IR4002 - Democrats and Dictators

Weekly lectures will outline and discuss core concepts, theories and debates, as well as introducing relevant country examples. In this way, they will provide an opportunity for critical understanding of the material and critical reflection too. Seminars will follow a more student-led, workshop format. Building skills in information retrieval and analysis is central to the approach taken in seminars. Developing your confidence in synthesising, explaining and discussing information from a range of sources is also a key aim of the approach taken in this module.

The module is designed to foster your intellectual curiosity about the nature of political systems around the world and the debates about rule, accountability, representation and participation to which they give rise. You will be able to use your understanding of relevant concepts and theories to develop your own skills as an independent thinker and to inform your ability to reflect upon and discuss ‘real world’ cases and events. Particularly in seminars, there is an emphasis on creating a learning environment that gives you the opportunity to get to know your colleagues and hone your teamwork skills. In this way, the module seeks to develop a culture of peer support as well as support from the module tutor in the classroom and in designated office hours outside of it.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Appreciate how the nature of the political system, specifically the institutions of government and mechanisms of participation and representation such as the electoral system and party system affect the politics of rule, representation and accountability in democratic regimes.
2. Identify the main theoretical approaches to explaining democratisation; use these theories to ask pertinent questions and to discuss the success and failure of democratisation efforts in empirical cases.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. To collaborate with others to research, devise and present a case study that shows clear awareness of the need for well reasoned and supported argument.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. To have respect for the opinion of others and to listen and reflect when your own opinions are challenged.

Two essays will assess all learning outcomes for this module. To ensure students achieve the learning outcomes across the module, students have to answer one question from part A (LO 1) and one from part B (LO 2). Each answer should be 1000 words in length. Students will submit their answers via Turn It In.

Each essay carries equal weight and is worth 50% of the final mark for this module. Both essays are submitted on a single submission date at the end of the module.

Formative work in seminars will support the achievement of Learning Outcomes 3, 4.

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The module explores the differences between democratic and non-democratic regimes. It will help you to explore how political systems work, including the nature of representation, accountability and participation in democratic and non-democratic political systems. We will also examine how countries become democracies and processes of democratisation. Your learning will be supported via the e-learning platform, Blackboard. Seminars will offer opportunities to work with peers, building skills in communication and team-work that are important for your employability. Lectures support skills development in active listening, note taking and retention of information. Throughout the module, information retrieval and reading will help you to develop your skills as an independent researcher. The assessment will be two essays, each essay will be no longer than 1000 words and its purpose is to examine your knowledge and understanding of democratic and non-democratic regimes, as well as to develop skills in analysis, referencing and reflection. Each essay is worth 50% of your final mark. Both essays are submitted on a single submission date at the end of the module.