IPOL227 — Intro to Comparative Politics
There are few countries in this world that have seen a similarly drastic political development in the Twentieth Century as Austria. After being reduced from a multi-national empire to a small provincial country after WWI, becoming part of Nazi Germany and enduring WWII, Austria has evolved as a neutral state after the liberation from the occupying forces. On January 1, 1995, Austria opened a new chapter in its political history by joining the European Union. This course, conducted in seminar form with introductory lectures, readings, written assignments and class presentations, will explore Austria's way into the European Union, the obstacles it had to overcome in getting there, the role it has played since its admittance, and recent developments in national as well as European politics. This course will bring together and enlarge upon what students have learned in the courses "Understanding Austria" and "Economics and Politics of the EU".