University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: Tues 10am

This module introduces you to some of the major debates concerning democratic theory and democratisation. The first part of the module looks at some of the key arguments and variations surrounding the concept and understanding of democracy, from conventional presentations of liberal democratic theorists to critical responses offered by Marxists, feminists and participatory democrats. Through this it is expected students gain an appreciation of the varieties of democratic thought, a knowledge of the key concepts and debates in the field. The central part of the module focuses on the ‘third wave’ of democratisation. By supplementing theory with detailed case studies on key events such as Latin America’s Pink Tide, the Arab Spring and Solidarity in Europe, it aims to help students to exchange ideas, consider possible theoretical explanations and think productively about concrete experiences.  By the end of the module students should have developed a critical understanding of some of the most relevant issues surrounding democratisation: whether democratic development requires certain social, economic or cultural preconditions; the role of civil society and elites in bringing about democratic change; the importance of institutional design in new democracies; the relationship between democracy and economic development; and whether there is a third reverse wave of democratic recessions and breakdowns.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass IR2006

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 Lecture X 11 Weeks, 2 Tutorials X 11 weeks, 2 Office Hours X 11 weeks

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 265

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%


Re-assessment: Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr H A C Marshall
Module teaching staff: Dr Holly Marshall
Module coordinator email hacm@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• By the end of this module the diligent student should have acquired a clear grasp of the major arguments surrounding the concept of democracy
• By the end of this module the diligent student should have acquired an understanding an understanding of some of the key issues raised by the "third wave"
• By the end of this module the diligent student should have developed or strengthened their capacity to present these discussions in an articulate fashion during seminars, and with a high degree of analytical precision in written work