PUBPOL 674: Economic, Political and Social Policies in the Czech Republic (and Transition Economies)
Prof. Katherine Terrell, Office: Lorch 455c
terrell@umich.edu
January 11 – Feb. 22, 2001


Overview of Course
This two-credit course is open to all graduate students interested in understanding the evolution of the Czech Republic's economic, political and social institutions and policies. We will begin with an overview of its historical origins, briefly examine the period under Communism (1948-1989) and then focus most of the course on the period in transition from a socialist planned economy to a market oriented economy (1990-to the present). We will compare and contrast the Czech transition experience with those of other countries in transition to place it in perspective. The interests of the students will help shape which current policies will be examined more closely in the last part of the course. One or two guest speakers will be invited to speak on special topics (such as the "velvet divorce" with Slovakia in 1992).

Grades will be based on class participation and presentations, one 5-page policy paper and a final exam.