Modern Local Government 2751-KONJA-MLG

Aim of this course is to introduce students to modern local government issues. Discussed topics are various, as the main goal of the course is to get as much as possible fluency in speaking English and upgrade their knowledge of vocabulary.

Participants will be obliged to read one paper per class, with special attention to vocabulary that is new for them. Lecturer, if notices that the class has probably not learned new vocabulary, has a right to make a short test. If you fail it, you miss one point and are obliged to pass

During the class certain oral exercises will be done, including discussions in pairs and general discussions, games, etc.
The course ends with final speech on any topic relating to local government and Political Science research field.

In order to pass the course you must get enough points from taking part in exercises and discussions and the speech.

1. Course Introduction
2. Concept of decentralization part I
3. Concept of Decentralization part II
4. Elected Local Government
5. Party Politics and Local Government – Representation and Non-Elected Bodies
6. Directly Elected Mayors
7. Renewing Local Democracy
8. Local Government Challenges: Participation
9. Local Government Challenges: Migrants
10. Youth and Children
11. E-municipalities
12. Active Neighborhoods
13. Slums
14. Final presentations part 1
15. Final presentations part 2. Evaluation

Total student workload

- Total: 150 hours, 5 ECTS; - Classes requiring direct participation of the teacher: 30 hours, 1 ECTS; - Self-study: reading: 60 hours, 2 ECTS; - Self-study: learning new vocabulary; 30 hours, 1 ECTS; - Self-study: preparation of final speech; 30 hours, 1 ECTS;

Learning outcomes - knowledge

- knows a wide range of professional vocabulary in English related to political science - knows various social issues - knows arguments from various opinion-forming sources appearing in public debates

Learning outcomes - skills

- Uses professional vocabulary in English at a basic level - Has sufficient proficiency in speaking about political science issues in English - Is able to communicate and explain his/her views in English

Learning outcomes - social competencies

- is prepared to work in international research teams - is ready to deliver public speeches in English

Teaching methods

Discussion, simulation, presentation of topics, panel discussion, brainstorm of ideas, individual ideas analysis,

Observation/demonstration teaching methods

- simulation (simulation games)

Expository teaching methods

- description
- discussion
- participatory lecture
- informative (conventional) lecture

Exploratory teaching methods

- presentation of a paper
- panel
- brainstorming

Online teaching methods

- content-presentation-oriented methods
- exchange and discussion methods
- games and simulations
- methods referring to authentic or fictitious situations

Type of course

elective course

Prerequisites

Intermediate knowledge of English, both in speaking and writing

Course coordinators

Mariusz Popławski

Assessment criteria

Points are given for:
- participation in discussions, games, etc.
- final speech
- one point per classes
- maximum of 5 points for final speech

Points are taken for:
- not passing small vocabulary test (if made)

Points and grades:
0-7 p.: 2
8 p.:3
9 p.:3+
10 p.: 4
11 p.: 4+
12-17 p.: 5

Practical placement

None

Bibliography

2. Concept of decentralization part I
Hans Bjørn Olsen, Decentralisation and Local Governance. Module 1: Definitions and Concepts, p. 1–20,
CLICK HERE Direct Link to #2

3. Concept of Decentralization part II
Mariusz Popławski, Municipalities and Local Associations as Subjects of Public Power, p. 15–33.
CLICK HERE Direct Link to #3

4. Elected Local Government
Status of local elected representatives in Europe, CLICK HERE Direct Link to #4

5. Party Politics and Local Government – Representation and Non-Elected Bodies
Stefanus Sampe, Why Political Parties don’t and do Matter in Local Government Elections in
Indonesia: A Manado Case
CLICK HERE Direct Link to #5

6. Directly Elected Mayors
David Sweeting, Robin Hambleton, The Dynamics of Depoliticisation in Urban Governance: Introducing a Directly Elected Mayor,
CLICK HERE Direct Link to #6

7. Renewing Local Democracy
Diana Mitlin, Reshaping Local Democracy,
CLICK HERE Direct Link to #7

8. Local Government Challenges: Participation
Lucyna Rajca, Forms of Public Participation in the Polish Local Government
CLICK HERE Direct Link to #8
9. Local Government Challenges: Migrants
Lucyna Rajca,
CLICK HERE Direct Link to #9

10. Youth and Children
Monika Augustyniak, Legal status of youth councils in Poland and France in the light of new legal regulations
CLICK HERE Direct Link to #10

11. E-municipalities
Agnieszka Tomaszewicz, The model of local e-administration development
CLICK HERE Direct Link to #11

12. Active Neighbourhoods
CLICK HERE Direct Link to #12

13. Slums
Thierry Yerema Coulibaly, Shunsuke Managi, Populations in slums are happier than rural populations: The case of Mumbai
CLICK HERE Direct Link to #13

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2751-KONJA-MLG in USOSweb