ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳

 

GV439      Half Unit
Government and Politics in Central and Eastern Europe

This information is for the 2022/23 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 minimum of 32 hours in the Lent Term and Summer Term.

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 in the Lent Term.

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%) in the ST.

Online assessment duration: 7 days in the ST.

Student performance results

(2018/19 - 2020/21 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 52.7
Merit 45.5
Pass 1.8
Fail 0

Key facts

Department: Government

Total students 2021/22: 16

Average class size 2021/22: 16

Controlled access 2021/22: Yes

Value: Half Unit

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.

Personal development skills

  • Leadership
  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication
  • Application of numeracy skills
  • Specialist skills