GV4E1      Half Unit
Comparative Democratization in a Global Age

This information is for the 2014/15 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr.Michael Wahman

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in Comparative Politics, MSc in Conflict Studies, MSc in Global Politics and MSc in Global Politics (Global Civil Society). This course is available 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; 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.

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

(2010/11 - 2012/13 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 9.2
Merit 72.4
Pass 18.4
Fail 0

Key facts

Department: Government

Total students 2013/14: 13

Average class size 2013/14: 9

Controlled access 2013/14: No

Lecture capture used 2013/14: Yes (MT)

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Communication

Course survey results

(2010/11 - 2012/13 combined)

1 = "best" score, 5 = "worst" score

The scores below are average responses.

Response rate: 94.6%

Question

Average
response

Reading list (Q2.1)

1.7

Materials (Q2.3)

1.8

Course satisfied (Q2.4)

1.5

Lectures (Q2.5)

1.6

Integration (Q2.6)

1.5

Contact (Q2.7)

1.8

Feedback (Q2.8)

2

Recommend (Q2.9)

Yes

91.3%

Maybe

8.8%

No

-0.1%