Post-Communist Civil Society: Comparative Perspective

Master 2021/2022

Type: Elective course (Comparative Politics of Eurasia)

Area of studies: Political Science

Delivered by: Department of Political Science and International Affairs

Where: Saint-Petersburg School of Social Sciences

When: 1 year, 3, 4 module

Mode of studies: offline

Open to: students of all HSE University campuses

Instructors: Dmitry V. Goncharov

Master’s programme: Comparative Politics of Eurasia

Language: English

ECTS credits: 6

Contact hours: 48

Full Syllabus

Abstract

This course is designed to provide students with the necessary theoretical and empirical background for the study of the Post-communist civil society. It will cover a broad set of issues including: conceptual discussion of the civil society theories; civil society and democracy, democratisation and development; concept and practices of “illiberal” civil society; the political implications of contemporary social movements; and the evolution of civil space in major segments of the Post-communist world.

Learning Objectives

The purpose of the course is to provide students with the comprehensive knowledge of the conceptual history of the civil society and its development in post-communist states.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with better understanding of activities of various non-state and non-market actors and their role in modern pot-communist societies.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a good knowledge of the theoretical framework of comparative Civil Society studies and debate on Postcommunist civil society - the assumptions, 'tools' and limitations.
Demonstrate how similar processes may work in entirely different social and institutional settings.
Gain deep understanding of the civil society concept
Understand and contribute to policy making debates, related to the Russian political process and governance.

Course Contents

Civil society and modern political transformations in the post-Soviet region
Civil Society in former Soviet Block states

Assessment Elements

In-class participation
Presentations by students
Essay
Exam
The exam is in the written form.

Interim Assessment

2021/2022 4th module
0.25 * Presentations by students + 0.25 * In-class participation + 0.25 * Essay + 0.25 * Exam

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Beichelt, T. (2014). Civil Society and Democracy Promotion. [Basingstoke]: Palgrave Macmillan. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=786577
Edwards, M. (2014). Civil Society (Vol. 3rd ed). Hoboken: Polity. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1102045
McFaul, M. (1997). Transition without consolidation. Freedom Review, 28(1), 30. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=f5h&AN=9703216954
Mercer, C. (2002). NGOs, civil society and democratization: a critical review of the literature. Progress in Development Studies, 2(1), 5–22. https://doi.org/10.1191/1464993402ps027ra

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Boeri, T., Mishra, P., Papageorgiou, C., & Spilimbergo, A. (2018). Populism and Civil Society. [N.p.]: INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1949177
Tilly, C., & Tarrow, S. G. (2015). Contentious Politics (Vol. Second edition, fully revised and updated). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1046483
Transactional activism without transactions: network perspective on anti-corruption activism in the Czech Republic. (2017). Social Movement Studies, 17, 203–218. https://doi.org/10.1080/14742837.2017.1404904
Ziegler, C. E. (2016). Great powers, civil society and authoritarian diffusion in Central Asia. Central Asian Survey, 35(4), 549–569. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2016.1228608

Authors

GONCHAROV DMITRIY VLADIMIROVICH

Course Syllabus