MVE437 Politics of Developing Nations

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2003
Extent and Intensity
0/0. 10 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Carlos Juárez, Ph.D. (lecturer), PhDr. Pavel Pšeja, Ph.D. (deputy)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Pavel Pšeja, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Timetable
Tue 10:00–11:40 U31, Thu 10:00–11:40 U31
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 30 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/30, only registered: 0/30, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/30
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives (in Czech)
A survey of political, social, and economic change in developing nations and the relationship among elements of change. The course provides a critical overview of dominant theories of development, highlighting international and internal forces affecting developing nations. The readings link concepts pertaining to history, politics, economics, and international relations to a set of eight case studies: the "classic" cases of Mexico, Nigeria, Iran, and China and the "alternative" cases of Peru, Zimbabwe, Turkey, and Indonesia. Provides a solid introduction to the eight countries, as well as the analytical tools needed to appreciate the enormous diversity of experience within and across regions.
Syllabus (in Czech)
  • 1. Introduction to course (Sept 30) Comparative studies of the "other world" No assigned readings 2. Historical legacies (Oct 2) Readings: "Precolonial history" "Colonialism: Gold, God, and Glory" 3. Independence (Oct 7) Readings: "Independence or In Dependence?" "Linking Concepts and Cases" 4. Globalization and its discontents (Oct 9) Readings: "Globalization: Cause of Cure for Underdevelopment?" 5. The international economic system (Oct 14) Readings: "Structural Adjustment: Prices and Politics" 6. Politics and political change (Oct 16) Readings: "The Call to Arms: Violent Paths to Change" 7. Explaining transitions (Oct 21) Readings: "Political Transitions: Real and Virtual" 8. Beyond the Nation-State (Oct 24) Readings: "Sovereignty and the Role of International Organizations" 9. The U.S. and Developing Nations (Oct 28) Readings: "Dealing with a Superpower: Third World Views of the U.S."
Assessment methods (in Czech)
Course assignments include one short paper comparing and contrasting at least two cases from different regions, and a brief oral presentation from a selection of readings. Additional articles on current issues in the developing world will come from the weekly The Economist and daily New York Times.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught only once.
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