The agenda of the meeting was divided into two thematic blocks:
The focus of the first block was on discussing the academic courses “Comparative Political Science: Political Institutions and Systems of Western European Countries” (undergraduate students of the Political Science program) and “Comparative Analysis of Political Institutions and Systems of Central and Eastern European Countries” (master’s students of the Political Science program). These courses are implemented within the Jean Monnet Module “Political Institutions and Systems in Europe: Comparisons and Experience for Ukraine”, allowing students to study, research, and compare various political institutions in European countries and the EU. Students analyzed successful practices and shortcomings of different political systems, institutions, and processes, as well as models of interaction within the “head of state–government–parliament” triangle. This discussion aimed to ensure effective communication between students and instructors, with the goal of improving the courses based on student feedback and recommendations.
The second block focused on a lively discussion among all participants about the potential future development of Ukraine’s political system and institutions, considering the positive or critical experiences of Western and Central-Eastern European countries that are now EU members. This collaborative work is crucial both for the educational process and for shaping perspectives, especially in the context of Ukraine’s European integration and the realization of the need for further democratization and reform of the country’s political institutions. The discussions sparked a passionate debate, as participants had diverging views on the future political system of Ukraine.
As a result of the alumni talks, recommendations for further improving the academic courses of the Jean Monnet Module “Political Institutions and Systems in Europe: Comparisons and Experience for Ukraine” were developed. These recommendations, among others, are included in the report based on this year’s “Political Institutions and Systems Matter” Alumni Talks, which can be downloaded in both Ukrainian and English. Of particular interest in the report are the results of surveys and evaluations of the quality of teaching, which will be used for the future development and potential modification of academic courses.
We thank all participants for their active work and engagement!
The International Scientific Conference will be organized and held with the support of the European Union under the framework of the “Erasmus+ Program” in the field of “Jean Monnet for Higher Education” (project “Political Institutions and Systems in Europe: Comparisons and Experience for Ukraine,” No. 101126702).
