Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Politics and the Legislature: Legislation, Decision-Making, and Participation
Course Code
SZF_177
Branch of Science
Political science
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Business Management; Communication Science; Health Management; Juridical Science; Management Science; Political Science; Sociology
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Romāns Gagunovs
Structure Unit Manager
Ieva Puzo
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts
Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The course aims to foster an understanding of politics, the parliament, and the legislative system in Latvia by analyzing the mechanisms of policy-making, legislation, and decision-making processes. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insight into the legislative process and the interaction between policymakers and society. The course incorporates simulations that actively engage students in reenacting parliamentary functions and decision-making processes, while simultaneously developing collaboration, communication, and argumentation skills.
Preliminary Knowledge
The course is suitable for students from any academic program who wish to understand the functioning of politics, parliament, and the legislative process in Latvia. Prior knowledge of the legislature or public administration is not required, but a willingness to actively participate in discussions, analytical thinking, and an interest in the interaction between society and politics will significantly enhance the successful completion of the course.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.After completion of the course, the student will have an in-depth understanding of the functions of the Latvian Parliament, the processes for the adoption of laws and decisions, the role of parties and party associations, as well as the patterns of p
Skills
1.During the course, the student will acquire the skills to analytically and critically evaluate the legislative process, decision-making and political communication, as well as develop cooperation, communication and argumentative skills.
Competences
1.After completion of the course, the student will be able to apply critical thinking, knowledge of policy processes, legislative procedure in Parliament and decision-making in the political environment of Latvia.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Individual work |
-
|
-
|
|
As part of the study course, the student will have to learn literature, write 1 essay, participate in simulation and group work, pass an exam. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination |
-
|
10 points
|
|
Active participation in group work and discussions – 20%; individual written task (essay) – 20%; active participation in the simulation “examination of the Law in the Saeima” – 40%; a written exam – 20% of the final assessment. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Introduction to politics and government
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Saeima, its structure and functions
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
The role of political parties in parliamentary democracy
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Saeima - Commissions and factions
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Role of Saeima commissions in the legislative process
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Procedure for drawing up and examining the draft Law
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Public participation and lobbying
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Role of members, ministers and the public in decision-making
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Communication with the public and the role of the media
|
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Technologies and e-government in the legislative process
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Simulation: “examination of the Bill in the Saeima”
|
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Auditorium
|
2
|
Topics
|
Simulation: “examination of the Bill in the Saeima”
|
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Latvijas Republikas Satversme
2.
Saeimas kārtības rullis
3.
Pleps, J., Pastars, E. un Plakane, I. 2014. Konstitucionālās tiesības, Papildināts un pārstrādāts izdevums, Rīga, Latvijas Vēstnesis.
Additional Reading
1.
Dišlers, K. 2004. Latvijas valsts varas orgāni un viņu funkcijas. Rīga: Tiesu namu aģentūra.
Other Information Sources
1.
Latvijas Republikas Saeimas mājaslapa