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With democracy increasingly coming under attack around the world, this course examines democratic uprisings, with a primary focus on people's power uprisings in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, popularly known as the "Arab Spring". It examines the causes of uprisings, the factors that lead to success or failure, and the role of both traditional and social media in the uprisings. It considers when newly created democracies are most likely to succeed and when they are likely to fail. Last, we consider the threats to contemporary democracies, particularly new democracies, but also with some reflection on more established democracies like our own.
By the end of the course, students are expected to gain an understanding of relevant tools and theories in comparative politicsfamiliarize themselves with theories related to democratization and political participationapply concepts and theories learned in the courseidentify major issues and current debates on democratization in Southeast Asia and the Middle Eastdevelop an understanding of the cultural context and norms relevant to democracy and participationdevelop an understanding of the impact of globalisation and global norms on democratisationfurther develop their ability in communicating ideas cogently and forming reasoned argumentsevaluate and use appropriate evidencedevelop their ability in doing research independently and writing logically and coherently
15 points in POLS at 100-level. Students not meeting the prerequisites but with at least a B average in 60 points in appropriate courses may be admitted to take Political Science and International Relations courses at the 200-level with the approval of the Department coordinator.
The lectures for this course will be recorded and available on Learn.
James Ockey
Required readings will be made available on Learn (most books) or through the library (some books, most journal articles). Some readings will be discussed in class and you are expected to keep up with assigned readings.
Domestic fee $761.00
International fee $3,188.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Language, Social and Political Sciences .