COMPARATIVE FEDERALISM PO 311q Winter Term 2016 Comparative Federalism Mon 19:00-21:50, BA211 Instructor: Thomas O. Hueglin Office hours: Mon 18:15-18:50

COURSE DESCRIPTION  There are 25 formally constituted federal states in the world, and there is the European Union as a novel form of transnational federalism. Together these systems comprise half of the world’s land space and nearly half of the world’s population. Yet there is little clear analytical or theoretical understanding about what federalism actually is. In this course, we systematically distinguish and examine the main models of federalism and explore variations in practice. In particular, we shall discuss how the Canadian federal system fits into this analytical scheme. We shall also explore whether federalism is an appropriate form for political accommodation and conflict regulation in diverse societies.

TEXT  The course is entirely based on this text: Thomas O. Hueglin and Alan Fenna, Comparative Federalism: A Systematic Inquiry (Toronto: UTP, 2015).

REQUIREMENTS  1. Given my expertise in comparative federalism and heeding ubiquitous calls for employing innovative teaching methods, I will primarily conduct this course as a series of lectures.  2. Lectures will deviate from the text. Class attendance, attention, and note taking are of paramount importance for success in the course.  3. Interruptions and discussions are welcome any time.

REQUIREMENTS  2. The use of laptops or other electronic devices in class is strongly discouraged (but not forbidden). A recent study has shown that lower grades are likely the result not only for students using laptops in class but also for students taking notes by pen and paper yet being distracted by laptop users in their vicinity:  class-lowers-students-grades-canadian-study/article / class-lowers-students-grades-canadian-study/article /  see also:  after-all after-all-34478

REQUIREMENTS  4. There will be three grade components for the course. In order to get credit for the course, students have to have a passing grade for all three components. a) Midterm exam, Monday Feb 1 (students have to answer two out of three questions). b) Students will have to write a 12pp. research paper including a complete bibliography on a related topic. At least 8 scholarly secondary sources have to be used (no textbooks, no internet). Topics should be discussed with the instructor. On paper writing, see the document on my web page. The papers are due in class on Monday March 14. c) The final exam will be held during the university’s exam period (again two out of three questions, 90 minutes for the exam, i.e. 45 minutes for each question).  Grade Calculation: Midterm30% Paper 40% Final Exam30%

LATE PENALITES  Papers not handed in March 19 in class will be penalized by one grade step (e.g. B to B-).  After that there will be an additional grade step deduction (e.g. B- to C+ for each course period (i.e. Tuesday to Thursday; Thursday to Tuesday).  Note: Papers will no longer bee accepted after the final exam; exceptions require petition and documentation.

COURSE SCHEDULE  Week 1: Introduction: The Promise of Federalism  Week 2: Principles and Organization of Federalism  Week 3: Federal Systems  Week 4: : Formation of Federal States  Week 5: Midterm  Week 6: Dividing Powers  Week 7: Fiscal Federalism  Week 8: Dual Representation  Week 9: Intergovernmental Relations  Week 10: Constitutional Amendment (Papers due March 14)  Week 11: Judicial Review  Week 12 Wrap-up