GV439      Half Unit
Government and Politics in Central and Eastern Europe

This information is for the 2020/21 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Vesselin Dimitrov

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in Comparative Politics, MSc in Conflict Studies, MSc in European and International Public Policy, MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Bocconi) and MSc in European and International Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Tuesday 29 September 2020. You will be informed of the outcome by 17:00 on Wednesday 30 September 2020.

Course content

The course provides an analytical assessment of the transition from communism to liberal democracy in Central and Eastern Europe and integration with the European Union, including the Eurozone. It offers an in-depth analysis of institutions, party systems, government and public administration, nationalism, and EU integration, including the Eurozone. Topics covered include: The Communist system. Constitution-making and the development of democratic party systems. Reform of executive institutions and public administration. (Mis)management of ethnic conflict: the case of Yugoslavia. Integration with the European Union, including the Eurozone.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures totalling a miniumum of 32 hours in the Lent Term and Summer Term. Some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of online and on-campus lectures and seminars.

There will be a reading week in Week 6 of the LT for private study and formative/summative assessment preparation.

Formative coursework

Students are required to produce two essays.

Indicative reading

V Dimitrov, K H Goetz and H Wollmann, Governing after Communism: Institutions and Policymaking; A Przeworski, Democracy and the Market; H Grabbe, The EU's Transformative Power: Europeanization through Conditionality in Central and Eastern Europe; J Elster et al, Institutional Design in Post-Communist Societies; R Taras (Ed), Postcommunist Presidents; R Crampton, Eastern Europe in the Twentieth Century, 2nd edn; G Schopflin, Politics in Eastern Europe; S White, J Batt & P Lewis (Eds), Developments in Central and East European Politics 3.

Assessment

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

Student performance results

(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 52.9
Merit 45.1
Pass 2
Fail 0

Important information in response to COVID-19

Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.

Key facts

Department: Government

Total students 2019/20: 15

Average class size 2019/20: 7

Controlled access 2019/20: Yes

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Leadership
  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills