POLI 253 - Transitions In Europe

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

This course addresses themes such as the collapse of authoritarianism, democratic consolidation, institution of ‘rule of law’, deepening of markets, and break-up of nation-states. These themes are explored in the European and Eurasian areas, where in recent decades there has been a break up (sometimes violent other times peaceful) of former countries; as well as an unprecedented deepening of the sharing of previously national power in the peculiar entity of the European Union. The course focuses on changes that have taken place in the spaces of the former Soviet Union, particularly Russia, and the European Union, and considers alternative explanations for why the changes have taken place. Subjects include the collapse of communism and authoritarianism in the former Soviet Union; the challenges of democratic consolidation, institution of a capitalist market economy, and corruption in Russia; the removal of national borders and the deepening of the Single European Market in the EU; the state of the nation-state and democracy in the EU; education and collective identity formation; migration and citizenship; and nationalist backlashes. Ms. Haus.

Prerequisite(s): Freshmen may take a 200-level course only with the permission of the instructor, which usually requires satisfactory completion of an introductory course. For sophomores, juniors, and seniors, an introductory course is recommended but not required.

Two 75-minute periods.