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.
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.
The course will focus on:
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.
Ricevimento: Monday: from 3 to 5 pm, no need to book. Eventually, same day and hours on Teams (code:ttwf9gv)
Ricevimento: During the course, the professor is available on monday at 10 AM. In any other moment, office hourse are held on line, using the TEAMS platform. Student can joint using this code: ot5m9la In any case, students are kindly asked to inform the professor in advance by email.
GIAMPIERO CAMA (President)
MARCO DI GIULIO (President Substitute)
FEDERICA PERSICO (Substitute)
20 October 2025
The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy
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.
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.
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.
