Course: Civil society and political participation

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Course title Civil society and political participation
Course code KPOL/KB008
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Seminary
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 3
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Svatoňová Eva, Ph.D.
Course content
1. Basic theoretical approaches to civil society. 2. History of the idea of civil society I. 3. History of the idea of civil society II. 4. Uncivil society? - theoretical dilemma. 5. Civil society: the public sphere. 6. Civil society: social movement, state and protest. 7. Civil society in the Czech Republic. 8. Civil society in Europe. 9. Critique of the concept of civil society. 10. Civic participation: theoretical approaches. 11. Civic participation: post-communist countries. 12. Political representation of women: national level of governance. 13. Political representation of women: (sub)state levels of government. 14. Global civil society.

Learning activities and teaching methods
unspecified, unspecified, unspecified, unspecified, unspecified
Learning outcomes
Civil society is often described as a litmus test of the quality of democracy. At the same time, however, it is a very comprehensive concept associated with various interpretations. The aim of the course is to present the development of the idea of civil society and its form in both the European and the Czech perspectives from the modern age to the present, with emphasis on key aspects of civil society in post-communist countries and determinants that influence more active citizen involvement in public life. Attention will also be paid to theoretical problems with civil society which is especially perceived quite normatively, especially in the Czech environment which, however, leads to a number of difficulties in grasping this phenomenon.
By completing the course, students will gain both theoretical knowledge of basic theoretical concepts and approaches explaining the reasons for different levels of political behaviour (political participation) and the functioning of civil society) as well as practical skills that will allow them to explore these topics empirically.
Prerequisites
None.

Assessment methods and criteria
unspecified
Written work, report, other requirements: 75% active participation.
Recommended literature
  • Linek, L., Císař, O., Petrúšek, I., Vráblíková, K. Občanství a politická participace v České republice. Praha, 2018.
  • Müller, K. B. Češi, občanská společnost a evropské výzvy. Praha, 2016.
  • Skovajsa, M. (ed.). Občanský sektor. Praha, 2010.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester