PI2505: DEMOCRACY: ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES (2014-2015)

Increasingly, people around the world seem to agree that democracy is the only legitimate and feasible form of government. But what exactly does democracy mean? Although the literal meaning of the Greek word demokratia is clear (demos means people and kratia means rule or authority; hence democracy means rule by the people), the theoretical dimensions and practical implications of the concept are at times fiercely contested. This course offers a broad introduction to the changing nature of democracy and to the problems of putting democracy into practice in today's world. We examine the historical development of the meaning of democracy, beginning with an overview of the major approaches in democratic theory. We investigate the conditions for thriving democracies, as well as the major obstacles for democratic practice, including the challenges of capitalism and transitions from authoritarian rule. We will examine and evaluate the democratic credentials of different political institutions, party systems and systems of government, and explore new ideas for making politics more democratic. By the end of the course you should have thorough knowledge and understanding of the ideas, possibilities, and limitations of democratic government.

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

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1st Attempt: This course is assessed by in course assessment (40%) and a written examination (60%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Students will receive verbal assessments of their tutorial presentations immediately after the respective seminar.

Written feedback will be provided for continuous assessment work. This will normally be provided within three weeks of the submission date.

None.