POLS247 Institutions: What Do They Do and Why DO We Need Them?
Annotation:
COURSE ANNOTATION AND AIMS:
• The course aims to upgrade the knowledge which students gathered in their previous semesters about the origin, structure and functions of institutions in modern democratic state. The lectures will gradually present the genesis of contemporary notion for power and its applications through the instruments of state and international institutions. The accent will fall on the challenges which modern institutions face in the contemporary world as a result of the dynamics of the endo- and exogenous political conditions and realities. Special attention will be drawn to the broad array of concepts regarding modern institutions, power, authority and democracy.
Lecturers:
Asst. Prof. Lyubomir Stefanov, PhD
Course Description:
Competencies:
After completing successfully this course the students will:
1) know:
o The basic theories which define modern institutions and governance
o The role and place of institutions in modern democratic state
o The role of state in global processes
2) be able to:
• Solve alone research and practical cases
• Carry in-depth analyses of specific cases and documents regarding the evolution, genesis and role of institutions and governance
Prerequisites:
•Excellent English language
•Basic knowledge of political science and international relations
• Familiarity Theories of Development of relations between state and citizens.
Types:
Full-time Programmes
Types of Courses:
Lecture
Language of teaching:
English
Topics:
Bibliography:
Suggested Readings
•Mandatory
Berglund, S., Aarebrot, F.H., Vogt, H. and Karasimeonov, G. “Challenges to Democracy”, Societal Fragmentation and Post-Communist Party Politics, Elgar, 2001
Caramani D. (eds.) Comparative Politics. Oxford University Press 2008
Lijphart, A. Electoral Systems and Party Systems, A Study of Twenty-Seven Democracies, 1945–1990, Oxford University Press 1994
Modern Political Thought: A reader
Politics: The Basics
Zakaria, Fareed The Future of Freedom-illiberal democracy at home and abroad, Norton, New York, 2007.
•Additional
Hood, Christopher The Art of the State: Culture, Rhetoric, and Public Management, Oxford University Press, 2000
Inglehart, R. The Silent Revolution: Changing Values and Political Styles among Western Politics, Princeton University Press,1977
Klingemann Hans-Dieter and Fuchs Dieter, Citizens and the State, Oxford University Press 1998, part III and IV
Morlino, Leonardo Changes for Democracy: Actors, Structures, Processes, Oxford University Press 2011
Assessment:
The students are expected to participate actively in class discussions and during the teaching process. The current grade consists of three parts: 1) essay writing (3-4 assignments); 2) mandatory seminar discussions 3) overall participation in class.
A student can get an exemption from the final exam if achieving a current grade of 5.5 or above during the semester. If failing to do so, only after meeting all preliminary above mentioned requirements, students will have to attend the final exam at the end of the semester.