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What is a democracy, and how can we measure it? Which conceptual tools are necessary to measure the dynamics of democratic quality? What data resources and methods can we use to assess the path towards democratic consolidation or – in turn – democratic backsliding? This course critically engages with the core literature on (measuring) democracy and democratic quality and existing indices. We will cover both classical literature and contemporary debates. The course has a theoretical and applied component. The theoretical component aims to provide a thorough understanding of the purposes, benefits, challenges, and drawbacks of comparing democratic quality over time and across countries. We will familiarize ourselves with several key democratic indexes (Freedom House, Bertelsmann Transformation Index, Varieties of Democracy), review literature that applies these indices and familiarize ourselves with their online analytical tools. In combination, the two components aim at improving theoretical knowledge of democratic quality, data literacy, and the ability to assess the nonlinear dynamics of democracy.
Last update: Guasti Petra, doc. Dr. habil. MA PhDr., Ph.D. (21.01.2025)
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LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course combines active and passive, individual and group learning forms, and is designed to develop:
writing skills – during the semester, students will improve the ability to summarize academic texts, identify and elaborate on the key points, and work with resources according to academic standards (i.e., proper citation of various types of texts, in Last update: Guasti Petra, doc. Dr. habil. MA PhDr., Ph.D. (21.01.2025)
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see syllabus + Additional readings: Alexander, A. C., Inglehart, R., & Welzel, C. (2012). Measuring effective democracy: A defense. International Political Science Review, 33(1), 41-62. Last update: Guasti Petra, doc. Dr. habil. MA PhDr., Ph.D. (21.01.2025)
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COURSE REQUIREMENTS: · The communication platform for this seminar will be Moodle, where all readings will be available; tasks uploaded and group projects discussed. · Required readings are to be completed by every student for the given session of the seminar BEFORE the class. · The recommended reading aims to encourage students to obtain a more profound understanding of the presented topics. · Students are also encouraged to use the library and other resources available at the university. You are welcomed to ask for a recommendation in a specific direction during consultations.
1. QACQs: one-page reading summaries. A summary is a passive form of learning - you repeat information contained in the text. The QACQ model is different - it focuses on engaging you with the material.
QACQ:
Q choose a quote from the text, A explain its argument, C connection to the overall text, and Q formulate a question.
Length cca 300 words.
Students whose surname starts with A-K are to complete QACQs in weeks 5 and 8. Students whose surname starts with letters M-S are to complete QACQs in weeks 6 and 9. Students whose surname starts with letters Š-Z are to complete QACQs in weeks 7 and 10.
Each student will have to do 2 QACQs during the course – on a text of their choice from the list of recommended readings.
The QACQ are to be submitted electronically at the latest 48 hours before the relevant session as they serve as a basis for our discussion (the second ‘Q’ in QACQ.). The QACQ submission is via Moodle upload, only PDF format accepted.
2. Group project Depending on number of participants, students will form groups of 2-4 members.
Each group will select one country included in all three indices (Freedom House/Nations in Transit, Bertelsmann Transformation Index, and Varieties of Democracy).
Using available data, country reports, and additional information, each group will assess the process of democratization in a given country along the criteria AND structure stipulated in Moodle.
The group project is to be uploaded into Moodle at the latest by May 30, 2025.
3. Final exam During the exam period, the students will sign up for a final test. This test will be composed of multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Completion of readings for session 2-12 is expected for successful completion of the test.
Logic: The idea behind these assignments is that you familiarize yourself with a number of different questions and issues at the forefront of measuring democratic quality. This should train students to think along theoretical lines and allow them to see democracy from a theoretically- and empirically informed perspective. In-class active participation is expected –sessions 5-10 will include a section dedicated to discussing selected questions from the submitted QACQs.
Grade composition: QACQs (30%) Group project (40%) Final test (30%)
PLAGIARISM AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of someone else’s work as your own, even if unintentional. It can involve copying text, paraphrasing without citing the source, undisclosed collaboration with others, or using AI. To avoid plagiarism, students must always properly cite their sources, mark quotations, and acknowledge contributions from others and AI. The responsibility always lies with the student—if you work with AI and plagiarism is found, it is considered your plagiarism. (AI is a language model that generates text for you from other texts.)
To detect plagiarism, FSV UK uses Turnitin, which is automatically integrated into Moodle, and I also privately use Copyleaks. Both tools can identify plagiarism and AI generated texts.
Plagiarism and unacknowledged AI use are reported, investigated and have serious consequences as per Dean’s provision 18/2015. https://fsv.cuni.cz/en/deans-provision-no-18/2015
CONSULTATIONS: The students are encouraged to approach me individually if they need assistance with any aspect of the course, course readings, and course requirements. Consultations will take place via book AND email confirmed consultation via the Konzultace platform. Last update: Guasti Petra, doc. Dr. habil. MA PhDr., Ph.D. (21.01.2025)
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BLOCK I. DEMOCRACY – DEMOCRATIC QUALITY - DEMOCRATIZATION Session Date Topic Course Overview Recommended reading:
Required reading: Recommended reading: 3. 4.3.2025 Democratic Quality Required reading: Recommended reading: 4. 11.3.2025 Democratic Consolidation Required reading: Recommended reading:
Required reading: Recommended reading:
6. 25.3.2025 Conceptualizing and Measuring Democracy Required reading: Recommended reading: 7. 1.4.2025 Measuring Democratic Consolidation Required reading: Recommended reading: 8. 8.4.2025 Measuring Democratic Backsliding Little, A. T., & Meng, A. (2023). Measuring democratic backsliding. PS: Political Science & Politics, 1-13. Recommended reading: BLOCK III. DEMOCRATIC INDICES 9. 15.4.2025 Freedom House Required reading: Recommended reading:
Required reading: Recommended reading: 11. 29.4.2025 V-Dem Index Required reading: Recommended reading: 12. 6.5.2025 Final Session: Comparing Indices Required reading: Graziano, P., & Quaranta, M. (2024). Studying Democracy in Europe: Conceptualization, Measurement and Indices. Government and Opposition, 59(2), 605-631. Recommended reading: Last update: Guasti Petra, doc. Dr. habil. MA PhDr., Ph.D. (21.01.2025)
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