Syllabus

Transitions to Democracy and Autocracy

Code
SK2013
Points
7.5 Credits
Level
First Cycle Level 2
School
School of Culture and Society
Subject field
Political Science (SKA)
Group of Subjects
Political Science
Disciplinary Domain
Social Science, 100%
This course can be included in the following main field(s) of study
Political Science1
Progression indicator within (each) main field of study
1G2F
Approved
Approved, 17 September 2015.
This syllabus is valid from 18 January 2016.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should be able to:

  • describe different patterns of democratisation and authoritarianism in our contemporary world;
  • be familiar with and critically review key concepts and main directions in democratisation research;
  • identify some of the dominant empirical studies within democratisation research;
  • describe and critically review some of the most widely used indicators of democracy within democratisation research.

Course Content

This course introduces concepts, theoretical perspectives and empirical findings relevant to the understanding of the dynamics of democratisation processes and authoritarianism worldwide. Key factors related to democratisation such as structural and actor-oriented conditions, political and civil rights, political institutions, as well as international support for democracy are dealt with. In addition, the course critically introduces some of the most widely used indicators and measures of the state and level of democracy in different countries.

Assessment

Written papers and active participation at seminars. One grade is reported.

Forms of Study

Lectures and mandatory seminars.

Grades

The Swedish grades U–VG.

Number of credits:

  • Written reports and seminars, 7,5 credits.

Prerequisites

  • A minimum of 135 credits at First Cycle Level including 60 credits in Political Science

Other Information

The course is part of the Social Science Program. The course is part of Political Science III. The course corresponds to the course SK2001.