STV4352B - Democratisation and transformation in the Global South
Course description
Course content
This course engages in two basic discussions in the study of politics and development. The first question is under what conditions democracy of various standards is possible in developing countries? The second question is whether and how different levels of democracy can facilitate, then, state- and peacebuilding, anti-corruption, and even foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth? Does this call instead for authoritarian governance? Until the late-1970s, most scholars agreed that social and economic modernisation, and possibly strong political institutions too, must precede democracy, often by authoritarian means. Thereafter the order was often reversed; democratic institutions could be crafted ahead of favourable structural conditions, and was seen as a prerequisite for everything good. By now these questions are once again subject to intense debate. The results are fundamental for priorities within international cooperation. The course commences with a review of the historically crucial theories and recommendations as well as the current problems and arguments. The main focus, thereafter, is on (i) the attempts by concerned scholars to develop an alternative and theoretically more inclusive approach; (ii) the subsequent analyses; and (iii) the experiences from the most exciting efforts at further democratisation and thus inclusive development, including in the largest democracies of India, Indonesia, Brazil and South Africa. The course is based on the research carried out in a leading international network of scholars, co-directed from Oslo. The main lectures are concentrated during a week and arranged jointly with a researcher course with the same focus as StV 4352. However, the master course also includes introductory lectures on the literature during the preceding weeks and a concluding tutorial seminar on the course essay.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
Students will:
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obtain a good grasp of the problems and options of democratisation and its role in development in the Global South;
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get a comprehensive introduction to various theories of democratisation and strategies derived from them, and understand the diving lines in the related debates;
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get specific knowledge of how one can best assess problems and options of democratisation and development
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get an especially good introduction to the dilemmas of civil society participation, democratic representation and politics to enhance people’s democratic capacity to foster inclusive development.
Skills
Students will:
- be able to search relevant additional information and facts about democratisation in the Global South and especially about more extensive and substantive democratisation;
- be able to analyse and assess the above mentioned aspects independently;
- be able to assess current political arguments about democratisation in the Global South.
Competences
Students will:
- enhance their capabilities in critically analysing questions about the problems and options of democratisation and development and especially its extension and substantiation in the Global South.
Admission
Students admitted to other Master programmes may be qualified to apply for the course. Please see the webpage on Admission to single master's courses.
For incoming students: All Master's courses in Political Science must be registered manually by the Department, they will not appear in Studentweb. Contact your international coordinator at UiO.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
BA in political science or similar.
Recommended previous knowledge
The students are strongly recommended to have taken STV2310 - Politics and Development, a similar course, or having gone through corresponding literature about Politics and Development.
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with STV4347B - Linkages between Politics and Society in Developing Countries
- 5 credits overlap with STV4349B - Transformative Politics in a South-North Perspective
Please note that students who have taken an exam in STV4347B or STV4349B will only obtain 5 credits for STV4352B.
Examination
One essay (15-20 pages in total), and an oral presentation of this essay.
You shall choose a theoretical or empirical question for your essay (to be cleared by the lecturer) and discuss the question in view of the course literature. The oral presentation calls for compulsory attendance and counts ¼ of the over-all character for the course.
Examination support material
Students may use dictionaries at this exam. Dictionaries must be handed in before the examination. Please read regulations for dictionaries permitted at the examination.
Language of examination
It is possible to submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
- Explanation of grades - deadline and processing time
- Appeal about grades
- Complaint about formal exam errors
Ask for explanation of your grade in this course
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
If you wish to withdraw from the exam you must do so in StudentWeb at least two weeks prior to the deadline. Failure to do so will be counted as one of the three opportunities to sit the exam.
Special examination arrangements
If you have a disability or a health problem that entails significant inconvenience in an examination situation, you may be considered for special examination arrangements. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.