Religion, Race and the French Republic. Discuss the affaire du foulard, what it revealed about French politics and society, and how the issue of religious dress in public spaces continues to be a political issue in France.
The Politics of Immigration After 9/11. Did the events of 9/11 change politics and policies with regard to the integration of immigrants in one of: Italy, France, Germany or Great Britain?
Is the EU still a 'French-German condominium”? How has enlargement changed the structure and dynamics of the EU?
Convergence or Diversity. Are European states and societies becoming more alike, that is converging, or are there enduring differences? Why or why not?
Economic className and Inequality. Is economic className a dead political issue in European politics?
What sorts of inequalities seem to be the most immune to welfare state interventions?
The Eurozone. What does the ongoing economic crisis in the Eurozone reveal about European integration and the European Union?
Coalition Government. Is the current coalition government in Britain an anomaly in British political history? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the coalition government in a Westminster political system?
Political Regionalism and Protest Politics. What were the origins and grievances of the Lega Nord in Italy and what impact did it have on Italian politics?
Decolonization and Domestic Politics. What were the consequences of the decolonization of Algeria for domestic politics in France?
Social Democracy and the Welfare State. Is there a distinctive social democratic model of the welfare state? Describe its key features and its strengths and weaknesses.
Christian Democracy and Post War Settlements. What is Christian Democracy and what was its contribution to political stabilization after World War II in one of: West Germany, France or Italy?
The Endurance of Communism in Western Europe. How would you explain the longevity of Communist political parties in either France or Italy?
Political Devolution in Great Britain. Will Scotland separate from the United Kingdom? What are the forces driving the decision to hold a referendum on Scottish independence in 2014? Why were legislatures established in Wales and Scotland in the late 1990s?
New Labour in Great Britain. How would you summarize the key differences between ‘(old) Labour’ and ‘New Labour’ in Great Britain and why do these differences matter?
