PAL-216: Democratic Theory

Semester: Spring

Credit: 1.0

Faculty: Jane Mansbridge

Schedule

Day Time Location
First Day 1/29
Meet Day T/Th 1:10 PM - 2:30 PM RG-20
Review F 1:10 PM - 2:30 PM T401

Description

This course traces the evolution of Western democratic theory from the ancient Greeks to the present, with particular emphasis on the institutions that influenced and were in turn influenced by these evolving theories. Readings from Aristotle and Hobbes through Habermas and Foucault, with one foray into Islamic thought. The course has two aims: to give an appreciation of the history behind the ideas that shaped today’s democracies and to pose critical normative questions for today.

Also offered by the Government Department as Gov. 1039.