Critical Social Thought 391DT - Democratic Theory

Today democracy is seen as the only legitimate regime type, but there is very little consensus about what democracy refers to. This course will explore competing understandings of democracy and its relationship to state institutions and laws. Students will be introduced to contemporary debates over the normative basis of democracy and difficulties of democratic practice and citizenship. Among the questions we will explore are: what is the relationship between liberalism and democracy? Do rights represent the beginning or the end of democratic citizenship? Can democracy exist within a government or does it take form in opposition to it?

This course is open to Juniors and Seniors.; Prereq: 8 credits in politics.