Entry requirements

90 credits in political science (A+B+C) or the equivalent and 30 credits in social sciences, or 90 credits in social and political studies (A+B+C) and 60 credits in political science. Proficiency in Swedish equivalent to the general entry requirements for first-cycle (Bachelor's level) studies and proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. Students within the Master's Programme in Politics and International Studies, the Master's Programme in Development Studies or the Master's Programme in Political Science are required to have obtained at least 15 credits within the programme.

Learning outcomes

Comparative Politics: Global Perspectives on Democracy, Mobilization and Modernization

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 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 formulate a "thesis proposal" - with a research question and matching research design that fits the scope of a master's thesis.
• be able to write a book review for an academic journal.

Content

The course builds on insights about political processes that the students have gained from the A-, B- and C-level 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, governance, 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's survival depends on economic growth. 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, researchers in this area would regard this description as simplistic. 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, criticized. 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, even if it needs to be modified to take into consideration the complexities of the contemporary world.

Therefore, this course will bring attention to; contemporary conflicts around the world, the political conditions governing post-communist states, what determines 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 and social movements 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?

Instruction

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. The "review" should be written in English.

Assessment

Attendance at the seminars is compulsory and students are expected to take an active part in the discussions. 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:

• Attendance at some lectures
• Writing a thesis proposal
• Completing seminar assignments

The grade

The grade is based on the written assignments for the seminars, on the active participation in the seminars, and on the thesis proposal. The grades awarded are Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG) or Fail (U).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.