GV439 Half Unit
Government and Politics in Central and Eastern Europe
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Vesselin Dimitrov
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Comparative Politics, MSc in Conflict Studies, MSc in European and International Public Policy, MSc in European and International Public Policy (ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and Bocconi) and MSc in European and International Public Policy (ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and Sciences Po). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
This course has a limited number of places (it is controlled access) and demand is typically very high. Priority is given to students on the listed programmes and students on other programmes may not get a place.
Course content
The course provides an analytical assessment of the transition from communism to liberal democracy in Central and Eastern Europe and integration with the European Union, including the Eurozone. The course offers an in-depth analysis of institutions, party systems, government and public administration, nationalism, and EU integration, including the Eurozone. Topics covered include: The Communist system. Constitution-making and the development of democratic party systems. Reform of executive institutions and public administration. (Mis)management of ethnic conflict: the case of Yugoslavia. Integration with the European Union, including the Eurozone.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures totalling a miniumum of 32 hours in the Lent Term and Summer Term. Some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of online and on-campus lectures and seminars.
There will be a reading week in Week 6 of the LT for private study and formative/summative assessment preparation.
Formative coursework
Students are required to produce two essays.
Indicative reading
V Dimitrov, K H Goetz and H Wollmann, Governing after Communism: Institutions and Policymaking; A Przeworski, Democracy and the Market; H Grabbe, The EU's Transformative Power: Europeanization through Conditionality in Central and Eastern Europe; J Elster et al, Institutional Design in Post-Communist Societies; R Taras (Ed), Postcommunist Presidents; R Crampton, Eastern Europe in the Twentieth Century, 2nd edn; S White, P G Lewis and J Batt (Eds), Developments in Central and East European Politics 5.
Assessment
Online assessment (100%, duration: 7 days) in the ST.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Student performance results
(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)
Classification | % of students |
---|---|
Distinction | 51.1 |
Merit | 46.8 |
Pass | 2.1 |
Fail | 0 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Government
Total students 2020/21: 22
Average class size 2020/21: 11
Controlled access 2020/21: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Leadership
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills