Taught Masters Modules: POL6150 - Democratization

Level: MA
Credits: 30

Module Leader: Dr Nasos Roussias

Description

This module looks at the nature and processes of the trend to democratisation since the 1980s and 1990s. It focuses on the ways in which democratisation has become an organising principle of the global order. All governments, to be part of "international society", must now lay claim in some way to democracy. Nevertheless, what democratisation means is unclear and contested. One of first aims, therefore, is to clarify the different meanings of democracy and democratization within academic and policy discourses. "Third wave" democratization has been associated variously with globalization, the spread of the market, western values or western power; in many cases democratization seems to be at least partly an outcome of the external promotion of democracy. We probe what external support for democracy means and discuss various explanations of democratic transitions. We also examine the difficulties and challenges of building democracies and ask when (or if) democratization is complete. Examples are drawn from countries around the world.

Objectives

This module aims to provide an advanced level of understanding of processes of democratisation. It offers students the opportunity to combine theoretical approaches developed from within politics, international relations and international political economy. By the end of the module students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the different theoretical approaches to democratisation; variations in processes of democratisation; examples of democratisation in some key countries.
• Apply conceptual tools to analyse democratisation processes in particular cases.
• Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, communicative and transferable skills, including understand complex concepts and theories, utilising primary and secondary sources and deepening the capacity for independent learning.

Assessment

• Essay One: 40%
• Essay Two: 60%