AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide the conceptual tools necessary to understand both democratization processes and democratic crises. The course will also address the main quantitative and qualitative methods used to study regime change, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Finally, the course will critically discuss the potential real-world applications of scientific knowledge on regime change.

• Understanding the determinants of democratization and democratic backsliding processes; • Distinguishing between probabilistic and deterministic causation; • Using the implications of empirical research to design robust political institutions.

TEACHING METHODS

Most classes will include traditional lectures; however, active participation is strongly encouraged. To this end, it is essential that students review the course materials before each corresponding lecture to enable critical engagement. The final part of the course will involve more active student participation through case study presentations and/or simulations. The course is taught in English and delivered exclusively in person.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will focus on:

1. Democracies, hybrid regimes, and competitive authoritarianism
2. Characteristics, consequences, and causes of regime change
3. Capitalism and democracy
4. Collective action for democracy

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Textbook:
J. Teorell, The Determinants of Democratization, Cambridge University Press.
Additional material for the monographic section will be assigned at the beginning of the course and detailed in a dedicated syllabus.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

mid October 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Students who regularly attend the course will take a written exam during the first two available exam sessions after the end of the course. After that, they will be considered non-attending students.
Non-attending students will take an oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written exam, dedicated to attending students, consists of open-ended questions, each assigned a score. Some questions will assess knowledge of concepts, while others will evaluate the ability to apply them critically with reference to the required readings.
The oral exam, dedicated to non-attending students, assesses students’ ability to present and discuss the theoretical concepts covered during the course, as well as their ability to describe and interpret empirical cases discussed and analyzed in class.
Both types of assessment value the quality of exposition, the rigorous use of specialized terminology, and the ability to engage in critical and original reasoning on the course content.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with DSA certification or other special educational needs are kindly requested to contact Prof. Aristide Canepa (aristide.canepa@unige.it) and teacher of this course in order to agree specific teaching and exam methods, if necessary.