Post-Communist Transformation and European Integration in Central and Eastern Europe Level 3 CEES3023

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 3 (SCQF level 9)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course aims to examine the process of post-communist transformation and European integration in Central and Eastern Europe since the collapse of communism in 1989.  In particular it aims to compare and contrast the ways in which these states and societies engaged in the initial process of democratic establishment and the later moves towards democratic consolidation and European integration and the ensuing challenges this brought.

Timetable

One 2 hour class per week

This course may not be running this year. For further information please check the CEES Moodle page or contact the subject directly.

Requirements of Entry

Grade D in Central and East European Studies or cognate social science Level 2

Assessment

5,000 word extended essay (100%)

Course Aims

This course aims to examine the process of post-communist transformation and European integration in Central and Eastern Europe since the collapse of communism in 1989. In particular it aims to compare and contrast the ways in which these states and societies engaged in the initial process of democratic establishment and the later moves towards democratic consolidation and European integration and the ensuing challenges this brought. Key issues involved in the process of European integration are identified. In addition, the course highlights how the processes of democratic consolidation and European integration have altered the relationships between civil societies and states in the region. Students are encouraged to consider and interpret these developments within the various theoretical frameworks and perspectives (e.g. state-society relations, regime change, democratisation, European integration and Europeanisation).

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this programme students will:

 

• have a knowledge and critical understanding of the legacies of communism in Central and Eastern Europe

• have an ability to assess the nature of the challenges posed by the processes of political and social transformation in the region

• be able to demonstrate an understanding of the process of European integration

• be able to examine critically the changing nature of state-society relations in the region

• be able to evaluate the processes of democratic consolidation and European integration using key theoretical frameworks and perspectives

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.