Behörighetskrav

Statskunskap C eller motsvarande kunskap.

Mål

After completion of the course the students are expected to:

• have improved their understanding of research in the field of comparative politics. The students should acquire a deeper understanding and knowledge of the usefulness, possibilities and the limitations of pursuing research with a comparative perspective.
• to understand what is commonly known as modernisation and the factors and processes that determine outcomes of modernisation processes. This goal includes having a better understanding of what determines the outcome of democratisation processes and what conditions economic growth in different parts of the world. In particular the role of political elites, institutions and citizens will be studied.
• be acquainted with the research done by senior scholars in comparative politics in the department
• be able to apply and discuss the theories presented in the course and to and formulate a research question that fits the scope of master’s thesis (the ‘thesis proposal’).

Innehåll

The course builds on insights about political processes that the students have gained from the previous courses in political science given the Department of Government, Uppsala University. After finishing the course the students are expected to have a deeper understanding about modernisation processes and what shapes outcomes of political processes that involve democratisation, economic growth, and the redistribution of wealth.

The school of modernisation is perhaps one of the most influential theoretical contributions in modern social sciences. In its simplest form, it claims that democracy depends on economic growth to survive. Also, vice versa, democracy provides the best conditions for economic growth. So, if a society manages to achieve one of those goals, a virtuous cycle can begin. Today, theories on the relationship between economic growth and democracy would regard the description above as simplistic. Also, the side effects of neoliberal perspectives on economic growth are strongly, and on good grounds, criticised. Furthermore, in many parts of the world democracy is regarded as just a false front of modern versions of imperialism. Nonetheless, the school of modernisation is not dead. In fact we can still argue that it is useful. However, then one must take into consideration the complexities of the modern world.

Therefore, this course will bring attention to; contemporary conflicts around the world, the political conditions governing post-communist states, what determines the chances for, and impact of, political mobilisation, and the role of international aid efforts in what we can call modernisation processes. We will thoroughly investigate the role of civil society in different regime types and political contexts, and we will try to understand why, sometimes, democracy and economic growth can be regarded foes to each other rather than friends. We ask: to what extent are theories of modernisation useful for explaining and understanding democratic and economic development?

Undervisning

The course consists of lectures and seminars. The language of instruction is English if non-Swedish speaking students are present in the course. Students may write the “thesis proposal” in Swedish or English. For the written exam, students may give answers in English or Swedish.

Examination

Attendance at the seminars is compulsory and students are expected to take an active part in the discussion. The course – being an advanced course open to Master’s level as well as PhD-students – places great emphasis on the ability of students to work and discuss the course readings independently, mainly in written but also in oral form.

The requirements of the course are:

• Active participation in all seminars

• Writing a thesis proposal. The research question can be chosen freely, but the proposal should make use of the course literature.

• Attendance and active participation in the seminars.

• Written exam

The grade

The grade is based on your performance in the different sections and parts of the course. Participation in the seminars is only graded as “pass” or “fail.” The “Thesis Proposal” will be graded. The grade for the “Thesis Proposal” constitutes 50% of the final grade. The exam will be graded. The grade for the exam constitutes 50% of the final grade.

The final grade is given according to the Swedish university grading system. There are three grades: Fail, Pass, and Pass with Distinction.