POLb1155 Power and Politics in Bureaucracy

Faculty of Social Studies
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. Marek Rybář, M.A., Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. Marek Rybář, M.A., Ph.D.
Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Mgr. Lucie Pospíšilová
Supplier department: Department of Political Science – Faculty of Social Studies
Prerequisites
none
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 16 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
Understand the fundamental concepts and theories related to bureaucracy, politics, and politicization within the context of European countries, with a specific focus on the Czech Republic.
Explore comparative perspectives on bureaucratic politicization across European countries, identifying common trends, patterns, and divergences in their experiences and outcomes.
Enhance research and writing skills through the completion of assignments, projects, and presentations that require independent inquiry, data analysis, and synthesis of findings related to bureaucratic politicization.
Reflect on the implications of bureaucratic politicization for democratic governance, rule of law, and public trust in government institutions.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Demonstrate a deep understanding of the key concepts, theories, and debates surrounding bureaucracy, politics, and politicization in European contexts, with a specific focus on the Czech Republic.
Apply theoretical frameworks and analytical tools to analyze and interpret real-world examples of bureaucratic politicization in European countries, demonstrating the ability to synthesize complex information and draw informed conclusions.
Communicate complex ideas, arguments, and research findings effectively through written assignments, oral presentations, and class discussions, demonstrating clarity, coherence, and logical reasoning.
Develop effective research skills by accessing and analyzing primary and secondary sources, conducting literature reviews, and synthesizing evidence into logical and well-supported conclusions.
Syllabus
  • 1. How politics shapes bureaucracy and how bureaucracy shapes politics 2. Administrative traditions in Europe and beyond 3. Beyond politico-administrative dichotomy: The executive triangles 4. What is Politicization I 5. What is Politicization II 6. Measuring politicization using data on bureaucratic turnover 7. Measuring politicization using data on civil servants' career path 8. Political-Administrative Relations in the Time of the Democratic Backsliding I 9. The Politics of Bureaucracy in the Czech Republic 10. Research workshop
Literature
    required literature
  • PETERS, B. Guy. The politics of bureaucracy : an introduction to comparative public administration. Seventh edition. New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2018, vi, 390. ISBN 9780415743396. info
    recommended literature
  • Core executives in a comparative perspective : governing in complex times. Edited by Kristoffer Kolltveit - Richard Shaw. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 2022, xiii, 309. ISBN 9783030945022. info
  • PETERS, B. Guy. Administrative traditions : understanding the roots of contemporary administrative behavior. First edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2021, vi, 264. ISBN 9780198297253. info
  • Ministers, minders, and mandarins : an international study of relationships at the executive summit of parliamentary democracies. Edited by Richard Shaw - Chris Eichbaum. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar, 2018, x; 228. ISBN 9781786431684. info
Teaching methods
lectures, class discussions, group project, presentations
Assessment methods
Students' participation and engagement in class discussions, seminars, and group activities.
Critical reflections of the mandatory readings assigned to three classes.
Group final project and its oral presentation.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course is taught annually.
The course is taught: every week.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2024, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2025, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/spring2025/POLb1155