Theories of Governance
Global Perspectives and Contemporary Applications
I. Basic information
Course Title: Theories of Governance
Course Number: JSM790
Semester: Summer 2024/2025
Lecturer: Dr. Sokhna Rosalie Ndiaye
Format: Online (Lectures and Seminars)
Credits: 6 (1 credit = 3 working hours)
Time: Wednesday, 2:00 PM - 4:10 PM CET
Contact: theoriesofgovernance@gmail.com
Office Hours: By appointment (online)
II. Course description
This course explores governance theories and practices through a transnational lens,
examining how different societies conceptualize and implement governance across cultural,
political, and economic contexts. Special attention is given to comparative perspectives
between Global North and Global South approaches to governance, with case studies from
Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The course combines classical governance theories
with emerging frameworks, emphasizing their practical applications in contemporary global
challenges.
III. Learning objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Theoretical understanding
- Compare and contrast governance theories from different global perspectives
- Analyze how cultural and historical contexts shape governance approaches
- Evaluate the applicability of various governance theories across different settings
2. Critical analysis
- Examine power dynamics in global governance structures
- Assess the effectiveness of different governance models in various contexts
- Identify gaps between theoretical frameworks and practical implementation
3. Practical application
- Apply governance theories to real-world cases from diverse global contexts
- Develop context-sensitive solutions to governance challenges
- Design governance frameworks that account for local and global dimensions
4. Research and communication
- Conduct comparative analysis of governance systems
- Articulate governance concepts clearly across cultural contexts
- Collaborate effectively in diverse team settings
IV. Course Structure
Lectures (80 minutes)
- Theoretical foundations and contemporary developments
- Interactive discussions
- Case study analyses
Seminars (80 minutes)
- Student-led discussions
- Group problem-solving exercises
- Virtual simulation exercises
- Presentation and peer review sessions
Assessment Components
1. Comparative Case Analysis (30%)
- Four short papers (500 words each)
- Each paper compares governance approaches in different regions
- Due throughout the semester
2. Interactive Group Project (25%)
- Virtual presentation of a governance challenge
- Solution proposal incorporating multiple theoretical frameworks
- Peer evaluation
3. Online Discussion Participation (15%)
- Weekly discussion board contributions
- Real-time participation in virtual debates
- Engagement with guest speakers
4. Final Project (30%)
- Individual research paper (3,000 words) or
- Digital governance project (googlesite/video with documentation)
- Focus on transnational governance challenges
Assessment summary
Activity Percentage
Comparative Case Analysis 30%
Interactive Group Project 25%
Online Discussion Participation 15%
Final Project 30%
Total 100%
Final point score Grade
91 or more A Excellent
81-90 B Very Good
71-80 C Good
61-70 D Satisfactory
51-60 E Sufficient
50 or less F Fail
Course Schedule
Week
Session Main Theme Components
1-2 Lecture Foundations and Classical
Theories
Key Concepts:
Classical governance theories
Indigenous systems
Asian models
Learning Objectives:
Understanding governance evolution
Theoretical frameworks
Activities:
Lecture presentation
Concept mapping
Seminar
Applied Global Perspectives Case Studies
Activities:
Group case analysis
First reflection paper
3-4 Lecture Power Structures Theory Key Concepts:
Power dynamics theory
Global South perspectives
Learning Objectives:
Understanding power relations
Cultural context analysis
Activities:Theoretical framework discussion
Seminar
Cultural Contexts in Practice Case Studies
Activities:
Case presentations
Critical analysis paper
5-6 Lecture Contemporary Framework
Theory
Key Concepts:
Digital governance theory
Environmental governance
Social justice frameworks
Learning Objectives:
Modern governance approaches
Framework analysis
Activities:Theoretical applications
Seminar
Modern Applications Case Studies
Activities:Digital simulationGroup project
work
7-8 Lecture Comparative Systems Theory Key Concepts:
Regional governance theory
Multilevel governance
Network theory
Learning Objectives:
Comparative analysis
Systems thinking
Activities:
Theoretical modeling
Seminar
Comparative Analysis Case Studies
Activities:
Model simulation
Research workshop
9-10 Lecture Emerging Challenges Theory Key Concepts:
Technology governance theory
Migration frameworks
Health systems theory
Learning Objectives:
Future challenges
Theoretical solutions
Activities:Challenge mapping
Seminar
Challenge Solutions Case Studies:
1. Morocco's Migration
2. Taiwan's COVID Response
3. Pacific Climate Action
4. Kenya's M-Pesa
Activities:
Solution design
Policy brief
11-12 Lecture Future Governance Theory Key Concepts:
AI governance theory
Digital democracy
Climate resilience
Learning Objectives:
Future trends
Theoretical innovations
Activities:Future scenario planning
Seminar
Future Applications Case Studies:
1. EU's AI Framework
2. Taiwan's g0v Movement
3. Bhutan's Climate Strategy
4. Dubai Smart City
5. Singapore's AI Policy
Activities:
Final presentations
Course synthesis
Last update: Frantová Michaela, PhDr. (19.01.2025)
