Time Schedule:
Stephen E Hanson
POL S 447
Seattle Campus
Selected comparative political problems, political institutions, processes, and issues in comparative perspective. Strongly recommended: POL S 204.
Class description
This seminar presents an historical comparison of earlier Western European struggles to consolidate liberal democracy with those now unfolding in Eastern Europe. As we will see, the complexities of what Offe has termed the postcommunist “triple transition” toward democracy, capitalism, and civic nationalism equally faced European states emerging from centuries of monarchical rule. How were these challenges managedin Western Europe during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries? Can Eastern European countries today emulate the developmental paths of Western nations, or has the world changed in ways that make this impossible? Texts. Readings will include selections from diverse theories of democracy and democratic transition and books on selected European cases by Bury, Peukert, Cirtautas, Linz and Stepan, and Lieven.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
There are no official prerequisites for the course, but previous exposure to political theory, european history, and/or comparative politics will be helpful. The seminar is limited to 16 students, with preference given to European studies majors and advanced political science majors.
Class assignments and grading
Course requirements will consist of an analytic essay on the Western Eulropean cases, worth 40% of the course grade, and a second essay comparing earlier Western to current Eastern European cases, worth 50% of the course grade. In addition, participation in seminar discussions will count for 10% of the course grade.
Grading. Papers: 90 % Class/quiz participation: 10 % TOTAL: 100 %
