Overview

“Democracy is not just ideas and institutions; it is also a way in which people relate to each other.” – B. Isakhan & S. Stockwell, The Secret History of Democracy, 2011

With the development and mutual enrichment of democratic ideas and practices in recent decades, the language, institutions and normative ideals of democracy have changed completely. The old criteria such as sovereign state, party pluralism, elections, national identity, market economy, etc., are now completely outdated categories that no longer relate to the current dynamics of democratic innovation. A completely new approach is therefore required, based on a new grammar, new metaphors, perspectives, theories and methods.

The aim of the course is to further explore how to understand democracy today: How to reaffirm its original meaning in the age of Trumpism, when the democratic idea is too often associated with the political model of the 1%, based on the rule of the best or aristoi, political representation and, above all, a particular economic paradigm? How should democracy be examined in order to differentiate it from the crisis of (interest and political) representation (the crisis of parties and trade unions) and the emergence of new political subjects and entirely new forms of collective action (e.g. flash mobs and even the phenomenon of anti-political politicians such as Donald Trump)? Therefore, we will address the question of the actual and potential links between democracy and education. In our sessions, we will explore important theoretical and practical questions and debates about democracy and their implications for civic education and the contributions of teachers and students.

Among other things, the course will look at major theories of democracy and examine modern notions of democratic theories and practices – i.e., their role in a globalized world. Over the course of the semester, the following topics will be covered: Understanding democracy; limits and dilemmas of democracy; democracy in different 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 offers a comparative perspective on the basic concepts and categories necessary for the study of political developments in a globalized world.

Goals

The objectives for the course are as follows:

-Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the major theories of democracy.
– Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the actual and potential links between democracy and education.
– Examine key theoretical and practical issues and debates about democracy and their implications for civic education and the contribution of teachers and students.
– Form learning communities that foster intellectual, theoretical, political, and other differences.
– Develop competence in written and oral self-expression and sharpen critical and analytical skills.
– Communicate more effectively in a participatory environment.

Grading and Course Assignments

The learning methods consist of a weekly four-hour session. In the first part of the session, key literature is presented and an overview of the most important aspects of the week’s topic is given. The second part is conducted as a seminar and consists of a mixture of group work, contextualization through documentary or feature films, group discussions, etc.

Evaluation

Two written midterm exams (50% each) or a written final exam (100%) + active class participation.

There will be two midterm exams or a written final exam that will expect you to address your understanding of the readings we considered throughout the semester. You must read the material and attend class regularly if you are to do well on the exam. Class participation will be an essential part of the course, so students will be expected to develop the ability to think clearly and critically, ask questions, and express their ideas in our debates. Otherwise, feel free to ask me about any aspect of the course.

About the Instructor

Ziga Vodovnik, PhD, is Professor of Political Science at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. He has held teaching and/or research positions at Boston University, Harvard University, University of Pittsburgh, University of Washington, Hawaiʿi Pacific University and, most recently, as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Hawaiʿi – Mānoa. His scholarship resides at the intersection of political theory, democracy, social movements and the Global South.