How and why has democracy and dictatorship spread across the world? Is regime type important for citizens? How can international actors help encourage the spread of democracy? What does the history of democracy say about Australian history? This course will teach students about various aspects of democracy and dictatorship in a comparative context. We will read about the major theories concerning the modes of democratic transition and breakdown, the country-level and international factors that predict democracy, and the impact democracy and dictatorship have on policies and economic outcomes. Each week will bring attention to a country case or set of cases that illustrate the theories. Students will also pick a specific country case or en empirical puzzle to research and write about.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand the core language, key concepts and theories in the study of democracy and dictatorship;
- assess the major theories on modes of democratic transition and breakdown and the effects of democratic and authoritarian governments based on empirical evidence and examples, including interstate war, climate change, economic performance and social inequality;
- apply key concepts and theories of democracy and dictatorship to a real-world case study, thus producing a critical analysis of a contemporary case and improving understanding of current political events;
- co-operate with fellow students to promote effective peer learning, teamwork, organisation, and project development skills; and
- improve their ability to present work and engage in discussion and debate in a large group context.
Work Integrated Learning
Simulation/Virtual
Simulation of providing policy analysis
Indicative Assessment
- 2 Short Essays (worth 25% each essay ) 1,500 words each (50) [LO 1,2,3]
- 1 Long Essay, max 2000 words (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Tutorial Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures, and 12 hours of tutorials/workshops; and,
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Assumed Knowledge
The course assumes knowledge of the foundations of comparative politics. In particular we recommend POLS2010 Comparative Politics course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8602 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |