GV4E1      Half Unit
Comparative Democratization in a Global Age

This information is for the 2019/20 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.

The deadline for applications is 17:00 on Tuesday 1 October 2019. You will be informed of the outcome by 17:00 on Wednesday 2 October 2019

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

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

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.

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 summer exam period.

Student performance results

(2015/16 - 2017/18 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 16.4
Merit 63
Pass 17.8
Fail 2.7

Key facts

Department: Government

Total students 2018/19: 25

Average class size 2018/19: 13

Controlled access 2018/19: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Communication