PSCI 4404
The Design and Evolution of Public Institutions
An examination of the emergence, development and collapse of institutional collective action in a broad historical framework, with attention to probable future scenarios for change. Readings are taken from anthropology, economics, history and empirical political theory.
2026
Topics
- time. Some patience is required in this regard.
- The Broad Contours of Institutions and their Interrelations
- Acemoglu and Robinson
- Ferguson (2013), Introduction
- History of Governing Institutions and Related Institutions
- a. Emergence
- Fukuyama (2011)
- Tainter
- Morris
- b. Development
- Fukuyama (2011), Chapters 29 and 30
- Fukuyama (2014)
- c. Collapse or Continuation
- Fukuyama (2014), Chapters 31 to 36
Prerequisites & course information
Prerequisite(s): fourth-year Honours standing or permission of the Department. Seminar three hours a week.
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026–2027
- PSCI 4404 A ↗2026