Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Political systems of the Western Balkans
The aim of this course is to study the Western Balkans region which is currently composed of six states: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. More specifically, it aims to analyze (at the domestic level) political systems, state and non-state actors, and political and socio-economic issues, as well as (externally) the bilateral and international relations of these six countries. The course will be based on an "intermestic" approach where the internal society and its place in the regional, European and international space will be analyzed.
Contents:
First session: Introduction, purpose and objective of the course. The following concepts will also be analyzed: Balkans, South-East Europe, Western Balkans, Balkanization, Europeanization.
Second session: The major features of the Western Balkans in terms of geography, history, social, economic, political and strategic issues.
Third session: Systems and political regimes (organization of states, political regimes in place, socio-economic organization).
Fourth session: Issues related to war and peace in the Western Balkans.
Fifth session: The Western Balkans towards integration into the European Union (EU enlargement, democratization and the transformation process of these countries). The positioning of the Western Balkans in relation to the EU and the emerging powers.
Sixth session: Regional Cooperation, Interconnectivity and Reconciliation in the Western Balkans.
The other sessions will be devoted to the oral presentations of the students.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
To have theoretical and empirical notions in political science.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course is divided into two parts. The first part is theoretical and empirical. It is treated by the holder. The second part is based on student presentations. The interventions of the holder and the students are based on PowerPoint presentations.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
The teaching takes place in the form of ex-cathedra lessons during the first six sessions. The rest of the course is intended for oral presentations of students on a specific topic in the Western Balkans. The presence and active participation of students are strongly recommended throughout the semester. Depending on the opportunities presented, a limited number of external speakers will be invited to participate in the course.
In case of return of distance-learning, the eCampus platform will be mobilized via the Collaborate tool in order to maintain the courses and oral presentations via the platform's video-conference system.
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
In case of return of the pandemic and the distance-learning, the eCampus platform will be mobilized via the Blackboard Collaborate tool in order to maintain the courses and oral presentations via the platform's video-conference system.
Recommended or required readings
The course is based on notes prepared by the holder.
Assessment methods and criteria
Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.
Any session :
- In-person
written exam ( open-ended questions )
- Remote
written work
- If evaluation in "hybrid"
preferred remote
Additional information:
There is no exam in the second session.
The evaluation is based on a written work.
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
Students are strongly advised to attend the course regularly. Knowledge of English is desired.
Contacts
Dr. Liridon Lika, Center for International Relations Studies (CEFIR), B31, level 0, Office R.81 ; e-mail : Liridon.Lika@uliege.be ; Tel. : 043 66 35 53.