GV442      Half Unit
Globalisation and Democracy

This information is for the 2014/15 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Sarah Goff CON 4.11

Availability

This course is available on the MPA in European Public and Economic Policy, MPA in International Development, MPA in Public Policy and Management, MPA in Public and Economic Policy, MPA in Public and Social Policy, MSc in Comparative Politics, MSc in Empires, Colonialism and Globalisation, MSc in Global Media and Communications (LSE and Fudan), MSc in Global Politics, MSc in Global Politics (Global Civil Society), MSc in Human Rights, MSc in International Migration and Public Policy, MSc in Management, MSc in Management (CEMS MIM) and MSc in Political Theory. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

This course is capped at 2 groups - access to the course guaranteed for MSc Global Politics and MSc Global Politics Civil Society. The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, 10 October 2014.

Course content

The contemporary debate about globalization raises profound questions about the changing nature and form of politics today. This course examines two dimensions of the debate: the impact of various forms of globalization on democratic and democratizing states, and the prospects for the democratization of global politics.

 

The course covers the following topics: 1) how democracy can be understood as a concept, and what makes democracy valuable; 2) how democracy within states, both in affluent and developing countries, is affected by various dimensions of globalization, notably international trade and financial flows, migration, and international institutions; and 3) whether and how global politics can be made more democratic, including an examination of the roles played by international organizations, transnational civil society, and novel governance initiatives.

Teaching

20 hours of seminars in the MT. 2 hours of seminars in the ST.

Formative coursework

Students will produce one 2,000 word essay.

Indicative reading

R. A. Dahl, "A Democratic Dilemma: System Effectiveness Versus Citizen Participation," Political Science Quarterly, 1994; R. J. Arneson, “Democracy Is Not Intrinsically Just” in Justice and Democracy, Cambridge University Press, 2004; D. Brady et al., “The Consequences of Economic Globalization for Affluent Democracies,” Annual Review of Sociology, 2007; N. Rudra, “Globalization and the Strengthening of Democracy in the Developing World,” American Journal of Political Science, 2005; R. Keohane et al., "Democracy-Enhancing Multilateralism," International Organization, 2009; Ruth Grant and Robert Keohane, “Accountability and Abuses of Power in World Politics,” American Political Science Review, 2005; K. Macdonald and T. Macdonald, “Democracy in a Pluralist Global Order: Corporate Power and Stakeholder Representation,” Ethics & International Affairs, 2010; M. Koenig-Archibugi, “Is Global Democracy Possible?” European Journal of International Relations, 2010.

Assessment

Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.
Essay (50%, 3000 words) in the LT.

Student performance results

(2010/11 - 2012/13 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 17.6
Merit 61.2
Pass 18.8
Fail 2.4

Key facts

Department: Government

Total students 2013/14: 18

Average class size 2013/14: 9

Controlled access 2013/14: Yes

Lecture capture used 2013/14: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Problem solving
  • Communication