Current Socio-political Topics in Spain

Description
This course aims to offer a general introduction to the basics of the political system and government of Spain. Throughout the course, we will analyse both the institutional and dynamic aspects of the political process. Specifically we will study the form of government in Spain, the democratic institutions, the model of territorial organisation by the State, the political party system, electoral evolution in Spain and the political culture of the Spanish people.

Content
THEME 1. THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT IN SPAIN: PARLIMENTARY MONARCHY
Characteristics and functions of the Monarchy in Spain. The role of the Crown in the Spanish political process.

THEME 2. THE GOVERNMENT
Composition and structure of the Government. The formation and dissolution of the Government.The functions of the Government.

THEME 3. THE GENERAL COURTS
The nature and structure of the General Courts. Their parliamentary functions.

THEME 4. THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM, THE CONSTITUTIONAL TRIBUNAL AND THE OMBUDSMAN
Constitutional regulation of judicial power. The General Council of the Judiciary. The Constitutional Tribunal. The Ombudsman.

THEME 5. THE FORM OF THE STATE IN SPAIN: THE AUTONOMOUS STATE
Process of autonomous construction, institutions and scope of the CCAA. The relations between Central Government and the CCAA´s.

THEME 6. THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM
Elements of the Spanish electoral system. Effects of the Spanish electoral system. Proposals for reform of the Spanish electoral system.

THEME 7. THE POLITICAL PARTIES IN SPAIN AND THE ELECTIONS
Principal political parties in Spain.Evolution of voting in Spain for political parties.

THEME 8. THE POLITICAL CULTURE OF THE SPANISH
Characteristics of the political culture in Spain.

Activities
On a voluntary basis, those students wishing to do so may write a short paper or essay on any of the lessons that form part of the programme. The realization of this work will benefit from individualized support by the teacher of the course. Assessment To pass the course it is required both to attend and participate in classes on a regular basis and to pass the final test in December – on the dates fixed by the The Management of the Centre. The basic material for the exam will consist of the notes taken in class by students from the teacher´s explanations. Extra information acquired from study of the recommended manual and reading lists and class activities will be also be valued.

The final mark for the course will be calculated from the exam, tasks, attendance and active participation in class and the completion of coursework. Students must obtain a minimum mark of 5 in the exam and have attended 80% of the classes, in line with the rules of the Centre. This attendance is taken into account in the marking of tasks (up to 2 points in the final mark) along with participation and completion of coursework.