PO9B3-20 Democratisation and Development
Introductory description
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Module aims
To introduce students to key debates in the study of Democratisation and Development
To critically examine and illuminate the relationships between development and democratic change
To explore different conceptions of democracy and development, and to discuss the conceptual debates about the key terms
To understand different theoretical models, compare and analyse the models
To collect and analyse empirical evidence
To show how developmental factors can significantly influence democratisation and why these factors must be taken into account when assessing the prospects for democracy
To explore causality issues (development and democracy: the chicken-egg problem
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
This module focuses on core debates in the field of development and democratisation. It discusses a broad range of different regions and countries, theories and approaches, methods and techniques, concepts, political debates and policy implications. The module
overall is on balance directed more to democratisation than to development, but to the exclusion of neither. Participants are invited to specialise and where relevant may apply the general frameworks to any suitable countries in which they have a particular interest, in the North, South, East or West.
Theories of development have evolved over many years, influenced chiefly by the concerns of economics, political science and sociology. Since the late 1980s, when many countries in Eastern Europe and Africa democratized, a ‘wave’ or waves of democratisation have been a focal point of interest, especially in parts of the developing
world and former communist countries. This module explores the relationships – the interface - between development and democratisation, in the context of examining the many different meanings associated with the two central terms. Theories that maintain the two are causally connected in special ways are examined in the light of the evidence: how development influences democracy’s prospects, and democratisation’s significance, whether favourable or unfavourable, for development.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Knowledge how to appraise the prospects for democratisation in a variety of development situations
- Demonstrate advanced empirical knowledge of at least one country, but preferably two countries, and relate/ apply this knowledge to one of the theoretical questions in the field of democracy and development
- Recognize the different normative and theoretical assumptions/biases underpinning the debates around democracy and development
- Develop practical skills in the retrieval and presentation of information, demonstrated in class presentations and essay
- Develop skills in oral communication, demonstrated in class discussions and presentations. Developed skills in written communication, demonstrated in assessed essays
- Develop participatory skills, exhibited in class work
- Enhanced powers of critical analysis, tested by the normal assessment methods
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Subject specific skills
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Transferable skills
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Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 2 hours (9%) |
| Private study | 182 hours (91%) |
| Total | 200 hours |
Private study description
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Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| 5000 word essay | 100% | Yes (extension) | |
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Assessment is by the standard pattern for MA/Diploma option modules, namely a research essay of 5,000 words. Students can either choose a title from the pre-approved essay title list at the end of this module document, or alternatively they can negotiate their own title |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
The students need to submit their research proposals (plan for the assessed essays) before the
reading week, and they will get individual feedback in week 9 or 10 of the module. In this way,
they are well-prepared to work on their assessed essay after week 10
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 1 of TPOS-M9PX Double MA in Global Governance (with University of Waterloo, Canada)
This module is Option list A for:
- Year 1 of TPOS-M1PA MA in International Politics and Europe
- Year 1 of TPOS-M9P9 Postgraduate Taught International Relations
- Year 1 of TPOS-M9PC Postgraduate Taught International Security
- Year 1 of TPOS-M9PS Postgraduate Taught Political and Legal Theory
- Year 1 of TPOS-M9PF Postgraduate Taught Public Policy
- Year 1 of TPOS-M9PQ Postgraduate Taught United States Foreign Policy
This module is Option list B for:
- Year 1 of TPOS-M9PW Double MA in Politics and International Service (with American University, Washington DC)
- Year 1 of TPOS-M9PE Double MA in Politics and International Studies (with NTU Singapore)
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TPOS-M9PP Double MA in Politics and International Studies (with Universität Konstanz, Germany)
- Year 1 of M92B International Political Economy (Double Degree - Konstanz)
- Year 1 of M92H Public Policy (Double Degree - Konstanz)
- Year 1 of TPOS-M9Q1 Postgraduate Politics, Big Data and Quantitative Methods
- Year 1 of TIMA-L981 Postgraduate Social Science Research