State Building and Democratization in Africa and the Middle East, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• Political Science or other relevant main field of study, 30 ECTS credits, basic course, with at least 22.5 ECTS credits passed or equivalent.
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6).
  Exemption from Swedish.

Intended learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the meaning and driving forces behind state-building processes as well as democratization movements. 
• Describe how political, economic, cultural and religious circumstances impact state formation and democratization in Africa and the Middle East.
• Analyze the political consequences state-building processes and democratization movements have on international politics.

Course content

The course explores, based on comparative politics and through a number of specific empirical cases and theoretical perspectives, the understanding of state-building, institutionalization processes, and democratization movements in the Middle East and Africa. Consequently, several political phenomena that have emerged in relation to state-building processes are addressed. These include identity politics, policy processes, new administrative models, clan politics, migration, and notably, nationalism and Islamism. The course also delves into significant ideologies that have shaped historical developments in these political/geographical regions.

Teaching and working methods

This course will be delivered by means of lectures and seminars. Homework and independent study are necessary complements to the teachings. 

Examination

The course will be examined through:

• active participation in seminars, grading scare: UG
• written and oral presentation of group project work, grading scare: UG
• individual written examination, grading scare: UV

For a final grade Pass, a Pass is required for all examination parts. For a Pass with Distinction, a Pass with Distinction is also required on the individual written assignment.

Detailed information about the examination can be found in the courses study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department