Democratic Theory
GOVT 395
Fall 2010 not offered
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Although democracy has become the only legitimate form of government for most of the world, its meaning is sharply contested, and many are skeptical that its promise can be realized. What are the conditions necessary for, in Lincoln's words, "government of the people by the people for the people"? Can these conditions be realized today, given the large numbers of people in a modern polity, the complexity of the issues that must be decided, the enormous concentrations of economic and other forms of power, the growing prevalence of cultural and religious diversity, and the increasing importance of international and global forces? The seminar will examine these questions, with a special focus on the work of John Rawls. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS GOVT |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (GOVT)(GOVT-Theory) |
Major Readings:
Note: the following list is tentative.
John Rawls, POLITICAL LIBERALISM
Robert Dahl, DEMOCRACY AND ITS CRITICS
Gutmann and Thompson, DEMOCRACY AND DISAGREEMENT
Seyla Benhabib, ed., DEMOCRACY AND DIFFERENCE
Thomas Christiano, ed., PHILOSOPHY AND DEMOCRACY
Andrew Sabl, RULING PASSIONS
Danilo Zolo, DEMOCRACY AND COMPLEXITY
William Kymlicka, MULTICULTURAL CITIZENSHIP
Ann Phillips, ENGENDERING DEMOCRACY
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Examinations and Assignments:
Several short or reaction papers; class presentation; term paper |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This is an advanced course in political theory; students should have a background in political theory or political and social philosophy, but a strong grounding in comparative or American politics may suffice.
Readings will be assigned for the first class meeting on September 6. Students who enroll in the class should e-mail the instructor (dmoon@wesleyan.edu) for the assignment. |
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