GV4E1      Half Unit
Comparative Democratization in a Global Age

This information is for the 2017/18 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr. Chelsea Johnson

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in Comparative Politics, MSc in Conflict Studies and MSc in Global Politics. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

This course is capped at 2 groups. The deadline for enrolments is 1pm, Friday 29 September 2017. You will be informed of the outcome by 12 noon, Monday 2 October 2017.

Course content

To introduce students to the fundamental political science debates about the phenomenon of democratization, to explore the explanatory strength of key paradigms, and to compare distinct modes of democratization. Specific topics are: Definitions of democratization and democratic consolidation; capitalist development and democratization, civil society, elite transitions and international interventions, post-communist transitions, post-civil war democracy, democratic revolutions, constitutional moments and hybrid regimes.

Teaching

15 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the MT. 1 hour and 30 minutes of seminars in the ST.

There will be a reading week in week 6 of the MT for private study and assessment preparation.

Formative coursework

All students are expected to submit two non-assessed essays.

Indicative reading

D Potter et al, Democratization, J. Grugel, Democratization, Rueschmeyer, Stephens and Stephens, Capitalist Development and Democracy; J Linz and A S Stepan, Problems of Democratic Transition and Consolidation

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.

Student performance results

(2013/14 - 2015/16 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 17.6
Merit 61.8
Pass 16.2
Fail 4.4

Key facts

Department: Government

Total students 2016/17: 29

Average class size 2016/17: 14

Controlled access 2016/17: Yes

Lecture capture used 2016/17: Yes (MT)

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Communication