Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Comparative Authoritarianism in Central Asia
Module Code	LG513
School	School of Law & Government
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Paola Rivetti Semester 2: Paola Rivetti
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The course introduces students to the politics of one of the most volatile and crucial regions of the globe. The course will examine the political dynamics characterising authoritarianisms of Central Asian states, introducing students to the current debates about the nature of authoritarianism, the role of natural resources in supporting authoritarianism, the role of religion, ethnic conflicts, security concerns, civil society and foreign intervention in shaping authoritarian politics. In this context, there will be an in-depth analysis of the cases of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

Learning Outcomes

1. Analyse the reasons for the emergence and resilience of authoritarianism.
2. Demonstrate how domestic and international factors explain the political and economic structures of Central Asian countries.
3. Evaluate and critically assess the centrality of security concerns, such as conflicts and nuclear arms, to the stability of the region and the international system.
4. Evaluate the policy-making strategies of external actors.
5. Compare and contrast different types of authoritarianisms.
6. Critically assess the role of religion in politics.
7. Exchange ideas and defend personal points of view.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent learning	226	No Description
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction: the importance of the Central Asia since the Great Game. Brief history of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kazakhstan..
Hybrid regimes, typologies of authoritarian states and totalitarianism..

Religion and authoritarianism in Central Asia..
Security challenges and authoritarianism..

Sultanism and Neo-Sultanism..
Neo-patrimonial regimes and rentierism..

International dynamics, regime change and authoritarianism in Central Asia..
Civil society and authoritarian rule..

Ethnocracies, minorities and authoritarian rule..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Essay	The students will be asked to write a research essay mid-way through the module on a topic of their own choice, or from a list of topic provided by the lecturer.	35%	Week 26
Essay	The students will be asked to write a research essay mid-way through the module on a topic of their own choice, or from a list of topic provided by the lecturer.	35%	Sem 2 End
Group presentation	The students will be divided into groups and asked to present a topic relevant to the module and discuss the policy-making implications of it.	20%	As required
Other	At the end of every lecture, students will be asked to briefly debate and discuss the topic of the week.	10%	Every Week

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Juan Linz: 2000, Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes, 1, Lynne Rienner, Boulder, CO,
Sally Cummings, Raymond Hinnebusch (eds.): 2011, Sovereignty After Empire. Comparing the Middle East and Central Asia,
Paul Aarts, Francesco Cavatorta (eds.): 2012, Civil society in Syria and Iran: activism in authoritarian contexts, Lynne Ryenner, Boulder, CO,
Beatrice Hibou: 2011, The Force of Obedience. Political Economy of Repression in Tunisia, Introduction, part 3 and 4, Polity Press, Cambridge,

Other Resources

3823, 0, www.merip.org, 3824, 0, www.jadalyyia.com, 3828, www.eurasianet.org, 0,

During the course, on-line interviews, short videos and other on-line resources will beshown. All the material shown and used during the lectures will be posted and available on moodle.

Programme or List of Programmes

HMSA

Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)

MDEV

MA in Development

MIR

MA in International Relations

MISC

MA in International Security & Conflict

Timetable this semester: Timetable for LG513

Date of Last Revision

07-NOV-02