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Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2007/08


EU50437 Societal modernisation and political renewal

Credits: 6
Level: Masters
Semester: 1
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:
Aims: The unit aims to:
* distinguish different conceptualisations of societal change and modernisation in European societies;
* identify major reasons for the imperative of accelerated modernisation;
* explore different dimensions of the project of societal modernisation;
* examine with regard to political modernisation, in particular, the ambivalence between processes of depoliticisation and political renewal;
* assess controversial debates about possible options and pathways of modernisation.
Learning Outcomes:
Students who have successfully completed this unit will be able:
* to understand major reasons for and dimensions of the ongoing modernisation process in European societies;
* to use major concepts and theoretical models to describe and discuss ongoing processes of societal transformation;
* to distinguish and critically assess different concepts and strategies of modernisation;
* to understand and critically evaluate suggestions and debates on political modernisation, in particular.
Skills:
The key skills the unit will hone and further develop are:
* Advanced research skills in identifying, locating and exploiting a wide range of descriptive, evaluative and theoretical literature.
* Intellectual skills of conceptual, original and independent thinking, critical analysis, synthesis and reasoned argument.
* Skills of assessment and judgement in relation to the soundness of competing arguments and scenarios, including the reporting and assessing of qualitative and quantitative data.
* Generic and transferable skills related to the oral and written presentation of ideas.
* Skills of self-direction, self-evaluation and time management.
Content:
Lectures and Seminars will cover the following main topics:
* Different Perspectives on the Transformation of European Societies.
* Key Parameters in the Modernisation Process.
* The Challenge of Multi-culturalism.
* Work, Employment and Welfare State.
* Dilemmas of Modernisation: Efficiency, Effectiveness and Legitimacy.
* Veto-players and Structural Barriers to Reform.
* Local Empowerment and Social Capital.
* Civil Society and Local Governance.
* Participatory Struggles and Democratic Renewal.
* Depoliticisation, Delegation and Post-democratic Politics.