmental RelationsConstitutionalismDecentralization

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Meaning of Comparative Federalism

2

Characteristics of Federal States

3

Peculiarities of Federal States

4

Constitutionalism

5

Intra-Governmental Relations

6

Inter-Governmental Relations

7

Decentralisation

8

Democracy

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

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Political Analyst

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Policy Advisor

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Civil Servant

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Diplomat

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Researcher

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentInternational RelationsPublic PolicyResearch InstitutionsNon-profit Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

MODULE 1: Meaning of Comparative Federalism

2h

Unit 1: Conceptual Clarification

2 study hours

•Define federalism and related terms.
•Distinguish federalism from other systems of government.

Week

2

MODULE 1: Meaning of Comparative Federalism

2h

Unit 2: Origins of Federalism

2 study hours

•Explain the origin of federalism.
•Discuss the phases in the development of federalism.
•Identify scholars' contributions.

Week

3

MODULE 1: Meaning of Comparative Federalism

2h

Unit 3: Structure of Federalism

2 study hours

•Explain dual, competitive, and cooperative federalism.
•Identify differences between dual and competitive federalism.

Week

4

MODULE 1: Meaning of Comparative Federalism

2h

Unit 4: Institutions of Federalism

2 study hours

•Discuss the three arms of government.
•Explain the contributions of each arm to federalism.
•Identify differences among the three arms.

Week

5

MODULE 1: Meaning of Comparative Federalism

2h

Unit 5: Terms and Concepts of Federalism

2 study hours

•Familiarize with concepts in federal studies.
•Apply terms and concepts in discussions on federalism.
•Explain terms and concepts.

Week

6

MODULE 2 Characteristics of Federal States

2h

Unit 1: Heterogeneity/Diversity/Accommodation

2 study hours

•Explain heterogeneity, plurality, and reasons for adopting federalism.
•Discuss the impact of heterogeneity on federal political systems.

Week

7

MODULE 2 Characteristics of Federal States

2h

Unit 2: Majority/Minority Debate and Identity Politics

2 study hours

•Discuss identity politics and its impact on political stability.
•Clarify the majority/minority debate.

Week

8

MODULE 2 Characteristics of Federal States

2h

Unit 3: Devolution of Powers and the Principle of Autonomy

2 study hours

•Discuss the relationship between the center and component units.
•Explain the meaning of autonomy and devolution.

Week

9

MODULE 2 Characteristics of Federal States

2h

Unit 4: Representation, Marginalisation and Political Power Relations

2 study hours

•Explain forms of political representation.
•Discuss marginalization as a political concept.
•State the importance of power-sharing.

Week

10

MODULE 2 Characteristics of Federal States

2h

Unit 5: Fiscal Relations

2 study hours

•Discuss the meaning of Fiscal Federalism.
•Explain issues pertaining to imbalances in resource allocation.
•Summarize Nigeria's fiscal federalism experience.

Week

11

MODULE 3 Peculiarities of Federal States

2h

Unit 1: Nigeria

2 study hours

•Understand Nigeria's political history.
•Explain evolutionary stages in Nigeria's federalism.
•Assess the relationship between the center and component units.

Week

12

MODULE 3 Peculiarities of Federal States

2h

Unit 2: United States of America

2 study hours

•Explore the origins of America's political history.
•Explain the development of American federalism.
•Highlight contemporary practices.

Week

13

MODULE 3 Peculiarities of Federal States

2h

Unit 3: Switzerland

2 study hours

•Explain the origin of Switzerland's political history.
•Describe the growth of federalism.
•Discuss the nature of intergovernmental relations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create comparative tables outlining the key features of federalism in Nigeria, USA, Switzerland, India, and Brazil.

2

Focus on understanding the historical context and evolution of federalism in each country.

3

Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting different aspects of federalism, such as intergovernmental relations or constitutionalism.

4

Review key concepts and definitions from Module 1, such as federalism, confederation, and devolution.

5

Analyze case studies of specific federal states to understand the practical application of theoretical concepts.

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