Transitions to Democracy and Dictatorship

Catalog description

Everyday life is dramatically different depending on whether one resides in a democracy or under a dictatorship. How do these two different regime types develop? Students explore this question by reading the latest research on the topic, discussing documentary films, and conducting research on transitions to democracy and dictatorship in countries of their choosing. The course examines transitions in different eras, from transitions to democracy beginning in the 19th century in Europe to autocratization in the 21st century in many regions of the world. From their research, students produce reports similar to those generated by legislative aides, policy analysts, think tank researchers, and staff of advocacy groups and development organizations, thus helping to prepare them for these careers. Offered as POSC 356 and POSC 456 . Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course. Counts as a Disciplinary Communication course. Counts as a Human Diversity & Commonality course. Counts as a Understanding Global Perspectives course.