Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
EU50437 Societal modernisation and political renewal |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| 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. |