DSPO 25A59 - Democratic Theory and Democracy in Crisis

Throughout the 20th century, the presence of the word "democracy" has become mandatory in political discourses. Politicians from the left and the right claim to speak in the name of democracy. At the same time there is a disagreement about what democracy actually is, and a feeling that democracy is in crisis or at risk. This is expressed in politics, in criticism of the model of liberal and representative democracy, in the demand for a "real" democracy, and in voting for "populist" parties. But the discussion also arises among intellectuals. In light of contemporary debate, the course introduces, develops, and critically debates some of the major theories of democracy in political thought – liberal, deliberative, radical – and the responses they offer to the current crisis of democracy.
Thomas ZICMAN DE BARROS
Séminaire
English
Autumn 2023-2024
Three key passage proposals (40% of the grade): a one-page paper consisting of the selection and comment on an important passage of an assigned reading material; Final take-home essay (40% of the grade): a 2,000- word essay on a general topic; In-class participation (20% of the grade).
Crouch, Colin. 2004. Post-Democracy. Malden: Polity;
Mouffe, Chantal. 2022. Towards a Green Democratic Revolution: Left Populism and the Power of Affects. London: Verso;
Saward, Michael. 2021. Democratic Design. Oxford: Oxford University Press;
Urbinati, Nadia. 2014. Democracy Disfigured. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Manin, Bernard. 1997. The Principles of Representative Government. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press;