EPOKA UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF LAW AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
COURSE SYLLABUS
2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR
COURSE INFORMATIONCourse Title: POLITICS AND HISTORY OF BALKANS |
| Code | Course Type | Regular Semester | Theory | Practice | Lab | Credits | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIR 122 | B | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 |
| Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) | Assoc.Prof.Dr. Lisen Bashkurti lbashkurti@epoka.edu.al |
| Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: | Assoc.Prof.Dr. Lisen Bashkurti lbashkurti@epoka.edu.al , Monday 09:45- 13:30 hours |
| Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: | |
| Language: | English |
| Compulsory/Elective: | Compulsory |
| Study program: (the study for which this course is offered) | Bachelor in Political Science and International Relations (3 years) |
| Classroom and Meeting Time: | D 103 |
| Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: | Shysti Bushati N/A |
| Code of Ethics: |
Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline" |
| Attendance Requirement: | Compulsory |
| Course Description: | This syllabus is designed to help students to know Political History of Balkans, to understand the phases, dynamics and changes under different international context and to evaluate the historical development during conflicts and war. This course draws attention of students to political history of Balkans with their specifics in geography, political configuration, ethno-cultural characteristics and the relations among them as well as current discussion about the impacts of history. |
| Course Objectives: | At the end of this syllabus students deliver their judgments on various nations and nation sovereign states issue; to write and talk about what kind of historical background any nation-state enters in international relation and their interest and behavior up to now. Finally, the students must be able to they demonstrate their knowledge, ability and skills on political histories analysis and to use their conclusion in order to apply them in real situation when it is took place in each Country in Balkan Sub-Region . |
|
BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE
|
| 1 | The ideology emphasizing the importance of national identity, loyalty, and sovereignty. Nationalism has played a significant role in shaping Balkan politics, often leading to conflicts and wars. |
| 2 | Refers to shared cultural characteristics, language, religion, and history among a group of people. Ethnic tensions and conflicts have been prevalent in the Balkans due to the diversity of ethnic groups within the region. |
| 3 | The political mobilization based on group identities such as ethnicity, religion, or language. Identity politics have been influential in Balkan societies, often fueling nationalist movements and conflicts. |
| 4 | The centuries-long rule of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans has left a significant cultural, religious, and architectural impact on the region. Understanding the Ottoman legacy is crucial for comprehending the historical context of Balkan politics. |
| 5 | The rise and fall of communist regimes in countries like Yugoslavia have profoundly shaped the political landscape of the Balkans. The transition from communism to democracy and market economy has posed numerous challenges in the region. |
| 6 | A series of conflicts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that led to the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and reshaped the Balkan borders. The Balkan Wars laid the groundwork for subsequent conflicts and tensions in the region. |
| 7 | A series of ethnic conflicts and wars that accompanied the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The wars resulted in widespread violence, ethnic cleansing, and the emergence of new states in the Balkans. |
| 8 | The process of closer political, economic, and social cooperation among European countries. Balkan countries have sought EU membership as a means to promote stability, democracy, and economic development in the region. |
| 9 | The Balkans have been subject to geopolitical rivalries and interventions from external actors such as Russia, the European Union, and the United States. Geopolitical dynamics have influenced regional stability, security, and development. |
| 10 | The process of rebuilding societies and institutions in the aftermath of conflicts. Post-conflict reconstruction efforts in the Balkans have focused on reconciliation, democratization, and addressing the legacies of war crimes and ethnic tensions. |
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COURSE OUTLINE
|
| Week | Topics |
| 1 | Introduction/Geography and ethnic geography of the Balkans to 1500 |
| 2 | Balkan Peoples During 18 Century:A comparison of the Ottoman with Habsburg Rule |
| 3 | 19 Century:Balkan National Wakening and Great Powers Interests |
| 4 | The Great Powers and the "Eastern Question"- Congres of Berlin 1878 |
| 5 | Collaps of Ottoman Empire and the Habsburgs/Macedonia and Bosnia Hercegovina/ Balkan Wars and WWI |
| 6 | Politics and Economics of National Integration in the interwar years |
| 7 | The Balkans behind the Iron Curtain, under Communism, 1944-1956 |
| 8 | The Balkan from détente to the end of the Cold War |
| 9 | Midterm exam |
| 10 | The fall of Berlin Wall and the failure of communism in the Balkan |
| 11 | Balkan political crisis/The Yugoslav dissolution |
| 12 | Legal instruments managing political stability of newly established state and their impacts: B&H(Dayton Peace Accord), Macedonia(Ohrid Framework Agreement), Kosovo (Ahtisari Proposals) |
| 13 | Regional cooperation within Regional Organisations and Initiatives |
| 14 | Phases of Balkan State integration in NATO and EU and its challenges |
| Prerequisite(s): | Class Attendance 75% during the semester. |
| Textbook(s): | Each topic requires several reading. Each week these reading lists are given 1.Ferdinant Schevil, Ballkani-Historia dhe Qyteterimi, UEGEN, 2006, ISBN 978-99927-48-88-5; 2.Philip Pamper, Richard H. Elphick, Richard T. Vann, World History, 1998, ISBN—631-20898-4 3. M.Hakan Yavuz with Peter Sluglett, War&Diplomacy-Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 and the Treaty of Berlin, The University of UTAH Press, 2011, ISBN -978-1-60781-150-3 4.Dennis P. Hupchick Palgrave, The Balkans-From Constandinople to Communism, 2002, ISBN -312-21736-21736-6 5.Georges Castellan, Histori e Ballkanit, Cabej, Tirane, 1991, 6.B.Jelavich, History of Balkans -Eighteen and Nineteen Centuries, Cambridge U.P. 983 7. B.Jelavich, History of Balkans – Twentieth Century, Cambridge U.P. 1983 8.S.Stavrinos, The Balkans Since 1453, NYUP, 2000. |
| Additional Literature: | N/A |
| Laboratory Work: | N/A |
| Computer Usage: | N/A |
| Others: | No |
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COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
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| 1 | Upon successful completion of the course, students will: |
| 2 | Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complex historical and political dynamics of the Balkans. |
| 3 | Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through engagement with primary and secondary sources. |
| 4 | Enhance their ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, on issues related to Balkan politics and history. |
| 5 | Cultivate an appreciation for the diverse cultures and identities within the Balkans region. |
| 6 | Apply theoretical concepts and frameworks to analyze real-world political phenomena in the Balkans and beyond. |
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COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution) |
| No | Program Competencies | Cont. |
| Bachelor in Political Science and International Relations (3 years) Program | ||
| 1 | Having and using advanced knowledge and comprehension supported by textbooks including actual knowledge in political sciences and international relations literature, materials and the other scientific resources. | 5 |
| 2 | Analyzing data, ideas and concepts of current political issues and international relations, determining complex events and topics, making discussions and developing new suggestions in accordance with researches. | 5 |
| 3 | Having knowledge and thought about actual topics and problems together with their historical, social and cultural aspects. | 5 |
| 4 | Introducing those who are interested in politics and international events with the topics of Political Science and IR and teaching clearly the problems and the types of solutions. | 5 |
| 5 | Improving skills of working together with the main social science disciplines and other disciplines which are related to Political Science and International Relations. | 5 |
| 6 | Improving critical thinking and skills in making research independently. | 5 |
| 7 | Developing solutions about the problems and conflicts which are common in national and international arena. | 5 |
| 8 | Improving skills for leadership and research and analyze capacity of those who is responsible with national and international ones. | 5 |
| 9 | Knowing any foreign language enough to communicate with colleagues and understand actual researches and articles. | 4 |
| 10 | Gaining IT skills to use computer and technology) in order to reach actual knowledge. | 4 |
| 11 | Gaining skills to follow societal, scientific and ethic values during collecting, interpreting, conducting of data related to social and political developments. | 4 |
| 12 | Having consciousness about human rights and environment. | 4 |
| 13 | Gaining the skills to follow actual developments and pursue long-life learning. | 4 |
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COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
|
| Method | Quantity | Percentage |
| Midterm Exam(s) |
1
|
40
|
| Final Exam |
1
|
50
|
| Attendance |
10
|
|
| Total Percent: | 100% |
|
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
|
| Activities | Quantity | Duration(Hours) | Total Workload(Hours) |
| Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) | 16 | 4 | 64 |
| Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) | 16 | 2 | 32 |
| Mid-terms | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Assignments | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Final examination | 1 | 15 | 15 |
| Other | 0 | ||
|
Total Work Load:
|
125 | ||
|
Total Work Load/25(h):
|
5 | ||
|
ECTS Credit of the Course:
|
5 | ||
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CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER
|
|
Throughout our exploration, we delved deep into the rich historical narratives, dissected the complexities of ethnic tensions, and scrutinized the enduring legacies of empires and ideologies that have left an indelible mark on the Balkans. We have traced the contours of nationalism, ethnicity, and identity politics, understanding their profound impact on the region's tumultuous past and present. The Balkans, with its diverse mosaic of cultures and histories, have served as both a crossroads and a crucible, where competing interests, ideologies, and aspirations have collided and converged. From the heights of imperial glory to the depths of devastating conflicts, the Balkans have borne witness to the human drama in all its complexity. Yet, amidst the turmoil and tribulations, there are also stories of resilience, reconciliation, and hope. We have examined the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction, the aspirations for European integration, and the enduring quest for peace and stability in the region. As we part ways, I encourage you to carry forward the lessons learned and the perspectives gained from our exploration of the Balkans. Let us remain vigilant against the pitfalls of prejudice and oversimplification, recognizing the nuances and intricacies that define the region's dynamics. May our engagement with the politics and history of the Balkans serve as a catalyst for deeper understanding, empathy, and solidarity across borders and boundaries. Let us continue to cultivate a spirit of inquiry, dialogue, and mutual respect as we navigate the complexities of our interconnected world. |