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.

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Each session will introduce a major topic related to democratic theory through a lecture-based format. Active participation from the students is also considered an essential component of the course, and classroom discussions will play a central role in the teaching format. The course assignments are designed to encourage and support these interactions. Students should expect approximately fifteen to twenty pages of reading per session, although the workload may be slightly higher in some weeks. Participation will be assessed on the basis of the selected key passages and the quality of the students’ contributions to class discussions.

Two 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 (50% of the grade): a 2,000- word essay on a general topic; In-class participation (10% of the grade).