Democracy: Historical Perspectives and Philosophical Arguments

Course goals

At the end of this course, students are able to interpret democracy as an idea, practice and set of institutions in a historical and philosophical context; to analyze contemporary debates about the state of democracy from a historical and philosophical perspective; to discuss crucial social and political themes - such as democracy - from an interdisciplinary perspective; to present their ideas and interpretations regarding democracy orally and in writing.

Content

This is course is part of the PPE-minor. 
Note: If you study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, you are not allowed to take part in this course.

In this course, we will trace the main historical contexts in which democracy has emerged as an idea, practice, and set of institution. Main thinkers on democracy will be read and discussed on the basis of primary sources. Their ideas will be interpreted in the historical context of transforming practices and institutional change. Historical explanations and philosophical interpretations of democratization and de-democratization will be analyzed in their interaction.
 

Additional information

Early Exit option for international exchange students (5 ECTS)
Exchange students who are required to return to their home university before January, are allowed to choose an Early Exit option for this course. The Early Exit option means that students can finish the course before Christmas break, receiving 5 ECTS for the course. Students must make arrangements with the course coordinator at the start of the course.

This is course is part of the PPE-minor.