Registry
Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.
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| Description | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This course investigates the process of regime change from non-democracy to democracy. It does not deal with the deepening of democracy in established democracies; neither does it engage in the normative debate about what constitutes the essence of democracy. Instead, it seeks to understand why democracies emerge, and how their emergence might be encouraged. Therefore, it is particularly relevant to international relations in the aftermath of the Cold War and the declaration of the War on Terror.The course neither requires, nor promises, a familiarity with any region of the world. Firstly, operational definitions of democracy are considered, and contemporary non-democracies are classified. Secondly, the underlying conditions, which facilitate, or impede, democracy are studied. Third, the actual process of transition from non-democracy to democracy is discussed. Next, the fundamental constitutional choice between presidentialism, parliamentarism and semi-presidentialism is examined. Then three lectures look at two challenges particular to recent democratisations: the pressure for market reform simultaneous with democratisation and the challenge of accommodating ethnic diversity. The last two lectures explore the often acknowledged but rarely systematised international dimension of democratisation.evaluate the divergent models of democratic governance and transition in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. It will cover the main theories of democratisation, investigate historical periods of democratisation waves and examine processes by which democratisation occurs. Empirical analysis will consist of several extensive case studies drawn from contemporary experience. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1. Explain the dynamics behind persistence and change of political regimes around the world 2. Evaluate various economic, political, and cultural theories explaining democratisation 3. Critically apply theories of democratisation to particular democratising countries around the world | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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| Indicative Content and Learning Activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Defining Democracy. Non-Democracies. Economic Development and Democracy. Culture and Democracy. Transition. Presidential v Parliamentary Regimes. Economic Reform. Federalism. Electoral Systems. Foreign Policy and Democratic Conditionality. Democracy by Imposition. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Other Resources | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MIC | MA in International Communications | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Timetable this semester: Timetable for LG546 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of Last Revision | 31-AUG-09 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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