GV4E1 Half Unit
Comparative Democratization in a Global Age
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr William Kissane
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Comparative Politics, MSc in Conflict Studies and MSc in Global Politics. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
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; waves of democratization, capitalist development and democratization, elite transitions, post-civil war democracy, hybrid regimes, democratic backsliding, the current crisis of democracy.
Teaching
This course provides a combination of seminars and lectures totalling a minimum of 25 hours in the Michaelmas Term. This year, 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 MT for private study and assessment preparation.
Formative coursework
All students are expected to submit one non-assessed essay of 1500 words.
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
Essay (100%, 3000 words) in the LT.
These assessments and their values will be the same whether a student receives teaching on campus or online.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Student performance results
(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 31.7 |
| Merit | 50.8 |
| Pass | 17.5 |
| Fail | 0 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 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 differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching 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 2020/21: 30
Average class size 2020/21: 10
Controlled access 2020/21: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Communication
