GOVT 3675

Democracy and its Discontents

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2016-2017.

A historical introduction to democratic theory through the writings of its greatest thinkers and their critics. Beginning with a study of the theory and practice of democratic rule in ancient Athens, we will explore continuities and innovations in democratic thinking in the revolutionary context of the Enlightenment, nineteenth-century social theory, and postcolonial responses to the consequences of the global hegemony of representational democracy in the twentieth century. Topics and themes we will consider include the value of democracy, the nature of equality, the duties and virtues of citizenship, the role of rhetoric and persuasion in democratic politics, the relationship between sovereignty and representation, and the politics of revolution. Lectures will be organized around both historical context and close reading of texts.

When Offered Spring.

Breadth Requirement (HB)
Distribution Category (HA-AS)

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