GV439 Half Unit
Government and Politics in Central and Eastern Europe
This information is for the 2023/24 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Vesselin Dimitrov
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in European and International Public Policy, MSc in European and International Public Policy (ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and Bocconi), MSc in European and International Public Policy (ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ and Sciences Po), MSc in Political Science (Conflict Studies and Comparative Politics) and MSc in Political Science (Political Behaviour). 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 Winter Term and Spring Term.
There will be a reading week in Week 6 of the WT for private study and formative/summative assessment preparation.
Formative coursework
Students are required to produce two essays in the Winter 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
Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the spring exam period.
Student performance results
(2019/20 - 2021/22 combined)
Classification | % of students |
---|---|
Distinction | 38.5 |
Merit | 61.5 |
Pass | 0 |
Fail | 0 |
Key facts
Department: Government
Total students 2022/23: 15
Average class size 2022/23: 15
Controlled access 2022/23: Yes
Lecture capture used 2022/23: Yes (LT)
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