AHUM 25A19 -
AHUM 25A19 · Spring semester 2025-2026
- Language of tuition
- English
- Course type
- Cours magistral
- Number of hours
- 24
- Credits
- 5
Information
Description
How can we understand the agony and rebirth of democracy? This interdisciplinary course is divided into two parts. The first part explores the history, theories, and realities of democracy. From Ancient Athens to the Modern Revolutions, democracy meant direct self-rule, but the invention of the representative government placed elections at the core of politics. The theory of representation is complex, and its concrete practices led to crises: elitism, corruption, and backsliding. The second part examines five types of democratic innovations aiming to renew citizen participation and shape public policy: referendum, participatory budgeting, e-democracy, collaborative governance, and deliberative mini-publics. Their design, functioning, and impact on legitimacy are compared across countries.
Prerequisites
The course is designed to be accessible and engaging for all exchange-students or second-year students, regardless of specialization. Curiosity about democratic processes and current affairs will enhance the learning experience.
Assessment
Continuous in-class assessment through three unique handwritten tests:
One Rapid Response (15%) – 15-min reflection;
One Reading Capsule (25%) – 25-min textual analysis;
One Final Exam (60%) – 2-h essay (one of three questions, notes allowed);
Bonus (+5%) – in-class participation (extra).
Readings
Main readings 2
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Elstub, Stephen, and Oliver Escobar, eds. 2019. Handbook of Democratic Innovation and Governance. Cheltenham, UK ; Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing. (Selected chapters).
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Manin, Bernard. 1997. The Principles of Representative Government. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Further readings 15
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Bächtiger, André, John S. Dryzek, Jane Mansbridge, and Mark E. Warren (eds). 2018. The Oxford Handbook of Deliberative Democracy. Oxford: Oxford University Press. (Selected chapters).
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Cagé, Julia. 2020. The Price of Democracy: How Money Shapes Politics and What to Do about It. Translated by Patrick Camiller. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University. (Selected chapters).
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Capra, Frank, dir. 1939. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Columbia Pictures.
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Clark, Daniel J., dir. 2018. Behind the Curve. Delta-v Productions.
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Clooney, George, dir. 2011. The Ides of March. Cross Creek Pictures.
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Courant, Dimitri. 2021. “Citizens’ Assemblies for Referendums and Constitutional Reforms: Is There an ‘Irish Model’ for Deliberative Democracy?” Frontiers in Political Science 2(591983): 1–20.
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Ferguson, Charles, dir. 2010. Inside Job. Sony Pictures Classics.
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Fleder, Gary, dir. 2003. Runaway Jury. Regency Enterprises.
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Gilens, Martin, and Benjamin I. Page. 2014. “Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens.” Perspectives on Politics 12 (3): 564–81.
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Giraudet, Louis-Gaëtan et al. 2022. “‘Co-Construction’ in Deliberative Democracy: Lessons from the French Citizens’ Convention for Climate.” Humanities and Social Sciences Communications 9 (1): 207.
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Lears, Rachel, dir. 2019. Knock Down the House. Jubilee Films.
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Lumet, Sidney, dir. 1957. Twelve Angry Men. Orion-Nova Productions.
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Matsusaka, John G. 2020. Let the People Rule: How Direct Democracy Can Meet the Populist Challenge. Princeton: Princeton University Press. (Selected chapters).
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Smith, Graham. 2009. In Democratic Innovations: Designing Institutions for Citizen Participation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (Selected chapters).
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Vittori, Davide. 2017. “Re-Conceptualizing Populism: Bringing a Multifaceted Concept within Stricter Borders.” Revista Española de Ciencia Política, no. 44, 43–65.
Teaching units
| Unit no. | Unit type | Teaching units | Teachers | Number of hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59261 | Cours magistral | Representative Crisis & Delibe | Dimitri COURANT | 24 | 5 |
Teachers
- Dimitri COURANT
In the curricula
Contacts and resources
- Contact
- SYMPHOR Benoît