Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of major theories democracy;Identify a range of key actors and principal institutions involved in democratization and development;Develop competency in written and oral self-expression, and sharpen critical and analytical skills.

DIE LEHRVERANSTALTUNG WIRD ZWEISPRACHIG (DEUTSCH UND ENGLISCH) ABGEHALTEN.

With the development and mutual enrichment of democratic ideas and practices in the last decades, the language, institutions and normative ideals of democracy have changed completely. The old criteria, such as sovereign state, party pluralism, elections, representation, national identity, market economy etc., are today wholly obsolete categories that no longer have any connection to the current dynamics of democratic innovations. This is why an entirely new approach is required, building on a new grammar, metaphors, perspectives, theories and methods themselves.The purpose of the course is to explore further, how is democracy to be understood today? How is the original meaning of democracy to be rescued in the age of Trumpism, when the democratic idea is too often related to the political model of the 1% based on the rule of the best or aristoi, political representation and, above all, a specific economic paradigm? How is democracy to be studied in order to demarcate it from the crisis of (interest and political) representation (i.e. the crisis of parties and unions), and the emergence of new political subjects and quite new forms of collective action (e.g. flash mobs, movement parties like Tea Party in the US or MoVimento Cinque Stelle in Italy, and even the phenomenon of anti-political politicians as Donald Trump)?The course will, inter alia, address the major theories of democracy and highlight the modern conceptions of democratic theories and practices – i.e. their role in a globalized world. Throughout the semester the following topics will be covered: understanding of democracy; the limits and dilemmas of democracy; democracy in the various political traditions; sources of democracy; democracy and political participation; individual, society, and democracy; democracy and political power; democratic transition; democracy in a globalized world; democracy and social movements. The course provides a comparative perspective on the fundamental concepts and categories necessary for the study of political developments in a globalized world.

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Written and oral.

The course grade, on a 100-point scale, will be assessed as follows:A. Class Attendance and Participation (20 points)Classroom participation will form an integral part of the course, and students will be expected to develop the ability to think clearly and critically, to ask significant questions, and to express their ideas in a logical, concise manner.B. Oral Presentation (30 points)Each student will sign up to deliver a brief oral presentation on one of the readings from the book. A sign-sheet will be made available in class, and the presentations will start by the third class session. The presentations (dt. or engl.) will be a brief 5 minute review of key points in the chapter, followed by commentary/analysis, and helping lead the class into a brief discussion to follow.C. Final Exam (50 points)Final exam will consist of essay (dt. or engl; cca. 7-10 pages) that should reflect a clear understanding of the readings and ideas we considered throughout semester. It should make reference to some of the course reading materials, discussions, videos.Students are encouraged to consult with the instructor if they need any additional clarification. Please note that improvement throughout the course will be rewarded in the final grade. Evidence of inadequate preparation or participation, on the other hand, will also be reflected very strongly in the final grade.

Course grades will be figured on a 50 to 100 scale, that is: 60-69 4 – genügend; 70-79 3 – befriedigend; 80-89 2 – gut; and, 90-100 1 – sehr gut. 1 is warded for excellence and good steady work; 2 for good work; 3 for fair performance; a 4 for minimal competency and having completed the course, but barely; and 5 for non-attendance or non-competency.The course grade, on a 100-point scale, will be assessed as follows:A. Class Attendance and Participation (20 points)Classroom participation will form an integral part of the course, and students will be expected to develop the ability to think clearly and critically, to ask significant questions, and to express their ideas in a logical, concise manner.B. Oral Presentation (30 points)Each student will sign up to deliver a brief oral presentation on one of the readings from the book. A sign-sheet will be made available in class, and the presentations will start by the third class session. The presentations (dt. or engl.) will be a brief 5 minute review of key points in the chapter, followed by commentary/analysis, and helping lead the class into a brief discussion to follow.C. Final Exam (50 points)Final exam will consist of essay (dt. or engl; cca. 7-10 pages) that should reflect a clear understanding of the readings and ideas we considered throughout semester. It should make reference to some of the course reading materials, discussions, videos.Students are encouraged to consult with the instructor if they need any additional clarification. Please note that improvement throughout the course will be rewarded in the final grade. Evidence of inadequate preparation or participation, on the other hand, will also be reflected very strongly in the final grade.