Politics 391DC - Democracy and Its Critics

Today democracy has acquired an unquestioned moral legitimacy, but the ubiquity of democratic states risks obscuring what is central to the practice of democracy. In this course, we will examine democracy as a historical tradition through its critics and defenders. Key historical moments will include 5th century BCE Athens, the Atlantic revolutions (France, US, Haiti), as well as 19th and 20th century Anglo-American debates about the democratization and expansion of state powers.

This course is open to Juniors and Seniors.; Prereq: 4 credits in Politics.